From Football Fields to Fine Dining
Zazou Belounis, the former French professional footballer, has found his new home in Marbella, where he has successfully transitioned from the football field to the world of luxury dining. After traveling the globe, Zazou has settled on the Costa del Sol, where he now runs Casanis, one of the most prestigious restaurant groups in Málaga province. Despite his image as a luxury entrepreneur, Zazou sees himself as a family man who cherishes quiet moments at home. “I love hogging the sofa when I come home at night,” he shares.
Who is Zazou Belounis?
Zazou Belounis is a man who has lived “two or three lives.” Once a footballer with dreams of success, he played in France, Switzerland, Malaysia, the UK, and Qatar. After hanging up his boots, he embarked on a new journey in Marbella, where he has built a thriving restaurant business. “I first came here 25 years ago to visit a friend, and I said, ‘Wow, one day I have to live in this town,’” Zazou recalls. That dream became a reality seven years ago when he and his wife decided to settle in Marbella.
A Football Career with Highs and Lows
Zazou’s football career was filled with both triumphs and challenges. His journey took an unexpected turn in Qatar, where he faced difficulties that left him unable to leave the country for two years. “It was a difficult time in my life because they didn’t want to pay me,” he explains. Despite the hardships, Zazou’s story brought attention to the plight of 1.4 million Nepali workers who had no rights, helping to improve their situation.
Entering the World of Fine Dining
After his challenging experience in Qatar, Zazou found himself at a crossroads. Without a clear path, he began working with his best friend at a restaurant called Casa Mono. “There, I started to learn and liked the work, welcoming people… And that’s why I thought about having my restaurant one day,” he says. This passion led to creating Casanis, a restaurant group that now includes La Plage Casanis, Mamzel, Nota Blu, and Casanis Bistrot. What started with 30 employees has grown into a team of around 430.
Luxury Dining in Marbella
Marbella is synonymous with luxury, and Zazou believes the city will soon surpass other glamorous destinations like Ibiza, Saint-Tropez, and Mykonos. The clientele at his restaurants are discerning and demand the highest level of service. “Our customers are very demanding, and that’s why the service has to be impeccable,” he notes. This summer, one of Zazou’s clients made headlines for spending €50,000 on a bottle of champagne, but he reveals that it’s not uncommon for his regulars to spend €10,000 or €15,000 on fine wine several times a year.
Marbella has long been a magnet for celebrities, and Zazou’s restaurants have hosted a range of high-profile guests. Football stars like Álvaro Morata, Lucas Hernández, and Aymeric Laporte are among those who have dined at Casanis’ establishments. The allure of Marbella also attracts Hollywood stars like Eva Longoria, who frequently visits the area and bought a house in Marbella last year, and international music icons like the Black Eyed Peas. Marbella’s charm has also drawn in Antonio Banderas, who has a home in the region and often spends his summers there, and George Clooney and Hugh Grant, who have both been spotted enjoying the sun-soaked lifestyle.
The Future of Casanis
Zazou’s ambition doesn’t stop here. He dreams of expanding his restaurant empire but carefully takes measured steps. “The day a good opportunity presents itself, I will study it,” he says, hinting at potential future ventures in Miami, Dubai, Madrid, or even Málaga City.
Life Beyond the Restaurants
When he’s not managing his restaurants, Zazou is a devoted family man who enjoys sports and traveling. “It’s essential to spend time with them,” he says about his family. Although his public persona might suggest otherwise, Zazou is a homebody. “Yes, my goodness, very, very much. I love to hog the sofa too much when I come home at night,” he admits.
A Man of Simple Pleasures
Despite his successful football career and now in luxury dining, Zazou remains grounded. He prefers the beach over the mountains, beer over champagne, and has even switched his football allegiance from Barcelona to Real Madrid. This down-to-earth nature, combined with his business acumen, has endeared him to the people of Marbella, where he continues to build his legacy.
Casanis is more than just a restaurant group; it embodies Zazou Belounis’ passion for life, hospitality, and excellence. With plans on the horizon and a love for his adopted home in Marbella, Zazou is set to continue making waves in the world of luxury dining.
