{"id":28026,"date":"2026-01-26T11:34:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T09:34:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/?post_type=sajto&p=28026"},"modified":"2026-02-12T15:46:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T13:46:48","slug":"forbes-a-new-era-for-gundel-tradition-innovation-and-teamwork-in-the-background","status":"publish","type":"sajto","link":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/sajtoszoba\/forbes-a-gundel-uj-korszaka-hagyomany-innovacio-es-csapatmunka-a-hatterben\/","title":{"rendered":"A new era for Gundel \u2013 Tradition, innovation and teamwork behind the scenes"},"content":{"rendered":"

An inside look at an iconic Hungarian brand: a meeting with the management team at Gundel, who keep a heritage spanning more than 130 years alive through their work, which shapes the future day in, day out \u2013 from the kitchen to events and the guest experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a name that every Hungarian knows, and which is spoken with respect in many parts of the world: Gundel<\/a>. The restaurant, which has been welcoming guests in the heart of V\u00e1rosliget for over a century, remains more than just a culinary experience \u2013 it is a living heritage where the past, the present and the future come together in unparalleled harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what is it that keeps a brand with such a rich history going day in, day out, amidst the challenges of the 21st century? Who are the people responsible today for ensuring that the Gundel name remains synonymous with tradition and constant renewal? The editorial team at Forbes was given a glimpse behind the scenes: we spoke to the leaders at Gundel who, working behind the scenes, manage the operations of this iconic restaurant \u2013 and are shaping its future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201eGundel is not about nostalgia, nor is it a mere showpiece \u2013 it is a living, vibrant brand\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201eEveryone has a story about Gundel; indeed, many people regard Gundel as an elitist restaurant. We, however, believe that Gundel belongs to everyone, as K\u00e1roly Gundel did not create this place solely for a privileged few, but opened its doors to all Hungarian and foreign guests \u2013 be they craftsmen or senior officers. \u201dThe true value of Gundel lies in the community, and in the people within it \u2013 whether they are guests or staff,\u201d says Jen\u0151 Magyary, managing director of Gundel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the current management, the restaurant has been given a new lease of life: whilst upholding the brand\u2019s values, it remains open to changing customer needs, technological innovations and social responsibility.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201eFor me, Gundel is a community where we all work to make everyone feel at home. We don\u2019t offer luxury, but rather attention, care and lasting experiences \u2013 a warm, accessible restaurant experience where tradition and human connection go hand in hand. As a manager, my role is to strengthen this ethos and provide a platform for the talent and dedication that breathe life into Gundel day in, day out,\u201d he adds Jen\u0151 Magyary<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classics inspired by the Gundel recipe heritage \u2013 chefs who create value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gundel\u2019s kitchen is led by two exceptional professionals: Andr\u00e1s Wolf, corporate chef, and R\u00f3bert V\u00e9rten, executive chef<\/strong>. The essence of their work is not merely to preserve the Gundel 130<\/a> not only the treasures of its annual collection of recipes, but also the fact that, building on these traditions, it offers delightful Hungarian dishes tailored to modern tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201eGundel classics, such as Gundel pancakes, K\u00e1rp\u00e1ti pike-perch, chicken paprikash or chicken soup are not merely nostalgic items on the menu, but a living heritage that we prepare every day with care and responsibility,\u201d says Andr\u00e1s Wolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gendel no longer operates in the fine dining category, but