BA: Elvis Zeneli, where were you born?
EZ: I was born in Albania. Berat is the city where I’m actually from. And I was raised in Paros in Greece.
BA: What city do you work in now?
EZ: Now I work in Athens.
BA: What’s your job title, or how would you describe your role in the hospitality industry?
EZ: Bar Manager at The Clumsies, but my role in hospitality is just a host.
BA: Where do you go out on your days off to eat and drink in Athens?
EZ: I think there is no other place than Galaxy that I would choose every day of the week. To drink the dry Martini there. And to eat I would go to Manári Taverna seven out of seven days.
BA: Manari?
EZ: Yes, each day of the week.
BA: What do you do that isn’t eating and drinking on your days off?
EZ: I would say gym mostly, most of the time. Reading some books that have to do with my job as well. And also spending time with my dog.
BA: What’s your dog’s name?
EZ: His name is Philos. He’s a black lab. And Philos means friend. So he’s my best friend.
BA: That’s great. Would you say you’re a movie guy or a music guy?
EZ: Both
BA: All right. Who’s your favorite fictional bartender?
EZ: Tom Cruise from Cocktail. Everybody says that I look like him a little bit. Haha.
BA: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever gotten?
EZ: I’m just a man. As Marcus Aurelius said: you are just a man. You’re nothing bigger than that, so it’s encouraging you to keep you humble.
BA: What’s something that you’re excited about?
EZ: I’m excited about spending a lot of time with my friends, eating and drinking together in a home, in a restaurant, spending time with my loved ones.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted November 10th, 2026
