Hong Kong-Based Restaurateur Bart Szyniec Expands Culinary Empire to Poland

Bart Szyniec, a Hong Kong-based Polish restaurateur and founder of the innovative dining group Deadly Rabbits Concepts, is bringing his culinary ventures back to his homeland, Poland. Spurred by Poland's rapid economic growth and the resurgence of its culinary landscape, Szyniec is launching two restaurants in Warsaw this year, starting with the popular Italian trattoria Ask for Alonzo, which will open in the iconic Varso Tower—the tallest building in Poland and the European Union.

Known for his innovative and community-driven dining concepts, Szyniec has spent over two decades redefining hospitality across Europe and Asia. Through his Hong Kong-based Deadly Rabbits Concepts, which operates multiple acclaimed restaurants, including five Ask for Alonzo locations across Hong Kong, he has pioneered modern, affordable, and accessible dining experiences in one of the world’s most competitive food scenes.

This expansion marks a full-circle moment for Szyniec, who was born and raised in Poland before establishing a stellar hospitality career overseas. “Poland is where my story began, and Asia is where I found my calling,” says Szyniec. “These two places have shaped me personally and professionally, and I’ve always dreamed of bringing them together through something meaningful—connecting people through food, hospitality, and business.”

A Vision for Poland’s Culinary and Economic Future

In recent years, Poland has experienced an impressive economic transformation. Its GDP per capita has doubled in the past decade, with Warsaw emerging as a thriving hub for innovation and investment. Since its economic reform in 1989, Poland has become the fastest-growing economy in the EU and Central and Eastern Europe, establishing itself as a leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Notably, Hong Kong investors have also deepened their engagement in Poland, with the city’s FDI stock in the country doubling between 2018 and 2022.

This remarkable economic transformation has sparked a cultural renaissance, particularly in Poland’s culinary scene. A wave of talented Polish chefs, having honed their skills in Michelin-starred establishments around the world, are now returning home to redefine the country’s gastronomic identity. Bart Szyniec views this as a pivotal moment to make an impact:

"Poland is on the verge of becoming a premier destination for luxury and fine dining. I want to be part of this journey, elevating Warsaw’s food scene while fostering deeper cultural and business connections between Asia and Poland," Szyniec explains.

Bringing Two Concepts to Elevate Poland’s Dining and Social Scene

Rendering of Ask for Alonzo Warsaw, which will open in the iconic Varso Tower—the tallest building in Poland and the European Union

Szyniec is introducing two distinctive dining concepts to Warsaw, reshaping the city’s culinary and social ecosystem. First, he is bringing the acclaimed Italian dining experience of Ask for Alonzo to Poland’s capital, combining its signature charm with local influences to create a unique blend of familiarity and innovation. The second is a brand-new concept centred on Modern Polish cuisine. This concept aims to reimagine traditional Polish dishes through a contemporary lens, while creating a space that is more than just a restaurant. It will serve as a vibrant hub for socialising and networking, inviting guests not only to dine but also to connect in a dynamic cultural and business community.

Ask for Alonzo: From Hong Kong to Warsaw

Spearheading Szyniec’s vision, Ask for Alonzo aims to establish a gastronomic bridge between Asia and Europe. The restaurant is designed to captivate local diners and international food enthusiasts, offering experiences that combine authenticity with a modern twist. Set to open in Q3 2025, it leverages Szyniec’s extensive expertise in Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary scene. Szyniec integrates contemporary techniques into Poland’s rich culinary traditions, reinforcing Warsaw’s growing reputation as a culinary hotspot.

The decision to bring Ask for Alonzo to Warsaw reflects the trattoria’s stellar success in Hong Kong, where its warm ambience, signature Italian dishes, and unmatched hospitality have garnered a devoted following. The Warsaw location, set in the heart of the bustling Varso Tower business district, will retain the trattoria’s hallmark charm while integrating Polish elements to cater to a diverse clientele.

“This is more than just opening a restaurant—it’s about fostering a meaningful exchange of ideas, flavours, and cultures. I want Warsaw to experience the same sense of community and warmth that has made Ask for Alonzo so beloved in Hong Kong,” shares Szyniec.