as a renowned Hungarian restaurant that builds on the staples of the national cuisine. The \u201eNational 11<\/a>\u201d This series of dishes celebrates precisely this heritage: it pays tribute to the dishes that have endured thanks to the work of Gundel\u2019s founders, and which have defined, across generations, what Hungarian flavours mean to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201eEvery single plate embodies a respect for the past and a desire to offer today\u2019s guests genuine pleasure and an unforgettable experience. This is what makes dining at Gundel more than just a simple meal \u2013 it is a personal encounter with the finest traditions of Hungarian gastronomy\u201d \u2013 wrote <\/a>R\u00f3bert V\u00e9rten, executive chef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than just a building: events and catering in the spirit of Gundel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gundel is not just a restaurant, but also an iconic event venue and a professional catering service \u2013 not only in Budapest, but throughout the country. M\u00e1rton Benk\u0151, the<\/strong> Director of Events<\/strong> According to him, Gundel\u2019s value lies in its ability to authentically blend classic elegance with modern hospitality \u2013 both within the restaurant\u2019s walls and beyond. \u201eThe Gundel Catering<\/a> \u201dThe essence of it is that we aim to provide a fully-fledged experience even where the building itself is not present \u2013 be it a castle, a museum or an open-air event. We believe in the details: from planning to service, everything is just right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether at the Gundel Palace, Bagolyv\u00e1r or an external venue, the aim is always to ensure that elegance, quality and a guest-centred approach are fully realised \u2013 whether it is an event for 20 people or a gala dinner for several thousand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people think that traditional hospitality is outdated or stuffy \u2013 yet with every single event, we demonstrate that classic elegance is not a thing of the past, but one of the most valuable assets of the future. \u201dFew service providers today are able to strike this balance with such consistency and style \u2013 at Gundel, this is not merely a possibility, but a guiding principle,\u201d says M\u00e1rton Benk\u0151.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A master of organisation \u2013 where every detail counts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For the high-quality organisation of the events P\u00e9ter D\u00f6m\u0151k, Banquet Director at Gundel<\/strong> is responsible. His presence is a guarantee that every event will run smoothly, on time and to the highest standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201eGuests usually only see the end result \u2013 the beautifully laid tables, the prompt service, the perfectly timed schedule. My job is to ensure that this all runs smoothly and professionally every single time \u2013 from behind the scenes,\u201d says P\u00e9ter D\u00f6m\u0151k.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aim is for the organisers and guests to be able to sit back and relax and enjoy the event \u2013 whilst a truly professional team takes care of the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A brand we feel an emotional connection to \u2013 redefining the guest experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For Gundel\u2019s revamped brand communication Mariann Pint\u00e9r<\/strong> marketing director<\/strong> is the one who, beyond culinary heritage, places the guest experience, emotional connection and community events at the heart of their communication.

\u201eFor me, true success isn\u2019t measured by the number of campaigns, but by our guests not only enjoying their stay, but also feeling re-energised \u2013 through experiences, connections and memories. So that they return to us, not just for special occasions, but as part of their everyday lives. We work to ensure that Gundel is not just a well-known name, but also a much-loved brand \u2013 one associated with experiences, stories and personal memories \u2013 a kind of constant, warm-hearted meeting place at various moments in life\u201d \u2013 says Mariann Pint\u00e9r.

