Exploring Life & Business with Lucian Tudor of Global Dining INC of CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucian Tudor

Hi Lucian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Brăila, Romania, where I spent the first 13 years of my life. At 13, I moved to Italy, where I spent my formative years immersed in Italian food, culture, and creativity. Those years left a lasting impression on me, and Settecento is very much a celebration of the Italy I knew during my teenage years. It was also in Italy, at the age of 19, that I met my wife. After we married, we moved to Japan when I was 22.

Living in Italy and Japan shaped who I am in profound ways. Italy taught me the beauty of flexibility and creativity, while Japan instilled in me a deep appreciation for precision, structure, and discipline. Together, these influences created a strong foundation for me, both personally and professionally. However, I realized that neither Italy nor Japan could truly feel like home because of their deeply rooted cultural identities. When I moved to Los Angeles in 2017, at the age of 30, I immediately felt at home. LA’s openness and the way people here adapt and embrace diversity make it an incredible community.

I began working for my current company in 2009 while living in Japan. I started as a busser and gradually worked my way up, eventually overseeing multiple restaurants in Tokyo. When I came to LA, I took on the role of a floor manager, knowing Japan was not my long-term home. Over time, I grew within the company and now serve as the CEO of its U.S. subsidiary.

The restaurant industry has always been my passion. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding businesses, especially in a state as dynamic as California. In 2020, during a difficult period for the industry, we found success by developing large outdoor patios in Santa Monica and West Hollywood. This success led us to seek a third location, which brought us to 700 West 5th Street in downtown LA, owned by Silverstein Properties.

When I first saw the garden and location, I fell in love. I knew I had to transform the space into something special. I reimagined the old restaurant, combining Italian art, books, and musical instruments to create a space that tells a story. Settecento represents my dream of being part of downtown LA’s creative community—a vibrant, inspiring place where art, culture, and connection come together.

Through every step of my journey, from Romania to Italy, Japan, and now Los Angeles, I’ve been guided by a love of bringing people together through food, design, and shared experiences. I’m grateful for every opportunity that has brought me to where I am today and for the chance to keep creating spaces that connect people and celebrate life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been anything but smooth, and the challenges along the way have shaped my approach to problem-solving and leadership. One of the biggest hurdles was working with the general contractor. They initially claimed to have extensive experience in building restaurants, but unfortunately, this proved not to be true. Their approach often felt more like that of an installer or handyman, lacking the expertise and proactive problem-solving you’d expect from a professional GC.

Adding to the complexity, they frequently changed project managers and staff, which created inconsistency, delays, and miscommunication throughout the process. Despite their high costs, the lack of coordination and expertise ended up increasing expenses by about 50% beyond what was originally expected.

While these setbacks were frustrating, they reinforced the importance of thoroughly vetting partners and being prepared to take an active role in resolving issues as they arise. These lessons, though difficult, have been invaluable as I continue to grow and navigate the challenges of the restaurant industry.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Global Dining INC of CA?
Global Dining, Inc. of California has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles dining scene for over 30 years, delivering memorable experiences across iconic locations. From the timeless elegance of La Boheme in West Hollywood to the vibrant energy of 1212 in Santa Monica, and now with our newest endeavor, Settecento—a unique Italian experience opening soon in Downtown LA—we continue to innovate and connect with the communities we serve.

At Global Dining, we believe that restaurants are more than just places to serve food and beverages; they are spaces to build community, foster connections, and bring genuine joy to every guest. Our mission is to deliver a high-quality, entertaining dining experience with meticulous attention to every detail—from recipes and service to decor and atmosphere. We constantly evolve, embracing feedback from our guests and our team to ensure we exceed expectations.

One of the unique aspects that sets us apart is how we approach growth within our team, whom we call our partners. We operate on a meritocratic system where promotions are determined by a vote. If a team member receives 51% or more of the votes, they are promoted. This ensures a fair and transparent process, fostering a healthy, collaborative environment. It also encourages authenticity, as team members strive to treat colleagues with the same respect they show to their leaders.

Ultimately, Global Dining is about creating extraordinary experiences, both for our guests and our team, and we take immense pride in building a culture that supports innovation, fairness, and excellence.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is the simple yet profound gift of waking up each morning and having another day to live. Three years ago, my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, a life-changing event that deeply impacted my family. This experience has brought us closer together, strengthened our bond, and taught us to cherish the little things we have. It’s a constant reminder to find joy and gratitude in every moment.

Professionally, what brings me the most happiness is developing people. Watching team members grow, achieve their goals, and unlock their potential is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, being in the dining room and seeing guests smile, connect, and share meaningful moments over a meal is a source of great joy. It reminds me why I’m passionate about this industry—because restaurants are not just about food but about creating experiences that bring people together.

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