THE GROUP

From a signature Greek restaurant to a new-generation Japanese market, our brands deliver timeless consistency and forward-thinking culinary honesty.

Established in 2008, GGM is an Athens-based, family-owned company that creates, transforms, and operates hospitality brands. Chef Ari Vezené is the founder and sole owner of the group.

In the span of a decade, the company evolved from a small, cozy, seafood trattoria that operated from 2008 to 2013 on the island of Meganisi, into a portfolio of founder-built restaurant brands including Vezené, the group’s flagship raw bar and open-fire Greek restaurant, Birdman, the first authentic yakitori grill and record bar in Athens and Ekiben Kitchen, a fast-casual concept inspired by Japan’s railway bento boxes. The group diversified its restaurant portfolio in 2022 with the opening of Ikigai Japanese Market, a new-generation food store offering an extensive variety of authentic products of the Nippon culture. In 2024, GGM is preparing to open their new venture, Manári Taverna, an open-fire Greek taverna, Birdman Records, a heaven for all record lovers and the expansion of a new dining space for Ekiben Kitchen.

With its diverse, highly skilled and driven team, GGM has successfully navigated the global pandemic and economic turbulence, whilst upholding its core values and cultivating a sustainable culinary culture.

Through our brands, we forge meaningful connections with guests, offering enduring quality and forward-thinking culinary experiences.

THE TEAM

ARI VEZENÉ

FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ari’s insatiable appetite for the good things in life has powered some of the most influential restaurants in Greece over the last fifteen years. Ari has helped to establish Athens as one of the most exciting culinary capitals of Europe as the Founder and CEO of Green Garlic Management. He has successfully launched acclaimed restaurants such as Vezené, Birdman, Ikigai, and Ekiben, each celebrated for their innovation, operational execution, memorable guest experience and commitment to sustainability. His culinary style blends his transatlantic upbringing and global travels. Born and raised in New York, he drew inspiration from the city’s diverse dining scene, which fueled his passion for exploring new cultures through food. Consistent but never predictable, his brands inspire a cult following for their culturally rooted but forward-thinking dishes, uncompromising integrity, and gutsy hedonism. Ari's dedication to nose-to-tail eating, and ethical practices, has enabled him to develop close partnerships with small farms that prioritize animal welfare, favoring older animals from rare traditional breeds. All the meat he serves is free-range, hormone-free, and strictly fed on grass and non-GMO grain. Whole animal butchery, sustainably caught seafood, and foraged ingredients are the mainstays of his menus and any consultancy projects he takes on. He has a soulful approach to sharing food, in an atmosphere that feels both familiar and special, and this is what defines Ari’s very particular brand of hospitality.

Philanthropy and community are essential ingredients of Ari’s hospitality philosophy. Ari founded Embrace, a non-profit on a crusade to promote Greece’s food scene to the world. Through events and workshops, Embrace provides a global platform for the next generation of Greek chefs and producers, as well as introducing the local community to some of the world’s most interesting culinary personalities. All proceeds are donated to food aid charities and social enterprises.

Ari's contributions to his own brands and consultancy brands have earned great recognition and he has garnered awards and attracted the attention of publications such as The Financial Times, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveller, Monocle, Esquire, GQ, and Elle.