Director of Tsiskvili Restaurant (Tsiskvili Restaurant)

“The economic situation is improving in Georgia”

How a water-mill changed the fate of one family in Georgia. Once there was a person who explored the land with a small river and decided to build a natural water-mill, and so the first water-mill in Tbilisi was built on the right bank of the R. Mtkvari in 1988. Nowadays it has become a restaurant.

The restaurant opened in autumn 2002. It is distinguished for its exclusive architecture and design. Thanks to the unique talent of the creator, the natural landscape and the beauty of Georgian soul have been harmonized at Tsiskvili Restaurant. Entering the yard you will find yourselves in the fairy world of evergreen lawns, real waterfall, orchard and vineyard, lots of flowers and a kind host.

The restaurant won the main prize "Grand Prix" and 5 gold medals in the restaurants competition held in Tbilisi, 2003. Also it was awarded the status of Restaurant Museum.

Q: First of all, when was the starting point of this restaurant and when was its evolution?

A: Well, everything started when my father found a small land with a small river and decided to make a natural water-mill. He did it, but there was only a water-mill with a small house, little yard with some fruits, but soon they realized that it was a good place for a Georgian national party. However, for the beginning they had no chances to carry out their idea, because of the tense situation in last years, but when the environment here became more or less stable, we made a decision to build the restaurant. So we found very talented architect and then we started to look for investors to fund this project. I can say that it is a history how the natural water-mill turned into a prestigious restaurant, which we have four years already.

Q: As a businesswoman, could you tell us about the situation since 1985, you have lived here in the period of Soviet Union, during Shevardnadze and after Saakashvili became the president as well. How did political developments affect your business?

A: Well, since 1989 here was the system of Perestroika and it was impossible to think about business, it was very difficult to reach to this condition, but somehow nowadays we have another land on which we are planning to build new restaurant as well, so it means that economic situation is improving here.

Q: As you mentioned above, some investors invested some money in this restaurant, could you tell us about them? Are they foreigners?

A: It started with the local investors, but the amount of money was really small. We built this premise by very cheap materials, such as wood, stone etc. And thanks to architect it became a really attractive place, and we repaid the loan as soon as we opened, and I want to add that we use its output again as an input. So this is like a cycle.

Q: What is a secret to be the one of the best in this sector and in business in general?

A: There is no secret regarding our business, this is just my private experience. Although I do not have any business-related background, I can say that the most important thing to be successful is that you should be very motivated and put your heart in it. I had to deepen my knowledge in this sphere in order to be more successful, and this process is always ongoing.

Q: I am interested in your peculiarities, which thing that is here you are proud of it?

A: Well, I consider that the things which distinguishes us from another ones is the fusion of environment, created by our architect and service, and as well we have been granted the Grand-Prix as the restaurant-museum, because we have some historical exponents. All these, and the program of Georgian folklore, such as singing in chorus and as well instrumental songs make you feel Georgian spirit in here.

Q: Since I arrived here I saw that the most directors of restaurants are men. How do you feel yourself as a general director in this atmosphere?

A. Well, although it is a man’s job with it difficulties, I can say that I manage it very successfully, and it’s caused by the energy and willingness which I used to spend here. This means that if you are very motivated, it is not important who you are man or woman. Sometimes, my condition even helps me to manage things easily due to the respect towards woman.

Q. What do you think about what things should be improved?

A. I can say that one of my priorities is to improve the service so that it achieves higher class, because I pay great attention to the service, and I want to eliminate any drawback in this field. Regarding to architecture, it is already stainable building and we are not planning to change it. As far as there is no school for waitresses or barmen’s, we have to teach them these skills here.

Q. What do you consider as your top achievement as a director of this restaurant?

A. My satisfaction can be caused be the results which I see, for example when we became a winner of various contests it means that our effort is productive and it gives us more and more incentives for the future.