Atlantic

Hakan Uluer is setting a new standard in culinary experiences.

Resilient leader. Determined builder. At the young age of 12, Hakan learned the importance of hard work and responsibility, selling clothing at the local market to support his family in the wake of his father’s tragic passing. Those experiences defined Hakan as a would-be entrepreneur — one who gained culinary and leadership experience across the hospitality sector before settling in Halifax and joining award-winning restauranteurs The Bertossi Group. Embracing the founders’ deep commitment to traditional Italian cuisine, Hakan took the reins of the business in 2014.

Turning ‘made-by-hand’ philosophies into a game-changing brand for Atlantic Canada

Drawing on the same principles he learned from his father, Hakan has grown The Bertossi Group to include The Bicycle Thief, Ristorante a Mano, La Frasca and il Mercato Trattoria. Two luxury cafés and three additional restaurants are set to open this year. Known for excellence and exceptional customer service, Hakan’s restaurants are sought-after destinations not only for locals, but visitors from around the world. What’s more? A successful partnership with Canadian meal-kit company Goodfood has propelled the brand into the national spotlight.

Giving back to make life better community-wide

Hakan is all in to help build the Halifax community that welcomed him as a first-generation immigrant. He is the highest food and beverage sector contributor to Feed NS. He’s also dedicated to his employees, going beyond fair wages to fund college tuition for those in need of support and sponsor international learning opportunities in France and Italy.  At the same time, Hakan amplifies his impact nationally by advocating for employees on the board of Restaurants Canada.