HospitalityM is a boutique hospitality group owned and operated by creative and innovative leader Michael Gebran and award-winning chef and restaurateur, Karen Martini. Drawing on the pair’s extensive combined experience working in some of Australia’s most iconic venues, HospitalityM delivers the highest levels of innovation, expertise and creativity.
Karen Martini
Creative Food Director and Chef
Karen’s impressive culinary experience and ventures include being the founding chef at the critically acclaimed Melbourne Wine Room and Sydney’s Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. As executive chef of both restaurants, she held two chef’s hats and with Icebergs, won the Best New Restaurant Award from The Sydney Morning Herald.
You may also recognise Karen as the Better Homes and Gardens Resident Chef, bought one of her popular cook books, or read an article from her print media pieces in Epicure/Good Living, Sunday Life, Good Weekend and more.
As Founding Partner and Creative Culinary Director, Karen brings her award winning talents to shape HospitalityM’s culinary concepts and endeavours alongside Executive Head Chef, Diego Rosales.
Karen and Michael Gebran’s passion for creating beautiful food and high-end event concepts sparked a great friendship and in turn HospitalityM was born.
First and foremost, HospitalityM’s food philosophy is based on the premise that each ingredient is sourced utilising Karen’s little black book of suppliers which actively supports Melbourne, Victorian and Australian farmers and artisan producers. Sustainably sourced, organic where possible and seasonal is a foundation philosophy for HospitalityM to ensure only the highest quality ingredients across both ‘land’ and ‘sea’.
Michael Gebran
Managing Director
Founding Partner Michael Gebran is HospitalityM’s innovative leader and Creative Managing Director setting out to provide a new kind of restaurant and event experience.
Having travelled the world looking for inspiration, Karen and Michael spent many nights in hospitality hot spots debating their industry’s greatest achievements and faux pas over a dirty martini (or two!). It was during Michael's project with Sydney Opera House to renovate and relaunch its new event spaces he met Karen. Their passion for creating beautiful food and high-end event concepts sparked a great friendship and in turn HospitalityM was born.
With a knack for launching creative concepts and leading large scale and world class events, Michael’s training in interior design and styling, attention to detail and passion for thinking ahead of the trend is what made him a sought after hospitality expert, concept developer and event specialist.
With a wide array of experience from front of house, operations, project manager and lead creative, Michael has worked on some of Sydney’s most iconic hospitality sites including The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney Opera House, Centennial Parkland’s Centennial Homestead, Royal Botanic Garden’s restaurants and more. You will often find Michael penning new restaurant ideas, planning beautiful bespoke events and unique outdoor dining and bar experiences.
