At the heart of COYA Muscat’s success story stands Mohammed “Simo” Bennani, the dynamic and passionate Restaurant General Manager, whose leadership has transformed this Peruvian-inspired restaurant into one of Oman’s most prominent dining destinations. Since the restaurant opened in September of last year, located within the prestigious The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, Simo has been the driving force behind its rapid rise, thanks to his years of experience, exceptional leadership, and deep commitment to excellence.
Simo’s journey in hospitality is one that exemplifies dedication, growth, and an unwavering passion for the guest experience. Remarkably, his career began right at COYA, where he started as a Senior Waiter, learning the intricacies of service, hospitality, and restaurant operations from the ground up. His natural leadership abilities were evident from the start, earning him a swift promotion, where he further demonstrated his aptitude for leading teams and understanding the finer details that create memorable guest experiences.
Today, Simo brings this wealth of experience to his role as General Manager of COYA Muscat, a venue that has quickly established itself as a must-visit restaurant in Oman’s burgeoning hospitality scene. Set against the luxurious backdrop of The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, COYA Muscat offers a dining experience that showcases the vibrancy of Peruvian cuisine. From the moment guests enter, they are greeted by a world-class ambiance that reflects both the elegance of the resort and the dynamic energy of COYA’s culinary philosophy. Simo’s vision for the restaurant goes beyond just serving exceptional food; it is about creating an immersive experience that delights all the senses.
Under Simo’s leadership, COYA Muscat has expanded its offerings to include brunch and lunch services, meeting the growing demand from both local residents and international visitors. The addition of these dining options reflects Simo’s keen understanding of his clientele and his proactive approach to continuously improving the guest experience. These initiatives have been well-received, further solidifying COYA Muscat’s position as a top-tier restaurant, not only in Oman but in the broader Middle Eastern culinary landscape.
Simo’s management style is deeply rooted in teamwork and continuous improvement. He fosters a collaborative environment where each team member is encouraged to contribute their best, creating a cohesive unit that operates with precision and care. His respect for COYA’s culinary heritage is evident in the way he meticulously preserves the restaurant’s core identity while infusing fresh, innovative ideas that keep the dining experience exciting and relevant. This balance of tradition and innovation is a hallmark of Simo’s leadership and one of the key reasons for COYA Muscat’s success.
The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, with its luxurious setting and reputation as a premier hospitality destination, is the perfect home for COYA Muscat. The resort itself is known for its opulence and exceptional service, attracting guests from all over the world. In such a prestigious environment, COYA Muscat has found its place as a culinary gem, offering a dining experience that complements the grandeur of the resort. Simo’s role in establishing COYA as a leading restaurant within this context cannot be overstated. His ability to manage the complexities of high-end restaurant operations, while ensuring a personalized and intimate guest experience, has been key to the restaurant’s rapid rise to prominence.
Moreover, Simo’s deep respect for Omani culture and hospitality shines through in every aspect of COYA Muscat’s operations. He is not only focused on maintaining the restaurant’s high standards but also on contributing to the broader hospitality landscape in Oman. The country, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural history, is fast becoming a sought-after destination for travelers seeking luxury and authenticity. COYA Muscat, under Simo’s stewardship, is helping to position Oman as a culinary destination in its own right, offering a world-class dining experience that rivals the best in the region.
As COYA Muscat continues to grow and evolve, Simo Bennani remains at the forefront, guiding the restaurant with his unique blend of experience, innovation, and passion. His ability to lead by example, combined with his unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, ensures that COYA Muscat will remain a standout in Oman’s hospitality scene for years to come. For Simo, the journey is far from over, and as he continues to push the boundaries of what COYA Muscat can achieve, the restaurant is poised to reach even greater heights under his leadership.