Michael Fons joins Publique as General Manager and Time Out Market Dubai welcomes Gerard Brack as Head Chef
Dubai, United Arab Emirates-: Expanding the team with a new appointment, alongside the announcement of an internal promotion, Naim Maadad, Chief Executive and Founder, strengthens his restaurant team across the Gates Hospitality group.
Taking on the role of General Manager atPublique, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Michael Fons brings over 20 years’experience to the alpine dining spot. Throughout his career, the French national has worked alongside the likes of culinary heroes Michael Caines and Tom Aikins.
In a separate appointment, Gerard Brack has joined the newly openedfolly Workshopat Time Out Market Dubai as Head Chef. Working alongside Nick Alvis and Scott Price, Brack joined the folly by NickandScott team in Q1 this year, tasked with concept and menu development, while helping to build and train the pre-opening team.
Michael Fons,General Manager
Nationality: French
Job title: General Manager
Brand: Publique, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Responsibilities: overseeing FOH BOH operations, creating new menus alongside the team and creating new offerings to develop the concept further
Number of years in the business:23
Work history:
October 2020 to March 2021, Senior Manager Speciality Restaurants, Edition Hotels Toranomon,
March 2017 to October 2020, FB Operations Manager, Meraas FB Concepts LLC, Dubai
August 2013 to February 2017, Bistro Provence Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
2013, Restaurant Manager, Gidleigh Park Hotel, Chagford, England, UK
2011 2013, Restaurant Manager, La Garrigue Restaurant, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Fons Comments: “I am delighted to Join Naim Maadad and the team at Gates Hospitality for my primary appointment with the company as General Manager of Publique. Naim and I have been discussing the idea of working together for the last 4 years so this was long overdue. Publique isnt only a French restaurant but specifically a regional French place showcasing the best of our beautiful alps’ regions. Whilst we will keep our classics and the base of the concept we are currently working towards a stronger authenticity with new menus, themed evenings and different offerings. A tres Bientot”
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Gerard Brack,Head Chef
Nationality: British
Responsibilities: Menu development, staff training, supervising kitchen staff, budgets and costing and implementation of food safety
Number of years in the business: 19
Joined Gates Hospitality: July 2020
Work history:
2021 current, Head Chef, Time Out Market Dubai, DUBAI
2020 2021, Head Chef, Stoke House, DUBAI
2017 to 2019, Area Chef at Wimbledon Tennis Club, UK
2016 to 2017, Head Chef at Rockefeller Oyster Bar, NZ
2014 to 2016, Senior Sous Chef at O bar and Dining, AUS
Brack comments: “Working alongside Nick, Scott and the globally recognised Time Out Market team has been an incredible experience. Being part of any pre-opening team comes with its challenges, however, after seeing all our efforts come to life during the first month of opening it has definitely been worth the long weeks and late nights. Myself and the team will now be focusing on driving the brand forward while continuing to serve up the citys best British dishes.”