Júlio Magalhães
Alison Buechner e Kerstin Buechner
José Costa
Founder of Chez Café Café
He’s stood on both sides of the bar, taking on the roles needed to make a nightclub successful. Chez Café Café is his, a nightlife icon in Vila Nova de Famalicão and an example of innovation and dynamism on a national level. A creativity that has been asserted behind its doors but also in the city’s streets, helping, for example, to make the Carnival of Vila Nova de Famalicão a destiny of pilgrimage to the North. He says that dedication and persistence are the key to success, but he also does not overlook the importance of travel and attention to trends. As Jake LaMotta would say, «that’s entertainment».
How did you start in the nightlife business?
I started my working life in the restaurant business about 20 years ago and during that time I developed a taste for bar service and public relations. Looking back today, I remember these years of experience as a real adventure. I have had the opportunity to serve, to create, to think up events, to promote parties in unusual places, accompanying theme days, going out of my comfort zone and fighting, with great commitment, for a prominent place in the nightlife scene. I believe that you have to really enjoy entertaining, talking, being with people to create a career in this business. I think I have this profile of entertainer and, fortunately, I am proud of the path I have taken.
What is the secret to having a successful bar?
Nowadays, I consider that there are no more secrets to creating a successful business: dedication and persistence are the key words. The nightlife business has no choice but to reinvent itself every night, providing themed events and different ideas to customers. Therefore, I believe that the sense of creativity is an asset to creating this success.
«You have to really enjoy entertaining, talking, being with people to create a career in this field »
Where do you get your ideas to innovate?
You don’t just have to be innovative, it’s vital you know your audience and the environment too, and so you have to be attentive to the needs of the public and follow the European trends, which find out about through travel. As in all areas, the environment we get to know through our travels inspires us to create new strategies, new rhythms.
What was the most fascinating bar you visited in the world?
I have already found several bars that have impressed me, all different, with their own styles, but the one I identified with was undoubtedly the Sketch Bar Restaurant, in London. It has excellent cocktails and the design of the space impresses any visitor. It is a mixture of refinement and modernity, with a cutting edge concept. I loved getting to know it!
What is your favourite drink?
In fact, I am also a fan of trends. Gin, cocktails with port wine, more summery suggestions such as fresh mojitos and the classic negroni, are great options for me. I can’t deny however that fine aged rum is on my list of favourite drinks. Maybe even my favourite drink.
