Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor Region, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Habitat for Humanity 2006

I came back from seeing my Mum off a few hours ago and just wanted to comment on the Square One restaurant that’s newly opened there. It takes a lot to impress me and not least because the eateries in Yerevan are generally tedious, uninspiring and boring. I also have to admit that I’ve never really been a fan of Square One’s restaurant on Yerevan’s Central Abovian Street although I admire the business accumen of — and the attention to quality of service from — the owners .

Stepan Panosian, 29, and Sam Samuelian, 28, are from Lebanon. But Stepan was raised and lived for 24 years in Cyprus. They met as students abroad and it seemed right that when both decided to repatriate they should set up a partnership in Armenia.

Sam moved here in 2001, continuing his studies for a MBA at the American University of Armenia. Stepan came here later, in February 2003.

[…]

A year ago they opened their business venture together, Square One, a stylish restaurant that has become hugely popular with Yerevan’s young adults.

About 300-400 customers visit Square One every day attracted by its American and European menu, high-quality customer service, music and atmosphere.

Each customer spends about $4.50, say the restaurateurs, adding that hygiene and hospitality is their policy at all times.

Sam and Stepan admit that running a business in Armenia might be difficult at first, as one has to learn new written and unwritten laws, but after some time it gets easier.

“Bureaucracy is time consuming and makes your work less effective,” says Stepan. “Besides, people with Soviet-style education are mostly unprepared as a labor force, while representatives of the younger generation seem to be more ready to learn new things and change.”

Anyway, Raffi at Cilicia.com blogged about the new Square One in July.

I am quite proud of my old repat friends Sam and Stepan, who have turned Square One into an institution in Yerevan, which now has two branches, plus caters at the US Embassy and the AUA business center. While so many Diasporans will explain to you why they can’t do business in Armenia, these young Diasporans have moved here and just done it. (not to discount those who have tried and been spit out by the system here)

So now if you’re taking off at 5am and want a midnight snack, you can head to the airport early and take your time… and of course if your winter flight out is delayed for weeks by winter fog, you have a place to wait it out

Can’t say fairer than that and I was incredibly impressed by their newly opened restaurant in Yerevan Zvartnots airport. In fact, I felt compelled to send an sms to one of the chain’s owners saying that. Given the otherwise terrible cafes in the main departure area of the airport I had to simply say “Very nice. Excellent, in fact.” Indeed, I reckon Square One surpasses any cafe or eating area in any of the European airports I’ve had to fly through, and especially London’s Heathrow.

Kind of strange though to see Habitat for Humanity’s flyers on each table complete with the image above. It shouldn’t have been, of course, because not only have the owners of Square One brought western standards of service to Armenia, but they’ve also been involved with supporting charitable endeavours in the Republic. Habitat for Humanity is apparently one of those. Obviously, as I’ve been photographing for them of late there’s been lots of posts on their work in Armenia here.

Well done, guys. Like I said, takes a lot for me to sit up and take notice or to get me feeling that some real change is happening, but the Square One at Zvartnots really impressed me. Very comfortable, spacious, relaxing and the service, food and prices were all excellent. Coincidently, the TV news today showed the Prime Minister, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communication open up Zvartnots new international standard terminal.

That looked very nice too.

Anyways, to continue this kind of aviation and flying theme, Kate Bush’s The Big Sky is my favourite song at the moment for listening to at home and on my iPod. Thanks to Mum for bringing the Hounds of Love CD over.

They look down
At the ground,
Missing.
But I never go in now.

I’m looking at the big sky.
I’m looking at the big sky now.
I’m looking at the big sky.
You never really understood me.
You never really tried.

That cloud, that cloud–
Looks like ireland.
C’mon and blow it a kiss now,
But quick,

‘cause its changing in the big sky,
It’s changing in the big sky now.
We’re looking at the big sky.
You never understood me.
You never really tried.

This cloud, this cloud–
Says noah,
C’mon and build me an ark.
And if you’re coming, jump,
‘cause

We’re leaving with the big sky.
We’re leaving with the big sky.
And we pause for the jets–
Hup! hup!–in the big sky!

You want my reply?
What was the question?
I was looking at the big sky.

Tell em, sisters!

Rolling over like a great big cloud,
Rolling over with the big sky!
Rolling over like a great big cloud,
Rolling over with the big sky!

Somewhat ironically, according to Wikipedia, it actually has nothing to do with the sky or flying. .

“The Big Sky” deals with the frustration of an artist continually questioned by critics with no understanding of the creative process.

Not sure I buy into that one, but anyway, it’s a nice song while we still have blue skies and the sun with us before the winter sets in.