A distinguished and passionate leader, Alex Hbeiliny is an acclaimed name in the F&B and hospitality landscapes. With over 15 years of excellence in leading high-performing teams and offering exceptional guest experience, Alex further helps brands craft experiences that are operationally sound and emotionally resonant through HCS Consulting. With a One-Stop-Shop Full Service model at HCS Consulting, clients get support right from initial concept creation to full operational execution, empowering brands to reimagine hospitality with creativity and precision. Apart from building HCS Consulting as its founder, Alex parallely manages companies as the Director of Operations.
As we dive deep into the interview, Alex Hbeiliny shares the journey behind building the venture, challenges faced in the process, and values that ensure HCS Consulting stays ahead of the competition.
Spark Behind the Journey
We started the interview by asking, “What first inspired you to pursue your current industry or professional path? Was there a defining moment or influence that shaped your direction?”
Alex Hbeiliny shared, “I’ve always been fascinated by the way food and beverage bring people together as family and friends; not just to eat, but to connect, celebrate, and share experiences. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work under some incredibly visionary hospitality leaders who treated concept creation as both an art and a science. Being the Director of Operations involved in opening a venue from the ground up, from branding to operations, for more than 11 years made me realize I didn’t just want to manage existing concepts, I wanted to build them. That led me to launch HCS Consulting in parallel, where I could channel that passion into helping brands craft experiences that are not only operationally sound but emotionally resonant.
There is no such thing as defining a moment; it is rather a lifestyle indulged in experiences with different people and spaces, which made me strive to create unforgettable memories through several factors, such as service, food, ambiance, and music, that tackle memories, places, events, and people. It is not about meeting expectations, but rather exceeding them and engraving them into this unforgettable journey. From a small gathering, or a hidden gem, it has never been solely related to one factor, but rather a mix of emotions affected by the people around us, the vibe of the place, and the genuineness of each and every soul that belonged.”
Navigating through Challenging Phases
Challenges are an inevitable part of every professional journey. To learn more, we asked Alex Hbeiliny, “Can you describe one significant challenge you’ve faced in your career or business, and how you successfully overcame it?”
Alex Hbeiliny mentioned, “One of the most significant challenges I faced was navigating a period of financial strain within the company I managed, where cash flow was extremely tight and pressure was mounting to cut costs quickly. With my strong financial background, particularly in cash flow management, financial analysis, and resource allocation, I knew the answer wasn’t just to reduce spending; it was about reallocating resources strategically without compromising the quality or service standards that defined our brands.
We conducted a deep analysis of all cost centers, optimized supplier agreements, renegotiated contracts, and streamlined operations to increase efficiency. At the same time, we reinforced our commitment to guest experience, ensuring that the front-of-house and kitchen teams had the support they needed. It was a delicate balance, but by being transparent with our team and staying focused on the long-term vision, we not only stabilized the business, we came out stronger, with a leaner, more resilient model that could adapt to future challenges.”
Potential Trends of the Future
As an expert in his field, we asked Alex Hbeiliny to share his views on the key trends or changes shaping the future of his industry over the next 3–5 years.
“Three trends stand out: hyper-personalization through data, a shift toward experiential dining, and the continued integration of sustainability into core operations. Consumers are no longer just buying a meal; they’re buying a narrative, an emotion, a value alignment. Tech will play a bigger role in tracking guest preferences and customizing offerings. At the same time, there’s a growing demand for immersive, concept-driven spaces not just places to eat but destinations to remember. Sustainability is becoming a primary goal rather than a traditional CSR add-on.
Moreover, one of the most powerful shifts we’re seeing is the increasing demand for healthier, more sustainable lifestyles and it’s directly influencing how people choose where and what to eat. Consumers today are far more conscious, not just about ingredients, but about the story behind the food: how it’s sourced, how it impacts their well-being, and whether it aligns with their values. As operators, we’ll need to innovate in ways that balance speed, health, and authenticity and that’s where thoughtful concept creation will play a critical role. At HCS Consulting, we’re actively building strategies that merge operational efficiency with purpose-driven dining experiences that support this global lifestyle shift,” Alex explained.
