CEO &
Head of Architectureg
Massimo De Luca is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 40 years of experience, supported by an impressive educational background. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan, showcasing his strong foundation in design and architecture and a Master’s in Global Hospitality Management from the prestigious Le Roches Switzerland.
In his role as CEO at The Base Line Hospitality, Massimo combines his architectural knowledge with extensive hospitality experience to drive the consultancy towards delivering practical, efficient, and commercially viable outcomes for clients. Offering strategic and operational advice, he often provides mentorship to managers and businesses, contributing to future growth through the implementation of benchmarking protocols and key performance strategies.
Throughout his career, he has provided consulting expertise to a diverse array of clients, including Government departments, international hotels and resorts, renowned destination restaurants, sports stadiums, cultural and art institutions, entertainment and performing arts venues, as well as parks and recreation destinations within USA , Canada & Europe.
Massimo has a special interest in restaurant designs, kitchen layouts, FF&E selections, and Italian cuisine. His passion for these aspects of the hospitality industry reflects his commitment to crafting distinctive and well-curated experiences for guests, particularly in the realm of restaurant aesthetics, kitchen functionality, and the unique flavors of Italian cuisine.
Head of Restaurants Development & F&B Special Projects
Toufik boasts a distinguished 27-year career in the hospitality sector, bringing a wealth of experience to The Base Line Hospitality. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and a graduate diploma in Management from Cambridge College, his robust educational background complements his extensive practical knowledge. Toufik’s professional journey spans diverse regions, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and North America, underscoring his global understanding of hospitality markets and concept development.
In his former role as the Director of F&B at a leading Dubai based hospitality-consulting firm, Toufik excelled in overseeing all facets of F&B operations and strategy development. His accomplishments encompass restaurant operation, revenue optimization, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency.
Beyond conventional F&B practices, Toufik’s expertise extends to concept development, market analysis, menu engineering, and financial management. His international experience equips him to navigate the intricate landscape of the F&B industry, contributing to the success of The Base Line Hospitality.
Toufik has a passion for restaurant preopening, multiunit management, and a diverse culinary palette that includes fusion concepts, modern Italian cuisine, steak & grill houses, gourmet cafes, and contemporary cuisine, his insights and best practices serve as invaluable assets.
Senior Consultant &
Engagement Manager
Simona is the driving force behind The Base Line Hospitality, serving as Senior Consultant and Engagement Manager. With a distinguished 15-year career in the hospitality industry and a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from Cornell University, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Simona’s professional journey includes tenure at North America’s premier F&B brands and boutique marketing agencies, where she honed her skills in strategic consulting and engagement management. Her deep understanding of industry intricacies and client needs positions her as a trusted advisor and key contributor to The Base Line Hospitality’s success.
In her capacity, Simona spearheads business growth initiatives, leveraging her insights to develop tailored strategies that drive profitability and enhance brand positioning. With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of delivering results, she plays a critical role in shaping the future trajectory of The Base Line Hospitality in the competitive marketplace.
Director of Culinary
Mark Weismann, the seasoned Director of Culinary at The Base Line Hospitality, brings over 35 years of culinary expertise to the forefront. With a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Science from The Culinary Institute of America – New York and Le Grand Diplôme from Le Cordon Bleu, Mark’s passion for food is ingrained in every dish he prepares.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over three decades, Mark has made his mark as an Executive Chef at esteemed hotels like Westin, Hilton, and The Ritz-Carlton. His culinary mastery is validated by certifications from prestigious institutions like the American Academy Of Chefs and the Canadian Red Seal in Culinary.
At the pinnacle of his career, Mark worked for Joël Robuchon, renowned for being the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in the US. With his extensive experience and unwavering passion for food, Mark continues to shape unforgettable dining experiences.
At his current role at The Base Line Hospitality, Mark oversees all aspects of menu formulation, recipe engineering, presentation, kitchen layouts, back-of-house (BOH) processes, and standard operating procedure (SOP) formulation. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to culinary excellence ensure that every aspect of the dining experience is thoughtfully curated and executed.
Director of Hospitality
Hannah serves as the Head of Hospitality Advisory at The Base Line Hospitality, bringing forth an illustrious 17-year career marked by dedication and expertise. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Vancouver Island University and a Master of Science in Hospitality Management from Boston University, her academic achievements underscore her commitment to excellence in the field.
Prior to joining The Base Line Hospitality, Hannah held a pivotal role at Hilton Headquarters, refining her skills in asset management and real estate financial management. Before that, Hannah made significant contributions to Universal Studios Florida, honing her expertise in a dynamic and entertainment-focused hospitality environment.
In her current capacity as the Head of Hospitality Advisory at The Base Line Hospitality, Hannah plays a pivotal role in leveraging her extensive expertise; she advises future owners and investors prior to concept development, offering location advisory, footfall calculations, visibility studies, and competition analyses. Additionally, Hannah is responsible for developing operational manuals, ensuring that clients have comprehensive guidelines to execute their hospitality ventures effectively. Her commitment to excellence and wealth of knowledge continue to make her an invaluable asset to the team, driving the company’s mission of providing innovative and strategic counsel to clients in the dynamic hospitality industry