An unexpected journey: From circus performer to restaurateur

When you wander through Shekou’s lively Sea World, you might come across MADLOBA, a restaurant named after the Georgian word for “thank you.”

I’m Aleksandre Kvaratskhelia, or simply Alex, originally from Tbilisi, Georgia. I’ve been living in Shenzhen for over ten years, and my entrepreneurial story here has been one of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for sharing Georgian culture — especially its rich cuisine and wine heritage.

Before I arrived in Shenzhen, I spent years as a circus performer and manager, traveling across China’s diverse cities — from the spicy streets of Chengdu to the chilly climates of Shenyang, Dalian, and Anshan.

One of the highlights of that period was working for Chimelong, a major theme park company in Guangzhou. But deep inside, I wanted something more connected to my roots.

Inspired by Georgia's ancient winemaking tradition stretching back 8,000 years, I teamed up with a friend to enter the wine business.

In 2019, we opened a small bar in Shenzhen offering beer, wine, and a few dishes. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure after just six months. Undeterred, I opened a second bar, only to face another pandemic-related shutdown. Still, I didn’t give up — I learned from each setback and kept rebuilding.

A friend’s persistent encouragement convinced me to open a full restaurant. Although I hesitated at first, it became clear that Shenzhen’s diners — both Chinese and international — were eager for authentic Georgian flavors.

Now, I’m proud to have two restaurants running successfully here, including MADLOBA, which opened its doors late in 2024.