Set to return in a new format in 2026 Gundel Ball<\/a> is also the result of this way of thinking: whilst retaining its classic elegance, it takes the form of a contemporary, communal experience \u2013 year after year. The prelude to the ball is the summer evenings of music and dance<\/a> It was a series that clearly demonstrated that Gundel is capable of offering precious moments for every generation \u2013 with live music, dancing, a light-hearted culinary experience and moments of joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201eGundel is now a venue where community experiences are created \u2013 cultural programmes<\/a>, themed wine dinners<\/a>, as well as events that champion social causes. These are the occasions when our guests do not just eat, but really connect with us.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201eThe aim of the Gundel brand is for the experience to begin even before the guest walks through the door \u2013 and to remain with them long after they have left. It is this care, attention and quality that, in the long term, foster not only guests but also loyal brand followers,\u201d adds Mariann Pint\u00e9r.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The link to the guest experience \u2013 when a partner becomes a family member<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At Gundel, a business relationship does not end after an event \u2013 in many cases, that is where it really begins. L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Czink<\/strong>, the company\u2019s customer relations manager<\/strong> It does not merely work with partners: it builds relationships, fosters trust, and, year after year, personally monitors the progress of the companies, organisations and brands that choose Gundel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201eWe\u2019ve been working with many of our partners for years. After a while, I come to know not just their names, but also their habits, their celebrations and their colleagues. By then, we no longer regard them as guests, but as members of the Gundel family. It is this warmth and attention that make our collaboration truly personal. My job is about building loyalty amongst returning customers \u2013 and ensuring that Gundel is not merely a prestigious venue for them, but a reliable haven where they always feel their needs are understood. For me, \u201ecustomer relations\u201d isn\u2019t just a role, but a daily commitment, genuine attention and long-term thinking \u2013 all based on human connections,\u201d says L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Czink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A vocation, not a job \u2013 the philosophy of restaurant managers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Responsible for day-to-day operations restaurant managers, L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Ter\u00e9k and G\u00e1bor Horv\u00e1th<\/strong> They don\u2019t just coordinate; they are genuinely present in day-to-day operations. They are the ones who work in close proximity to the guests, know the regulars\u2019 favourite tables, and respond sensitively to every subtle change, mood and piece of feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gundel is not merely a restaurant<\/a>, but a living, breathing space where the guest experience hinges on the tiniest details \u2013 and where every day brings a new opportunity to look after our guests.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201eWorking at Gundel isn\u2019t just a job, it\u2019s a vocation. It\u2019s a living institution where something important happens every day \u2013 and where every guest counts,\u201d says L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Ter\u00e9k. \u201eI see my team as a theatre company taking to the stage: every member plays a key role.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to G\u00e1bor Horv\u00e1th, in the hospitality industry, it is the little details that make for perfection: \u201eThoughtfulness, flexibility and kindness \u2013 these are the \u2018invisible\u2019 elements that make guests return. For us, this is the norm in our day-to-day work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Master of Sweet Heritage \u2013 Gundel\u2019s Patisserie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gundel would not be complete without its iconic world of desserts \u2013 and today, this extraordinary universe Gy\u00f6rgyi Dudok, pastry chef<\/strong> its creator and guardian. Pastry-making has always played a key role at Gundel, as there is no better way to round off a guest\u2019s experience than with a perfectly crafted sweet treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201eGundel\u2019s desserts are not just flavours, but memories \u2013 a legacy that has been known and loved for generations,\u201d says Gy\u00f6rgyi Dudok. Gundel classics featured in the \u2018Nemzeti 11\u2019 selection, such as the famous Gundel pancakes, R\u00e1k\u00f3czi cottage cheese cake and Soml\u00f3i galuska, remain on the menu today \u2013 but with a modern presentation and a fresh approach. The essence of Gy\u00f6rgyi\u2019s work is balance: remaining faithful to the heritage whilst preserving the power of surprise and experience. The Gundel patisserie thus not only evokes the past, but also adds new punctuation marks to the sweet sentences of Hungarian gastronomy \u2013 on every single plate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A vision for the future, rooted in our heritage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201eGundel not only was, but always will be \u2013 because it embodies values that transcend time and passing trends. We believe that this legacy can only be continued through our joint efforts: with our staff, guests and partners \u2013 all those for whom Gundel is more than just a restaurant,\u201d concludes Jen\u0151 Magyary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gundel remains one of the shining beacons of Hungarian hospitality to this day \u2013 a brand that represents both value and opportunity. And the current management knows that this legacy must not only be preserved, but also kept alive.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An inside look at an iconic Hungarian brand: a meeting with the management team at Gundel, who keep a heritage spanning more than 130 years alive through their work, which shapes the future day in, day out \u2013 from the kitchen to events and the guest experience.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":28005,"template":"","publikacio":[244],"class_list":["post-28026","sajto","type-sajto","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","publikacio-forbes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sajto\/28026","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sajto"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/sajto"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sajto\/28026\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28026"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"publikacio","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gundel.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publikacio?post=28026"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}