The founder of The Olive Tree Group on embracing chaos & establishing more than 20 bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants in Malaysia
Adore it or abhor it, Changkat Bukit Bintang is a treasure trove of memories for most Malaysians. It is in this district where drinks are downed; dance-offs are issued; and bonds of friendship are formed or strengthened.
Few remember what the tree-lined stretch was like before becoming KL's unofficial backpacker street, but as someone partially responsible for its transformation, Leslie Gomez certainly does.
"Believe it or not, there used to be only two bars on the whole street." Speaking in a low rumble that suits his rugged demeanour, Gomez reminisces: "When we opened Ghazal Mahel, now known as Sutraa, our neighbours were mostly restaurants, a lawyer’s firm, and a 7-11. Frangipani was one of the original tenants. There were also Gypsy, The Green Man, The Ceylon Bar, and a German bar which is now Werner’s. Once the bars set down roots, the whole vibe shifted."
Total Takeover
Of The Olive Tree Group's 17 establishments in Kuala Lumpur, Genting, Penang, Malacca and Johor Bahru, six alone are concentrated in Changkat Bukit Bintang.
"They may have different concepts but complement one another. Rockafellers attracts fans of live bands, Why Not is your evergreen sports bar, and Soul Room is strictly for clubbing," states Gomez, sweeping a hand across the swanky lounge where we are sat. "We started with one and never imagined we’d end up with six establishments on the same row, but it's worked out well for us," he confesses.
If anyone understands the international audience, it's Gomez, who named his parent company The Olive Tree Group to resonate with Middle Easterners and Europeans. "Seventy percent of our clientele is made up of expatriates or backpackers. Because the latter is constantly on the move, they're bound to hit up at least one of our businesses on a night of bar hopping."