Accor has established a new in-house food and beverage group, Table For, to elevate culinary experiences creatively and commercially across the industry.

Headed up by Accor’s Regional Director Food and Beverage (PM&E) Ben Creek, Table For will unite internal experts across culinary, operations, design and guest experience, with support from external hospitality leaders Stefano Catino and Vince Lombardo of the Maybe Group and marketing and branding agency Example. Building on the success of the more than 440 restaurants, bars and cafes in the Accor Pacific portfolio, Table For will open its first restaurant, Flaminia, will open at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour this summer, with creative development underway for future venues. Operating as a full-spectrum group, Table For will not only service Accor-managed properties, but will support the group’s wider network of owners, developers and franchise partners to deliver scalable, high-performing F&B concepts. “After a tremendous period of momentum across our F&B portfolio, we’re excited to move into this next phase with even greater focus, creative ambition and long-term investment,” says Creek. “Table For gives us the platform to launch bold new concepts, reimagine existing venues and stay ahead of the evolving tastes of guests and locals alike. Importantly, it not only sharpens how we operate and deliver, but also celebrates the power of collaboration in bringing great ideas to life.” Table For will be focused on investment in culinary innovation and guest experience to deliver restaurants and bars that are creatively led, operationally sharp and culturally resonant. “We love the way culinary experiences bring people together, and with Table For we’re taking that to an entirely new level,” says Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams. “This initiative unites the finest visionaries in food and beverage – from our in-house teams to collaborators like Stefano Catino and Vince Lombardo and Example – to create restaurants and bars that are bold, culturally inspired and operationally sharp. “We are redefining what it means to dine in a hotel and treating our restaurants and bars as standalone heroes that locals and travellers actively seek out. This is about celebrating creativity, elevating our guest experience and delivering real value for our partners. “Through Table For, we’re reimagining existing venues, developing entirely new concepts, and delivering experiences that guests and locals will seek out, enjoy and remember.” At Table For, Creek, who brings two decades of international hospitality experience, is joined by Chris O’Connor, a former chef and senior operator with over 25 years’ experience across large-scale portfolios; Jenn Pride, a guest experience leader known for landmark venue launches at Merivale; and Culinary Director Rosy Scatigna, a globally trained chef recognised for her creative and technical skill. Stefano Catino and Vince Lombardo – the creative forces behind one of Australia’s most awarded cocktail destinations, Maybe Sammy – will lead beverage innovation and hospitality alongside acclaimed winemaker and sommelier Shun Eto. The exclusive arrangement with Accor marks the first time the duo has partnered at scale with a global hotel group. “Partnering with Accor on Table For is an incredible opportunity to bring our passion for world-class hospitality to a whole new stage,” said Stefano Catino and Vince Lombardo of The Maybe Group. “We’ve always believed that great bars are more than just places to have a drink – they’re experiences that connect people, spark conversation and leave a lasting impression. “We can’t wait to bring our creativity, expertise, and love for hospitality to life within the group, working hand in hand to develop venues that not only delight guests but also set new benchmarks for innovation in the industry”. Example, led by Andy El-Bayeh and Rebecca Jarvie-Gibbs, will support strategy, brand development, design direction, marketing and PR.