Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Yusuf
Hi Omar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After serving in the Navy for 5 years, I earned a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the University of Houston and worked in the industry for a year before pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Houston-Downtown. I then opened my own bar but parted ways with my partner due to creative differences. Shortly after, an opportunity to manage Five Central arose, and I’ve been the General Manager of the venue for nearly six years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The bar and restaurant business is definitely tough. You’re only as good as your last week! Some of the challenges I’ve faced include market oversaturation, the impact of COVID-19, and rising prices for liquor and goods. It requires constant adaptation and creativity to stay competitive and successful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At our venue, we offer 17,000 square feet of diverse spaces, including a cigar bar, restaurant, wine bar, craft cocktail bar, and live music venue—all in one location, making us a true one-stop shop. We specialize in Southern Creole cuisine and are proud to be the largest African American-owned cigar/restaurant venue in the nation. This unique combination of experiences sets us apart, offering our guests a blend of culture, fine dining, and entertainment all under one roof.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.upperkirbybistro.com and www.fivecentralhouston.com
- Instagram: @fivecentral ; @upperkirbybistro
- Facebook: @upperkirbybistro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSNY9Lpm6MHJJOJWmuHuNvw
