From one OST in 2003 to Grand OST on Republic Square
“The secret of success is simple — love what you do, maintain a high standard of quality, and always move forward,” said Narek Manasaryan, founder of Grand OST, in an exclusive interview for HoReCa Magazine Armenia.
“Mr. Manasaryan, how did the story of your company begin, and what inspired you to create it?”
“The story of our company began in 2003, when under the leadership of my father, the first OST outlet was opened on Mashtots Street. At that time, Armenia had not yet seen such an unconventional approach to lahmajoun.
OST means ‘East’ in German, and for us, ‘OST’ is lahmajoun with cheese. We were the first to create a unique version — lahmajoun with cheese and meat, which caused a real sensation. Today, we already have seven OST establishments, and our guests genuinely love these places. We are constantly developing, introducing innovations, and striving to delight every visitor.
Recently, we opened Grand OST on Republic Square — this is a great achievement for us and an opportunity to take the concept to a new level. We spent nine months working on the renovation, considering every detail, because this place has its own history. It seems to me that Republic Square really lacked such a cozy and atmospheric space that combines tradition with a modern approach.
We preserved the classic menu but supplemented it with modern ideas, creating a unique place where the past harmoniously blends with the present. And, of course, we kept OST in the name, because it is not just a word — it is our story, philosophy, and love for what we do.” Grand OST
“Which principles guide you in management?”
“In management, I adhere to several key principles.
First, quality. It must be present in everything — in the product, service, and atmosphere. People come to us not just to eat, but to enjoy themselves, and we must meet their expectations.
Second, development. The world does not stand still, and business must also constantly move forward. We follow trends, introduce new ideas, while maintaining our uniqueness and respect for traditions.
The third important principle is the team. I believe that success is impossible without the people who work alongside you. We create a friendly and professional team, where everyone understands their role and takes pride in what they do. And, of course, hospitality. Our guests are not just clients, but part of our story. We are always happy to see them and strive to make every visitor feel welcome.” Grand OST
“What makes your company unique compared to your competitors?”
“The uniqueness of our company lies in its history and the journey we continue to follow. We develop slowly but steadily, remaining true to our principles and traditions.
The most important thing for us is quality. We consistently uphold it in everything, so that every guest, whether a local or a traveler, does not just visit us once, but returns again and again. Here, they will always find the warmth, taste, and atmosphere that make them want to come back.” Grand OST
“Mr. Manasaryan, how do you keep from giving up, and what advice would you give to young people in the restaurant business?”
“Svetlana, the most important thing is not to fear difficulties and to be ready to work. The restaurant business is not only about beautiful presentation and a cozy atmosphere, but also about daily effort, attention to detail, and complete dedication.
For young people who dream of a career in this field, I would advise starting with the basics, understanding all the processes — from the kitchen to the service. It is important to be flexible, learn from mistakes, and not settle for what has been achieved. But the most important thing is to genuinely love what you do. If you are passionate about your idea and ready to put your heart into it, even the most challenging moments will become steps toward success. Do not give up, keep moving forward — and you will succeed.” Grand OST
