QUASIM RIAZ, Partner
Although born in Virginia, Quasim Riaz spent most of his childhood in Los Angeles. He attended California State University Long Beach but left school as a senior to pursue a business opportunity with college classmate and current NeoMezç partner Hagop Giragossian at a metal fabrication facility in the Inland Empire. The two subsequently joined Pyramid Powder Coating, Inc., a high-profile coating company that they now co-own. Quasim and Hagop’s first foray into the hospitality industry began with a mobile coffee stand in Pasadena. "We always talked about opening a restaurant and bar," recalls Quasim. These days, the 32-year-old restaurateur is often found on the floor of NeoMezç and is actively involved in personnel and financial matters, marketing and menu development. He lives in Simi Valley with his wife Sadiya and their dog, a Doberman named Dre. Quasim has also returned to college to finish his degree, fulfilling a promise to his mother.

SHIVIE DHILLON, Partner
Born in northern India, Shivie Dhillon grew up in California’s San Fernando Valley and received a degree in Management Information Systems from California State University Northridge in 2000. Not long after graduation, Shivie joined Sundial Powder Coatings, where he eventually acquired an ownership interest. Although his expertise is largely mechanical and financial, Shivie had always dreamed of owning a restaurant. His dream became a reality when he and friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and Aidin Yousif decided to collaborate on the concept that became known as NeoMezç, which they opened in early 2007. Shivie is a hands-on owner, often seen greeting guests in the restaurant and participating in day-to-day decisions regarding staffing, marketing, cuisine and vendor relations. "Every night is different,” reports the 29-year-old restaurateur. "You meet a lot of fascinating people at NeoMezç and each guest has his or her own perspective." Shivie tries not to overindulge at the restaurant, because in his free time he participates in marathons and triathlons.

AIDIN YOUSIF, Partner
A genuine Mediterranean soul, Aidin Yousif, 28, was born in Baghdad and moved to Athens when he was a young boy. After arriving in the States, he attended high school in Anaheim and was subsequently drawn to the booming world of high technology. His career had a modest beginning, working for three years after graduation at a relative’s mom-and-pop computer store in Orange County. But his entrepreneurial spirit moved him to invest in an Internet start-up, which accelerated like a rocket. 123Inkjets (www.123inkjets.com) quickly emerged as the largest independent online ink cartridge retailer. Aidin sold his share of the company in 2004 and immediately took off on a six-month backpacking tour of Europe for some much-needed rest and relaxation. But his entrepreneurial instincts grew restless again, and he jumped at the opportunity to invest in NeoMezç with friends who included Shivie Dhillon, who he had met through a dot-com connection. The young Internet-guru-turned-restaurateur explains, "I was anxious to find another commercial venture, and the reputation of the restaurant business didn’t scare me off. I like taking risks."

HAGOP GIRAGOSSIAN, Partner
Hagop Giragossian was born in Australia but moved to Southern California before he could even acquire an Aussie accent. Although he always loved to eat, his first restaurant job (at Captain Jack’s in Orange County) was short-lived. Hagop attended California State University Long Beach, earning a degree in psychology in 1998. After working for a business services provider and metal fabricator after graduation, Hagop joined Pyramid Powder Coating, Inc., which he currently co-owns with NeoMezç partner and former college classmate Quasim Riaz. The company’s high-profile projects include the fountains at Las Vegas’ Bellagio hotel, Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre, the torch for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and the chassis for JPL’s Mars Rover.

Hagop serves a lead role in marketing, vendor relations and financial issues. "We wanted a place that would be fun and festive, not stuffy—perfect for a first date," explains the 32-year-old restaurateur, who is proud to inject some of his Armenian heritage into the menu. When he is not working, the South Pasadena resident enjoys martial arts like Muay Thai and judo, in which he has earned a black belt.

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