2022, The Year That Was: Antonio Gonzalez, Founding Partner And CEO, Sunset Hospitality Group This year has seen SHG secure US$35 million in funding from global asset management firm Goldman Sachs, which is the latter's first investment within the hospitality space in the Middle East.

By Aby Sam Thomas Edited by Aby Sam Thomas

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Sunset Hospitality Group
Antonio Gonzalez, Founding Partner And CEO, Sunset Hospitality Group

2022 has been a landmark year for Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG).

For starters, it marks the tenth anniversary of the Dubai-based diversified hospitality group that came into being with a Spanish gourmet kitchen called Tapeo, and is today the enterprise behind a multitude of acclaimed concepts and brands like METT Hotels and Resorts, AURA, Ammos, SUSHISAMBA, Black Tap, Goldfish, Azure Beach, and more. "We could never have imagined all those years ago when we first launched Tapeo in Dubai that our vision for the hospitality industry within the Emirates would come to life, and develop into what it is today," says SHG Founding Partner and CEO Antonio Gonzalez. "We have now expanded into an astonishing nine markets with over 40 outlets."

DREAM, a dinner and show concept by Sunset Hospitality Group. Source: Sunset Hospitality Group

But that's not the only reason Gonzalez considers 2023 as being especially momentous for his company- this year has also seen SHG get set to further its growth by securing US$35 million in funding from global asset management firm Goldman Sachs, which is the latter's first investment within the hospitality space in the Middle East. "We're extremely grateful for this exciting opportunity, and we believe it will only further improve the SHG brand as a whole," Gonzalez says. "The investment will sustain our ambitious yet impressive international expansion plans, inclusive of the opening of flagship property, METT Hotel and Beach Resort, in 2023 in Marbella. Not only this, but we're actively seeking additional opportunities within the Mediterranean, UK, USA, and Asia. 2022 has been great for Sunset Hospitality Group, I envision 2023 will be even better- we are aiming to expand our existing portfolio with a further 60 venues across both the local and international landscapes."

Related: 2022, The Year That Was: Izu Ani, Chef And Founder, YSeventy7

Now, those may seem like rather ambitious goals for SHG, but Gonzalez believes he has already cracked the code to realizing them in the years he has spent at his company's helm. According to him, it all starts with dreaming big, and then working hard- and this formula always pays off, Gonzalez says. "Our initial vision when we first launched SHG was to create unique hospitality experiences around the world, and well, we've certainly done that," he says. "And I think 2023 is all about improving this positioning even more so through a strategic growth strategy. We want to become a global company– we believe we've got the recipe for success, we've got the expertise, we've got the determination, and we've got the financial backing."

Antonio Gonzalez, Founding Partner And CEO, Sunset Hospitality Group. Source: Sunset Hospitality Group

And while SHG may be operating in what is a rather crowded industry, Gonzalez believes that his company has the upper hand when compared to its counterparts. "SHG really sets itself apart from competitors due to the diversification of our portfolio- we're aware of different target markets and varied demographics, which is why we aim to provide amazing experiences, and we do it well," Gonzalez declares. "It's all part of the plan."

Reflections 2022: Antonio Gonzalez, Founding Partner And CEO, Sunset Hospitality Group

Always stay tuned to what's happening around you "Continue diversifying your offerings as trends change and industries grow. It'll help you stay one step ahead."

Never forget that your success is dependent on the team you have around you "The people you surround yourself within your business are integral to your success. In the hospitality field, these include, marketing, finance, operations, front-of-house staff within venues, and more."

Move forward in business by taking calculated risks "Continue to take risks; they can reap great rewards. Risk-taking in business is essential, but you must ensure you have great people around you for support, as well as a contingency plan."

Related: 2022, The Year That Was: Rami Shaar, Co-Founder And CEO, Washmen

Aby Sam Thomas

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East

Aby Sam Thomas is the former Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East. Having started working on the brand in November 2014, Aby was responsible for leading the publication on its editorial front until September 2024.

In his nearly-decade-long tenure at Entrepreneur Middle East, Aby played a key role in its growth and development across the MENA region, with him developing and executing events, programs, and other initiatives under the brand's banner, while also personally representing it through his appearances in conferences, media, etc.

Aby has been working in journalism since 2011, prior to which he was an analyst programmer with Accenture, where he worked with J. P. Morgan Chase's investment banking arm at offices in Mumbai, London, and New York. He holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York.  

Science & Technology

Google Hires Longtime Car Exec to Head Up Its Driverless Car Division

John Krafcik has previously worked at Ford, Hyundai and online car sales company TrueCar.

Business News

'Everyone Can Profit From It': What Is DeepSeek? China's 'Cheap' to Make AI Chatbot Climbs to the Top of Apple, Google U.S. App Stores

DeepSeek researchers claim it was developed for less than $6 million, a contrast to the $100 million it takes U.S. tech startups to create AI.

Entrepreneurs

Neutral Fuels

Neutral Fuels specializes in locally produced ultra-low carbon biofuel made from local waste.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Career

Don't Expect to Get a New Job in 2025 If You Lack These 2 Skill Sets, New Report Reveals

It takes more than a polished resume to stand out from the competition.

Growing a Business

Why That Sales Prospect Hanging on Your Every Word Is Probably Not Going to Buy From You

Sales veterans have long been suspicious of "happy ears." The data shows they are right to be.