Andreas Petrou:

Jack of All Trades

When you meet Andreas, you're drawn in by his quiet humility—a trait that often goes unnoticed, yet leaves an indelible mark on those around him. As the longest-standing member of The Agora team, Andreas has played a pivotal role in shaping the hotel's journey. He is a steady pillar of growth, reliability, and an unwavering presence, quietly supporting the evolution of The Agora with each task he takes on. His story, rooted in a profound curiosity to learn, is a reminder that success often lies within the subtle and the unspoken.

A Curious Beginning:

Andreas was shaped by a simple life. His journey began with humble roots that instilled in him an appreciation for community, discipline, and quiet ambition.

When he first accepted the job at Tutto Passa, it wasn’t a grand dream that drew him in, but a practical need for work combined with an underlying passion for food. The job? Morning prep—a role that demanded quiet diligence in the early hours. He quickly found himself immersed in the rhythms of the kitchen prepping for evening service. Initially, it was just a routine but his natural curiosity and willingness to learn stood out.

“I wasn’t content stagnating when it came to learning,” he shared. It wasn’t long before the chef noticed his curiosity inviting him to alternate shifts and explore the hustle and artistry of evening service.

This chance ignited something deeper in him. What began as a job soon evolved into a passion for learning, teamwork, and growth.

From Bartender to Mentor

As the team behind Tutto Passa transitioned into The Agora, Andreas was offered a choice: to work in the kitchen or take on the role of bar manager. With prior experience behind the bar and the belief that it would be a more enjoyable role, he confidently embraced the challenge of bar management.

Though new to leading a team, Andreas quickly earned respect through his dedication and human-centred approach.

"To be a good and well-respected leader, you must lead by example and connect with your team. Take the time to sit down with each staff member, listen to their concerns, and understand what they value about being here—or what they don’t. If someone is facing challenges, whether personal or work-related, ignoring it only creates distance. Showing appreciation for their efforts is essential because, ultimately, they’re working with you and for you. Neglect that, and you risk losing not just their commitment but their trust.”

His tireless work ethic and ability to connect with his team have set him apart. Andreas leads by example, often working long hours with a positive attitude. “I aim to inspire by giving my best every day,” he says—a mindset that has solidified his role as a respected and inspiring leader.

Redefining His Path

After a year at The Agora, Andreas realised the bar no longer reflected who he was. "As someone who doesn’t drink, it just didn’t feel right anymore," he shares.

Shifting to the role of purchasing manager, he took on responsibilities like stock counts, invoices, and supplier relationships, lightening the load for Nic, the Director of Business Intelligence.

“Nic’s commitment to growing the company inspires me. By handling purchasing, I freed him up to focus on other key areas of the business.”

Though Andreas' role is constantly evolving, his dedication to supporting wherever needed remains constant. Whether stepping into the kitchen during challenging times or helping his team, he believes in being present.

“The most rewarding part is stepping up when the hotel needs you. It’s not about expertise; it’s about a willingness to help.”

This willingness, he says, is driven by the leadership of the directors. “Aleks and Nic, whom I’ve known from the start, and now Kasper—inspire me. Their energy and refusal to accept failure is rare to find, and it pushes me to grow alongside them.”

Wellness at His Core

Andreas’ journey has brought clarity to his personal and professional aspirations, with health and wellness as his guiding principles.

“How you treat your body and mind affects the kind of person and employee you are,” he reflects.

Looking ahead, Andreas envisions channelling his passion for well-being into enhancing The Agora team’s wellness and overall sense of morale. His commitment to a balanced lifestyle—nurturing both body and mind— inspires his desire to infuse these values into the workplace, creating an environment where individuals can thrive. For Andreas, it’s about sharing the transformative power of wellness within The Agora community while continuing his journey of growth and purpose.

All-In Commitment

For Andreas, the true essence of The Agora lies in its people. The directors’ unwavering commitment and relentless dedication create an environment that motivates and inspires those around them.

“You become what you surround yourself with,” Andreas reflects, crediting his growth to their discipline and vision.

Aleks stands out as a quiet force of leadership. For Andreas, swapping roles with him for a day would be an opportunity to understand what it truly means to be all-in on a project. “Aleks carries the greatest responsibility without seeking recognition,” Andreas explains. “He listens to both praise and criticism and takes credit last. Yet, everything begins with him—his character, discipline, and his ability to follow-through on his goals. He inspires me to work harder, not for him, but alongside him.”

It’s this shared energy and motivation that makes The Agora special. It’s not only a beautiful space— it’s the people who care for it that give it its unique soul.

Building a Legacy Through Dedication

Andreas’ journey is one of quiet resilience, boundless curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

Starting as a kitchen assistant at Tutto Passa, he has steadily grown into a respected leader at The Agora, marked by consistent development and determination.

When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Andreas answers simply: “As someone who is honest and approachable—someone you can talk to about anything.”

He defines his journey in one word: Improvement. To those who know him, Andreas serves as a reminder of the power of dedication, respect, and continual growth.

His story reflects the heart of The Agora—its magic lies not just in its spaces but in the people who bring it to life.

Andreas’s legacy is clear: the pursuit of better, every day, in every way.

Stay With US