Dragos Petrescu Wealth; All You Need To Know

Who Is Dragos Petrescu?

Dragoș Mihai Petrescu, born on November 10, 1970, in Bucharest, is a renowned Romanian entrepreneur recognized for his contributions to the hospitality industry.

Petrescu has made a significant contribution to the growth of the culinary scene and economics in Romania as the founder of the City Grill Restaurants chain and the general secretary of the Employers’ Organisation of Hotels and Restaurants (HORA).

After finishing his brief military training, Petrescu started his own business in April 1990. Beginning with about 2000 newspapers from Casa Scânteii, now called the House of the Free Press, he later sold them in the alleyway close to University Square.

Dragos Petrescu

His first taste of success came from this endeavour, which prompted him to set up shop in Piața Dorobanti. Petrescu was inspired by the favourable feedback, so he repeated the strategy and set up six stalls, thereby growing his business.

Petrescu requested a permit from the Shell franchise in 1997 and was given permission to open a business at the Shell Fundeni petrol station.

Within a year, his business had the highest turnover and profitability in the entire nation. Petrescu was able to open a second Shell-franchised location in Morarilor because of this success.

Petrescu obtained useful experience at McDonald’s concurrent with his entry into the hospitality sector.

He started a voluntary internship after being approved as a franchise candidate, then went on to manage the McDonald’s Militari and McDonald’s Prisma locations.

James Sernett, the manager of franchises for Central and Eastern Europe, had recommended Petrescu for a McDonald’s franchise in Asti, Italy, but due to EU rules regarding citizenship, he was unable to pursue this option.

In 1999, Petrescu and Ctlin Mahu collaborated to open the first “La Mama” restaurant in one of Petrescu’s already-existing establishments.

The success of this endeavour led to the opening of four more “La Mama” eateries in Bucharest. However, Petrescu left the group in 2004, which gave Mahu the freedom to develop the brand.

Petrescu made his professional debut in the hospitality sector the same year by launching the first City Grill restaurant in the Primverii neighbourhood of Bucharest. He built the “City Grill” brand because he was the largest partner.

Over time, Petrescu added more brands to his portfolio, including “City Café,” “Trattoria Buongiorno,” which specialises in Italian food, and “Hanu’ Berarilor,” which is a Romanian restaurant.

He also acquired and successfully reopened renowned eateries like Caru cu Bere, Hanu lui Manuc, and the Pescruș restaurant in Herăstrau Park.

With 15 restaurant locations and six delivery locations, Dragoș Petrescu’s business empire has cemented his position as one of Romania’s most important restaurant industry players.

Petrescu continues to contribute to the expansion and development of Romania’s culinary scene through his leadership and entrepreneurial energy, promoting both regional and international cuisine for both locals and visitors.