Plans we asked Alex Hbeiliny
We further asked, “What are your long-term aspirations for your company or role, and what strategies are you implementing to reach them?”
Alex Hbeiliny added, “My long-term vision is to redefine and tailor the experience with each and every concept and ensure a memorable outcome that has a great impact on our guests, not just regionally but globally. It is not what we do, but rather how we do it. We aim to be the go-to firm for brands that want to reimagine hospitality with both creativity and precision. Strategically, we’re investing in global collaborations; bringing in talent from branding, design, data analytics, and building proprietary frameworks that help clients future-proof their operations. We’re also exploring partnerships that allow us to pilot new concepts in emerging markets.”
Impact of AI on the F&B Landscape
With technological advancements, especially AI, every industry has been undergoing major transformations. To learn more, we asked Alex Hbeiliny, “How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies influencing your industry or business model?”
“AI is already transforming how we think about operations, customer experience, and even product development. From predictive analytics for menu engineering to AI-driven staffing models and smart inventory systems, the opportunities are immense. At HCS Consulting, we’re actively integrating these technologies into our client solutions not as gimmicks, but as tools to enhance precision, reduce waste, and elevate the guest experience.
Long term, I see AI playing a role in everything from location scouting to sentiment analysis, helping brands make smarter, faster decisions. The F&B industry will always remain a human-based or related industry, AI will help, but never replace,” Alex mentioned.
Values at the Root of HCS Consulting
We were intrigued to learn about the values that guide Alex Hbeiliny’s venture forward. So, we asked, “What are the core values or guiding principles that influence your decisions and the way your organization operates?”
Alex Hbeiliny reflected, “At the heart of HCS Consulting, three guiding principles and values that are the bedrock for any collaboration, internal or external, shareholders or stakeholders; integrity, innovation, and impact. We never cut corners, and we don’t recommend anything we wouldn’t implement ourselves. Innovation isn’t just about being different, it’s about solving real problems creatively. And impact means every concept we develop must serve a purpose, whether it’s community engagement, sustainability, or elevating a brand’s identity. These values shape how we hire, whom we partner with, and how we measure success.”
Embracing Innovation at HCS Consulting
Innovation is instrumental to staying ahead of the curve. To get a glimpse of innovative practices at HCS Consulting, we asked Alex Hbeiliny, “Can you share an innovative strategy or approach that helped your company stand out or achieve a breakthrough?”
“One of the key strategies that sets HCS Consulting apart is our One-Stop-Shop Full Service model, which supports clients from initial concept creation all the way through to full operational execution. Rather than offering fragmented services, we provide an end-to-end solution that includes market analysis, brand development, design coordination, menu engineering, staff training, operational systems setup, and post-opening support.
This approach eliminates the common disconnect between creative vision and operational reality. By handling both the conceptual and operational sides under one roof, we ensure consistency, faster execution, and a smoother transition from idea to functioning business. Clients appreciate the simplicity of working with a single, accountable partner who understands every phase of the project — and this model has been especially effective for investors and developers looking to scale efficiently without compromising on quality or identity. It’s more than just consulting, it’s about building sustainable, scalable hospitality businesses from the ground up with precision and purpose,” Alex shared.
Evolution of Alex Hbeiliny as a Leader
Lastly, we asked, “How has your leadership style evolved throughout your journey, and what lessons have shaped your approach to leading teams or businesses?”
Alex Hbeiliny responded, “Early on, I believed leadership was about having all the answers. Over time, I’ve learned it’s more about asking the right questions and creating the conditions for others to thrive. My style has evolved into one that’s more collaborative, strategic, and emotionally intelligent. Leading multicultural, multi-generational teams across various markets taught me to listen more, trust more, and build systems that enable autonomy with accountability.
However, since day one, I’ve been known for my transparency, clarity, and straightforward communication that gave me credibility with investors, stakeholders, and the team. This approach has been proven to be successful with a competitive advantage in avoiding politics in the work environment and focusing more on the target and raising the bar to a whole new level.”
Connect with Alex Hbeiliny on LinkedIn to gain more industry insights.
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