SPOTLIGHT: Tom Arnel
Geelong born Tom Arnel, started out in kitchens when he went to schoolies week down at Lorne and got a job as a kitchen hand in coastal kitchens where he washed dishes, waited tables and swept floors.
Starting in coastal pubs, with a strong ambition to do big things, Tom knocked on the door of Vue de Monde and despite being turned away two days in a row, he returned on the third day to be given a chance to prove himself where he then worked his way up from sous chef to apprentice.
In 2010, Tom moved to Abu Dhabi and then Dubai and in 2013 Tom & Serg was born. He now has had exceptional success with Hawkerboi being recognized by Michelin and founding Eat X restaurant company which holds 23 venues over the city.
Another incredible example of Australian risk taking, believing in yourself and working hard to conquer a market in another country.