WICHITA, Kansas, September 3, 2008 – If you live in Wichita, you’ve probably eaten at one of his restaurants. Melad Stephan created four successful ones in just two years.

Stephan came to Wichita in 1978 from Beirut Lebanon to work for his uncle at Joe’s Car Wash. He learned to run restaurants at Restaurant Management Company. And in 1990 he ventured out and opened up Nouvelle Café. He bought equipment at auctions and his family pitched in to renovate the space and he used his own savings to do it.

“I decided that when I want to do something on my own, I don't have to go to the bank, or get the money,” Stephan said.

In 2006, Melad sold Nouvelle and grew his astronomical empire with Uptown Bistro, Oeno Wine Bar, Sabor and Egg-Cetera. In just two years he grew from $700,000 in sales to $5 million. Concept and ambiance now compete with the menu for customers.

“It's all about entertainment more than food,” he said.

How does he do it? What is his magic? We'll, first of all he says, "Be involved with every aspect of the restaurant, you've got to be there. Next, hire good people, make sure that you pay them well; you give them incentives to buy into your idea. Don't get arrogant with your success and finally, always go back to the basics that made you successful to begin with.”

The Waterfront is the next locale for another Melad enterprise. Then, he wants to franchise his successful Latin concept.

“The one that would be easy to do and easy to copy is Sabor,” he said. “That's one thing that I'll do and I'll expand the restaurant.”

Stephan knows food and loves to entertain his customers. He may buy and sell a restaurant here or there, but he sees his mini empire as a legacy.

“I love to own them, and then hopefully one of my kids can take them over someday,” he said.