In 1992, Novikov opened his first restaurant called Sirena in the technical college building. He was able to negotiate the best lease terms. As per the agreement, he was to serve meals to 200 students of the college for a symbolic price. In the early 1990s, the restaurant market in Moscow was in its early days, just beginning to develop. So, Novikov was one of the pioneers in the restaurant industry. Since meat was costly, the entrepreneur opted for a fish restaurant. Over time, the place became extremely popular not only with Moscow residents but also with celebrity guests, including Liza Minnelli and Sting.

Since then, Novikov’s business has grown into an empire. Arkady Novikov has opened more than three hundred different restaurants not only in Russia but also around the world: in sunny Miami, in foggy Albion, on the Italian elite island of Sardinia, in the Arabian city of Doha, and so on. The menus include a variety of cuisines from different countries around the world. Among the most famous Arkady Novikov’s restaurants are Savva, Artest, Novikov Restaurant & Bar, Novikov Café Dubai, Novikov Italy Bodrum, and many others. In 2021, two of Novikov’s restaurants – Artest and Savva – received the famous Michelin stars2. Artest is one of the two restaurants in Moscow holding two Michelin stars[2].

I think it is safe to say that Arkady Novilov has found his true calling in life. He always insists that he is doing what he really loves. As Confucius put it, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

So, what’s Novikov’s winning formula?

I believe that his recipe for success consists of several key factors. First, it is his passion for work, as well as his dedication, total commitment, and enthusiasm. When you put your heart and soul into your work, you radiate positive energy and inspire your employees. Second, Arkady Novikov has an incredible charisma and a fantastic charm, which help him win people over and build trust-based relationships with his partners. Third, Novikov has good communication skills. His naturalness, sincerity, and simplicity are really captivating. Fourth, his keen business sense and intuition play a significant role in the success of his career. Arkady Novikov is a true visionary who sees opportunities where others do not. After all, as we all know, everything starts with an idea. What’s more, the influential restaurateur is always part of the process and is always there to help his employees when problems arise. It is common knowledge that having the ability to build a team is crucial in business. In addition, Novikov knows how to create a unique atmosphere in his restaurants to attract customers. It should also be noted that Arkady is always focused on building trusted partnerships. He believes “there are two important things in business and partnership: professionalism and integrity.” Lastly, Arkady Novikov’s main qualities are perseverance, determination, self-control, and discipline. He never cuts himself any slack. Here is one of Novikov’s favorite quotes from Robert Kiyosaki:

Arkady Novikov has been happily married for many years. Arkady’s wife, Nadezhda, is a highly accomplished businesswoman. The couple has two grown children: Nikita and Sasha. It is always a joy to see this happy family. In my opinion, Arkady and Nadezhda are a perfect match. They complement each other and always radiate positivity. Novikov’s children followed in their father’s footsteps and started their own businesses in the food industry.

truthfully [truːθfəli] – честно говоря, по правде говоря

withstand [wɪðˈstænd] – противостоять, выдерживать

fame [feɪm] – слава

litmus test [ˈlɪtməs test] – лакмусовая бумага, безошибочный показатель

reveal [rɪˈviːl] – раскрывать, разоблачать

arrogant [ˈærəɡənt] – надменный, высокомерный, заносчивый

heartless [ˈhɑːrtləs] – бессердечный, бездушный, безжалостный

selfish [ˈselfɪʃ] – эгоистичный

disrespectful [ˌdɪsrɪˈspektfl] – неуважительный

expose [ɪkˈspəʊz] – разоблачать, срывать маску, обнажать

self-improvement [ˌself ɪmˈpruːvmənt] – самосовершенствование

self-development [ˌself dɪˈveləpmənt] – саморазвитие

tolerant [ˈtɑːlərənt] – терпимый, толерантный

personal growth [ˈpɜːrsənl ɡrəʊθ] – личностный рост

restaurateur [ˌrestərəˈtɜːr] – ресторатор

gain recognition [ɡeɪn ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn] – завоевать признание, получить известность

poise [pɔɪz] – уравновешенность

exalt oneself [ɪɡˈzɔːlt ˌwʌnˈself] – возвеличивать себя

bombastic [bɑːmˈbæstɪk] – напыщенный, высокопарный

high-hat manners [ˈhaɪ hæt ˈmænərz] – высокомерие, заносчивость

design engineer [dɪˈzaɪn ˌendʒɪˈnɪr] – инженер-конструктор

police officer [pəˈliːs ˈɑːfɪsər] – блюститель порядка

culinary college [ˈkʌlɪneri ˈkɑːlɪdʒ] – кулинарный техникум

cuisine [kwɪˈziːn] – кухня, кулинария

put one’s heart and soul into [pʊt wʌnz hɑːrt ənd səʊl ˈɪntuː] – вложить всю душу

business sense [ˈbɪznəs sens] – деловое чутье, деловая хватка

perfect match [ˈpɜːrfɪkt mætʃ] – идеальная пара

1) Who is Arkady Novikov?

2) Is Arkady Novikov married or single?

3) Can everyone pass the test of wealth, power, and fame?

4) Do money, power, and fame spoil people?

5) What are the benefits of failure?

6) What is Arkady Novikov like?

7) Was he born into a well-off family?

8) What was his childhood like?

9) What was his relationship with his classmates and teachers?

10) What did he want to be as a kid?

11) What is Novikov’s educational background?

12) Did Arkady Novikov find his true calling?

13) What’s Novikov’s winning formula?

14) What is one of Novikov’s favorite quotes from Robert Kiyosaki? Do you agree with that saying?

не все выдерживают испытание богатством, властью и славой; подняться вверх по социальной лестнице; путь к успеху тернист; сильный духом человек; его имя знакомо каждому; один из самых известных и успешных рестораторов; построить кулинарную империю с нуля; помогать нуждающимся; завоевать признание; успех не вскружил ему голову; он никогда не возвеличивает себя; человек с большим сердцем; он никогда не ведет себя напыщенно; его отказались взять на работу в Макдональдс; он никогда не был большим поклонником кулинарии; он не был общительным

to have a business sense and intuition; I am a strong believer; to create a unique atmosphere; to attract customers; the menus include a variety of cuisines from different countries around the world; to inspire employees; to find a true calling in life; he has an incredible charisma and a fantastic charm; to have good communication skills; he is a true visionary who sees opportunities where others do not; he never cuts himself any slack; to win people over; to build trust-based relationships with his partners

“You learn through mistakes – no one was born a master.” Discuss what this proverb means. State your opinion on the topic.