Joseph Safian

Director of Alcohol and Beverage | Italkereskedelmi igazgató

Joseph Safian was born into the Hospiltality business. His grandparents, uncles and parents were all in the restaurant business in Hungary and instilled in him at a very young age the importance of service, respect and happy customer.

Joseph earned his Hotel and Restaurant Management Diploma in Hungary and worked with his father in their family restaurant in Szekesfehervar until he moved to Canada. He continued his carrier in Toronto and throughout the years he advanced from server to Captain, Manager, Food and Beverage Manager and Clubhouse Manager in hotels and private clubs. In the last 25 years Joseph worked in the  Kind Edward Hotel, Auberge du Pommier, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Markland Wood Country Club, Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto and Granite Golf Club.

Joseph was always passionate about wine and he pursued more learning about viticulture and viniculture and earned his Sommelier Diploma in 2012 at the International Sommelier Guild.

In 2004 Joseph was part of the opening team at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest. He spent 3 years in Hungary again and visited wineries regularly in Tokaj, Villany, Szekszard, Sopron,  Badacsony and Toscany.

Joseph’s involvement with the wine industry intensified and from 2015 he involved with the promotion of Hungarian wines with Vinum Tokaj Canada Inc and he is regularly participating trade shows, seminars and leading wine dinners.

Jospeh is the Manager of the Epic Restaurant and Lounge at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.