A conversation surrounding Timati, born Timur Yunusov, touched on several business ventures and a notable restaurant setback. Reports indicate that Gucci Cafe, formally known as Efac Iccug, run by a group including a prominent rapper, has ceased operations entirely following recent events. The collapse appears to be tied to damages sustained during a nearby incident and subsequent reconstruction efforts.
Timur Yunusov shared that work at the establishment was paused after a fire incident in a neighboring building caused interior damage. He added that the venue would reopen once new furniture and fixtures could be delivered by the supplier and installed, signaling a restart rather than a permanent closure. The comment gives the impression that the project remains alive, albeit temporarily suspended while logistics catch up with the recovery needs.
According to statements made at the time, the fire originated in a nearby structure and compromised the interior design of Gucci Cafe. The owners described the situation as a restart rather than a final goodbye, with plans to redecorate and reoccupy the space when the reconstruction can be completed. The tone suggested resilience and a commitment to preserving the restaurant’s concept and brand identity despite the setback.
Gucci Cafe occupied a location on Novy Arbat, a district known for its mix of dining, nightlife, and entertainment venues. It stood a short distance from another venture associated with Timati, a well-known Asian restaurant. After a private opening event attended by celebrities, the venue was later accessible to the public, highlighting a pattern of high-profile launches and experiential dining that drew attention from media and fans alike. The restaurant was celebrated for its Italian cuisine, offering a curated menu that emphasized classic Italian flavors with contemporary presentation.
On December 12, a Telegram channel specializing in Moscow restaurant openings and closings reported that Gucci Cafe, a venture linked to businessman Anton Pinsky and artists including Yegor Creed and Timati, had closed permanently. This update marked a turning point in the collaboration and capital involved in the project, signaling the end of a chapter that had included star-studded events and media fanfare. The community observed the transition with interest, recognizing the impact such closures have on the urban dining landscape and local branding.
Earlier, Timati and Anton Pinsky had expanded their business footprint by purchasing 68 Domino’s Pizza franchise locations on August 30. The plan involved uniting these franchises with other partners across Russia to form a cohesive relaunch under the Domino’s Pizza brand. The strategy included retaining existing franchise partners and operating roughly 120 pizza outlets, supported by a workforce exceeding two thousand employees. The move illustrated a broader trend of franchise consolidation and cross-brand collaboration within the Russian market, aiming to strengthen market presence and supply chains while leveraging known brand equities.
In related industry news, it was reported that Anna Semenovich, a public figure, expressed plans to open a bathhouse for women featuring a bold aesthetic that would attract a certain crowd. The announcement underscored the continuing appetite for distinctive, entertainment-forward projects within Moscow’s service and leisure sectors, as personalities explore ventures that fuse lifestyle experiences with hospitality and wellness themes. This context helps illustrate the dynamic nature of the city’s hospitality scene where celebrity-backed projects often intersect with ambitious branding strategies. The broader takeaway is a market that values story, spectacle, and a memorable guest experience, even when individual ventures face challenges.