Felipe Massa, a retired Formula 1 driver, owns two acclaimed restaurants in São Paulo, including the Chinese restaurant Song Qi and the beef restaurant Beefbar. He emphasizes quality and teamwork in both racing and dining, drawing parallels between the two industries, and is committed to providing exceptional culinary experiences through his restaurants.
Felipe Massa, the former Formula 1 driver, owns two high-end restaurants in São Paulo, Brazil. Currently at the age of 43, Massa is recognized primarily for his impressive career with Ferrari and his ongoing pursuit of clarity regarding the controversial ‘crashgate’ incident that was pivotal in the 2008 world championship. While he continues to compete in Brazilian stock car racing, his role as a restaurateur often goes unnoticed by fans.
The Dutch magazine Formule 1 recently featured Massa at one of his latest ventures, a Chinese dining establishment named Song Qi. The restaurant boasts a menu filled with gourmet options, including its signature lacquered duck and steamed scallops, and has already attracted prominent Formula 1 figures like Charles Leclerc and Valtteri Bottas.
Massa expressed his surprise at the lack of quality Chinese cuisine in the area, stating, “there was no good Chinese restaurant. We jumped into that gap.” While the restaurant is positioned within a higher price segment, he emphasized that prices remain reasonable. To enhance the dining experience, Massa’s Brazilian chefs underwent two months of training in Europe.
Massa reveals that his competitive spirit from his racing career seamlessly transitions into his entrepreneurial pursuits. He commented on the parallels to top sports, stating, “In fact, running a top restaurant is like working in a Formula 1 team.” He highlighted the importance of quality and teamwork, asserting that meticulous attention to detail is essential.
In addition to Song Qi, Massa also owns Beefbar, which is marketed as the finest beef restaurant in Brazil, showcasing his commitment to culinary excellence.
Felipe Massa, a retired professional racing driver, is not just remembered for his impressive stint in Formula 1 but also for his successful entrepreneurship in the restaurant industry. After his remarkable racing career, he sought to establish a legacy beyond the racetrack. His ventures into high-quality dining illustrate how athletes often leverage their competitive backgrounds in other business segments, providing unique experiences through quality and service in the restaurant environment.
Felipe Massa has successfully transitioned from a celebrated Formula 1 career to becoming a proud restaurateur, owning two notable establishments in São Paulo. His insights into the restaurant industry highlight the importance of quality, teamwork, and the detailed approach required for success, which parallels his experiences in racing. As he continues to develop his culinary ventures, Massa is establishing a significant presence in Brazil’s fine dining scene.
Original Source: www.grandprix.com
