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Emmanuel Drivas Property tycoon & silent achiever Caught out having said: "Think about the Egyptians... it wasn't too hard for them to throw together a few pyramids." Emmanuel Drivas, an original founder of The Coffee Club back in 1989, has been associated with the retail hospitality industry for almost 40 years through owning and managing successful family businesses. These businesses have included cafés, takeaways and fruit markets in the suburbs and the CBD of Brisbane. Furthermore, Drivas has acquired an investment property portfolio that includes retail centres, commercial and residential property. Drivas is the Chairman of The Coffee Club Franchising Group Pty Ltd and is currently involved in day to day leadership as Director, with a special interest and talent in the area of property. In 1994, Drivas was awarded the National Australia Bank's Ethnic Business Award Queensland in the non-manufacturing category and, in 2000, the Centenary Medal for services to business. In his personal life, Drivas is heavily involved in community and charity initiatives, supporting many groups both financially and with devoted presence. Drivas has held many board seats for community groups and local sporting teams including the 'Greek Community of St George' and 'Olympic United Soccer Club'. Drivas' peers describe him as a man of true entrepreneurial integrity inspired by a heart of gold and fierce motivations. He keeps himself firmly planted in the background but remains to be an apparent player in the success of The Coffee Club. How do you take your coffee? "Double shot latte on skim (because it helps the coffee flavour remain strong) with no sugar. From noon onwards, I move onto the short black". What is your favourite meal on The Coffee Club menu? "This one is easy - The Coffee Club, Club Steak Sandwich on Turkish bread, and it has to be with chips (I love the chips!). We make the Club Steak Sandwich in our Club stores, but when I'm visiting a Café Bar Restaurant store, I'll go for the Deluxe Steak Sandwich which includes egg... with chips of course". |