VKD HOSPITALITY'S STORY

VKD HOSPITALITY'S STORY

began in New York City, where its co-founders Varun Khemaney and Khalil Dahmash discovered a Jamaican gem in the heart of downtown, Miss Lily’s. The spot, which had become an instant favourite of the duo for its laid-back vibe and unpretentious yet unquestionably delicious food, sparked the idea and led them to realise a missing niche in their hometown of Dubai.

Khemaney and Dahmash work relentlessly to ensure that they capture the spirit and ambiance of a brand when they bring it back home to the UAE.

They do so in such a meticulous fashion that ensures the original concept is in good hands. From menu to design, soundtrack to waitstaff, the fully immersive experience features their personalised touch. One verified by the fact that the energetic partners are shoulder-to-shoulder each night with the city’s cosmopolitan clientele.

What began with a professional bond, entrepreneurial spirit and desire for creativity, Khemaney and Dahmash have created spaces for the cool kids, creative community and celebrities alike.

Miss Lily’s launched in 2016 and has gone on to become a homegrown institution for its Caribbean cuisine and unparalleled vibe. Then came Indochine – another NYC concept – the super sleek, 1980s chic restaurant pays homage to French-Vietnamese cuisine and demonstrates the entrepreneurs’ full range, which sets the tone for all future projects.

The fact that VKD Hospitality was entrusted with both Miss Lily’s and Indochine is a fine feat, as both brands had never been take outside the New York City limits, yet the original owners felt confident that Khemaney and Dahmash would succeed.

The continued success of both outlets drives the VKD Hospitality team, including partner and creative director Serge Becker, to plan roll outs of new experiential dining concepts that will add authenticity and soul to the city’s evolving F&B landscape.

OUR TEAM

CO-FOUNDER + MANAGING PARTNER

Dahmash, a graduate of York University, Canada, with a bachelor's in commerce, brings a fervent and passionate approach to his work. Working tirelessly from ideation to creation, whether it's a small task or bigger project such as starting a new restaurant.

He is undeniably versatile and adaptable: after graduating, Dahmash spent four years working at Deloitte Corporate Finance, demonstrating his adept ability to switch careers and flourish quickly amongst peers who have been in the industry longer. His time in finance fine-tuned his discerning approach to all ventures.

Diligent and dedicated, Dahmash wears his heart on his sleeve and is consistently looking ahead of the curve - this allows him to be ready to tackle any trends and changes in the market. In 2016, Dahmash decided to fuse his technical skillset, financial modelling experience and investment know-how with his appetite for hospitality and co-founded VKD.

CO-FOUNDER + MANAGING PARTNER

Khemaney is an instinctive restaurateur. The industry comes naturally to him, which is why he is reliably thinking of the newest niche and pin-pointing gaps in the market that need be filled. Fuse this with a trendsetting sensibility and a keen eye for detail, and it’s easy to see why he is willing to go against the grain if there is a path to success while doing it.

After graduating from Babson College with a double concentration in Entrepreneurship and Global Strategic Management, Khemaney joined his family business as an acting director of Khemaney Holdings – a private business group based in Dubai, UAE.

Always looking for value in locations, concepts, and cuisines, Khemaney was a co-owner of Tribeca Canvas NYC, where he worked alongside Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto to create a restaurant that specialised in Japanese comfort food. This was the project that fuelled him to turn his entrepreneurial attention to something closer to home, co-founding VKD in 2016.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR + PARTNER

Since his arrival in New York in 1982, Becker has created many of the city’s most vibrant, pioneering, and globally recognised nightlife and hospitality venues, which earned him industry-wide recognition as a leading cultural innovator. Some of his projects include: Bowery Bar + Grill, Joe’s Pub, La Esquina Mexican Restaurant, The Box Cabaret, Café Select, La Bodega Negra (NYC + LDN), Miss Lily’s (NYC, JAM + DXB), and Indochine (DXB).

Becker teamed up with the VKD Hospitality Group in 2015 to bring Miss Lily’s to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. After the success and close working relationship, the co-founders brought him on board as partner and creative director. His first project was Indochine – one of his favourite spots since the 1980s. His passion for the original restaurant fuelled Becker to stay true to the concept whilst working collaboratively with the co-founders and owners to translate it into one of Dubai’s newest hotspots.