Rendering of The Slavic Social, which is set to open in Q3 2025 at the Hilton Warsaw on Grzybowska Street, just minutes from Varso Tower

The Slavic Social: Redefining Business Networking Through Culinary Excellence

Complementing Ask for Alonzo, Szyniec is introducing The Slavic Social, which is set to open in Q3 2025 at the Hilton Warsaw on Grzybowska Street, just minutes from Varso Tower. Specialising in modern Polish cuisine, this restaurant will also feature a state-of-the-art cocktail bar that blends Asian and Polish influences. However, The Slavic Social aspires to be more than just a dining destination—it aims to position Warsaw as a leading cultural and business hub for the Slavic world.

The project’s scope extends further with the launch of The Slavic Social Business Club, which seeks to create a global network of forward-thinking individuals within the Three Seas Initiative region (the Baltic, Adriatic, and Black Sea). This exclusive platform connects the Slavic world with key Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Jakarta, and Dubai. It aspires to establish a two-way bridge for ideas, investments, and cultural exchanges, enriching both regions while fostering meaningful partnerships.

Strengthening Asia-Poland Business Ties

Through his culinary ventures, Szyniec also aims to strengthen collaboration between Hong Kong, a global financial hub, and Poland, a rising economic force within Europe.

In recent years, trade between Poland and China has grown significantly, surpassing €50 billion in 2023. The elevation of Poland-China relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" in 2016 showcased the growing economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Poland, as China’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe and the seventh-largest within the EU, plays a key role in regional trade. Strategic logistics hubs such as the railway terminal in Małaszewicze on the Poland- Belarus border, alongside the seaports of Gdynia and Gdańsk, underscore Poland’s importance to the Belt and Road Initiative.

As a gateway to Asia, Hong Kong plays an instrumental role in strengthening these economic relationships. It is not only a vital investor in Gdynia Container Terminal but also a key player in facilitating trade and investment between Asia and Europe. Szyniec hopes to bridge these two dynamic regions through his endeavours, promoting cultural and economic collaboration that benefits both sides.

About Bart Szyniec

A graduate of the Dublin Institute of Technology in Hospitality Management, Bart Szyniec began his career in Europe, quickly rising to prominence in renowned restaurants. In 2012, he moved to Hong Kong, where he joined the prestigious Aqua Group before founding his own hospitality enterprise, Deadly Rabbits Concepts, in 2019.

Today, the group operates seven successful restaurants in Hong Kong, including Ask for Alonzo, À Poêle French Bistro, and Qué Pasa Spanish Tapas Y Vino. Szyniec’s ventures are celebrated for their innovative yet accessible dining experiences, catering to a modern, cosmopolitan clientele.

Szyniec’s latest expansion to Poland is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to redefining the global dining landscape.

Looking Ahead

With Warsaw set to welcome Ask for Alonzo in 2025, Bart Szyniec’s journey from Poland to Asia and back again symbolises a new era of culinary and cultural exchange. By blending his unique vision, global expertise, and profound love for his homeland, Szyniec aims to inspire the next chapter of Poland’s culinary and hospitality scene—and beyond.

Founded in 2019, Deadly Rabbits Concepts, an innovative dining group renowned for its creativity in the Hong Kong dining scene, is known for offering top-notch yet wallet-friendly modern European cuisines.

The group's name draws its inspiration from the whimsical world of Monty Python, paired with the delightfully absurd sense of humour that permeates Poland, the homeland of Bart Szyniec, the founder of Deadly Rabbits Concepts, who believed that the F&B industry should embody fun and light-heartedness. This belief was creatively expressed through the group’s playful logo and unique name, signalling that they are always passionate about what they do.

This creative group is also the driving force behind several of the city’s beloved neighbourhood dining spots. Among their successful establishments is the modern Italian restaurant Ask for Alonzo, which has five bustling locations: Wan Chai, Quarry Bay, Tai Hang, Happy Valley, and Soho.

Adding to its impressive portfolio, Deadly Rabbits Concepts proudly expanded its diverse culinary portfolio in 2024 with the successful launch of two new dining experiences: À Poêle French Bistro, nestled in the heart of Quarry Bay, and Qué Pasa Spanish Tapas Y Vino, a lively Spanish tapas destination that has quickly become a favourite in the bustling Tai Hang neighborhood. These additions reinforce the group’s commitment to delivering approachable, comfort-driven dining that resonates with modern food enthusiasts, offering exceptional value in Hong Kong's dynamic and often price-sensitive dining landscape.

Media Note: Data info source from Polish Consulate of Hong Kong and Polish Investment and Trade Agency: www.paih.gov.pl/en/

About Deadly Rabbits Concepts