Next Level Brands announce Chef Hab Hamde as Boulon Brasserie executive chef
Next Level Brands, the partnership between restaurateur Jeff Gigante and real estate entrepreneur Andrew Wright announced recently Chef Habteab “Hab” Hamde as executive chef of their soon-to-be-open Boulon Brasserie concept.
“The Next Level Brands’ team is working tirelessly to build a culinary dream team to open Boulon Brasserie,” said Gigante. “The key to a successful expansion for me has always been about finding the careful balance between a community-first approach, and sourcing outside the market for best-in-class talent when necessary. In the case of Chef Hab, we have the best of both world’s – we have a best-in-class talent who has been serving the community for more than 30 years.”
Here’s a little of Hamde’s backstory: he came to Tampa in 1983 and became a lengthy tenure at the ICONIC Bern’s Steak House. He dedicated his career to serving everyone a consistent cuisine reflecting the changing seasons and local farms, which aligns perfectly with Boulon’s food ethos. Boulon’s all-day menu will offer modern takes on classic French bistro foods in two settings.
Hamde also made a name for himself outside of Tampa Bay. He’s made appearances on the Food Network, The Cooking Channel plus shows like Every Day with Rachael Ray and the Today Show. He’s even cooked at the prestigious James Beard House!
“In my industry, being able to cook in the same kitchen for 26 years is nothing short of a blessing,” said Hamde. “Jeff and his team at Next Level Brands epitomize the saying ‘never stop growing.’ They are on to something big – real big. I’m not only here to be a part of that but can’t wait to be one of the driving forces behind it.”
Boulon Brasserie will be located at 1001 Water Street on the first floor of the Thousand & One building. Following the opening of Boulon, stay tuned for Union New American, which is slated for a winter 2022-2023 opening in the Westshore District.
Photo c/o Boulon Brasserie
