Benjamin Patou is an events personality who has made a name for himself, from his beginnings as a DJ for the golden youth of Neuilly-sur-Seine to the creation of Moma Group, leader in the world of events and the Restoration. Who really is this French businessman?
Benjamin Patou was born on June 29, 1977 in Boulogne-Billancourt. From the age of 8, the young boy was confronted with a tragedy that would forever mark his life: the death of his mother. He was not good at school and saw the experience as an ordeal. Benjamin Patou then took refuge in music where he particularly excelled in playing the piano. Grandnephew of the fashion designer and perfumer Jean Patou, he is also the son of Nicolas Sarkozy’s deputy mayor, Oliver Patou. Benjamin Patou grew up in a bourgeois environment and spent his childhood in the town of Neuilly-sur-Seine.
Benjamin Patou’s beginnings in events and catering
Passionate about music and the world at night, Benjamin Patou organizes evenings for the upscale youth of Neuilly from the age of 15. At the age of 20, Benjamin Patou created his first events company called Profete. If he starts by organizing weddings for his friends and renting sound systems, over time, he will succeed in building a solid address book which will allow him to launch into more “corporate” events. .
Nearly ten years later, the businessman no longer seeks to sell services, but decides to offer his own events. He then sees a golden opportunity present itself to him. Indeed, a former brasserie in Paris, called the Globo, is for sale. In 2008, Benjamin Patou acquired his first location where he launched events for businesses during the week and organized parties on the weekend. Subsequently, he acquired Bus Palladium, Pavillon Vendôme, caterer Kaspia Réceptions, Manko, Club 13, and many others. It was in 2012 that he decided to rename his company “Moma Group”. Its project is to integrate all event activities, from room rental to catering services, including advice. Benjamin Patou has only one idea in mind: to offer a unique and privileged experience to each of his customers.
Subsequently, Benjamin Patou’s successes were built in the world of catering. It is based on a simple plan. He creates restaurants and decides on a precise concept. He then calls renowned decorators to make it a unique place and hires the best chefs of the moment. Now, in 2022, Moma Group has a turnover of 120 million euros and employs more than 120 people.
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The businessman’s international projects
Benjamin Patou aims higher and is now developing international ambitions. The businessman now has dreams of grandeur, aged 45 and after having succeeded on the national level, he sets out to succeed internationally. He has already published his strong brands like Mimosa, Café Lapérouse, and others, with associates from all over the world based in Miami, Middle East, London, etc. The boss of Moma Group has structured his group into 4 subsidiaries with the aim of being more efficient. Moma Group now has a general manager for each subsidiary, sales management, culture, catering and events.
Benjamin Patou, friend of the stars
What contributed to Benjamin Patou’s success in the business world is obviously his address book. Benjamin Patou is the best friend of the stars, like the party he organized for the 10th anniversary of his company at the Salomon de Rothschild hotel where more than 400 celebrities went, from Nicolas Sarkozy to Patrick Bruel, through the country’s biggest business leaders. The businessman is gifted in human relations and that is his strength. In addition to his creative concepts and the best employees of the moment that he hires, it is also the visibility that he offers to his restaurants, thanks to his friends, who have greatly contributed to his success.
Benjamin Patou: the Arnault associate
Benjamin Patou attended Antoine Arnault during his high school years. Indeed, Bernard Arnault’s son was a regular at the golden evenings organized by Benjamin Patou, in his youth. This is how, a few years later, in 2018, the two men joined forces and took over the Lapérouse restaurant together. Then, buoyed by their success, the two men duplicated the sign at the Hôtel de la Marine, Place la Concorde, but also at the port of Saint-Tropez. Benjamin Patou, who now wants to expand internationally, plans with his partner to open two new ones in London and Miami.
Thanks to his partner, Benjamin Patou has already collaborated with Bernard Arnault. In 2021, the latter wanted to open a luxury restaurant very quickly. His son then introduced him to his partner, Benjamin Patou, who was happy to meet the demands of the biggest fortune in the world.
Benjamin Patou and Nicolas Sarkozy
Benjamin Patou and his family lived in the town of Neuilly-sur-Seine, where his father worked as a municipal councilor and then deputy mayor of Nicolas Sarkozy for almost 12 years. Years later, the former President of the French Republic continues to watch over his former deputy’s son. As proof, in 2019, Benjamin Patou and a former partner, Laurent Gourcuff, are at war to obtain the most beautiful addresses in the capital. A fierce competition between the two men that their many mutual friends no longer dare talk about. Nicolas Sarkozy, for his part, tried to sign an armistice between the two parties. This had the effect of putting an end to the poor communication that was impacting the businessman.
Key dates in the life of Benjamin Patou
Obviously, the life of this businessman, lover of Parisian evenings, is not limited to a few key dates. However, the latter give an overview of the crazy rise that Benjamin Patou experienced. Although he was not a big fan of school, perseverance, work, his knack and passion allowed him to achieve great things.
- 1977 – Birth of Benjamin Patou
- 1992 – Debut as a DJ in Neuilly
- 1996 – He becomes artistic director of Villa Barclay
- 2002 – He created his company Profete
- 2008 – He acquires Globo
- 2009 – He buys Bus Palladium
- 2012 – Profete becomes Moma Group
- 2016 – He opens, with singer Garou, Manko. He brings the Barrière group into his capital
- 2018 – He takes over Lapérouse and signs the future food court of the “Ateliers Gaité” project
- 2021 – He opens two restaurants in the Hôtel de la Marine
