From the closures of long-established outlets to expansions beyond Malta’s shores and the lamented loss of important business figures, 2023 has been a whirlwind. As this year comes to a close, WhosWho.mt looks back at some of the announcements that made news in the local business world.

New names on the market

This year witnessed a plethora of new businesses making their mark on the Maltese scene, both local and international.

World-renowned Pizzeria Da Michele opened its first outlet in Malta, in June 2023. The historic Neapolitan pizzeria opened in Balluta Buildings, St Julians and is recognised by Michelin Guide as having one of the best pizzas in the world.

Meanwhile, just a few weeks ago, Malta-based eatery Hermanos Burgers announced that it began the process of expanding internationally, with the first two points of sale in Madrid.

In the same month the Hyatt franchise announced that it will be opening a new hotel in Swieqi across the road from the already established Hyatt Regency in St Julians. The hotel is expected to feature 187 rooms across nine floors, 27 of which are interconnected along with a spa, indoor and outdoor pool facilities, a restaurant, and lounge.

On the other hand, Italian home goods store Risparmio Casa is expected to open 10 outlets in Malta, with the first three expected to open in the coming year. News broke in October, being reported in Italian media outlets.

Palazzo Castagna opened its doors in July in Hal Ghaxaq, making it one of the very few high-end boutique hotels in the south of Malta.

Meanwhile, it was recently announced that budget Italian supermarket Eurospin will be opening its doors next door to Mosta's Lidl supermarket, and major sports retailer Sports Direct's Malta debut came that much closer after advertising boards appeared last month at a recently opened shopping mall. 

And finally, the long-awaited Mercury’s Shopping District opened to the public introducing new brands to the islands. These includes, Winset Milano, Archipals and Malta’s first Illy café.

Closing doors, one last time

2023 has seen many businesses closing down, and while some closed temporarily to make way for new and improved spaces, others ceased to operate all together.

One of Valletta’s most fascinating features is that even though it constantly sees change by way of new and trendy outlets and boutique hotels, it has its staples that have been long ingrained in its history. So, it undoubtedly came as a surprise when L-Amerikan closed its doors for good.

The clothing store officially closed in February marking the end of a long era of a business which was passed on from one generation to the next. Brothers Noel and Carmel Cachia have managed L-Amerikan for the past 40 years in Republic Street. “Yet another Valletta family-owned store that is closing for the last time,” said Noel Cachia at the time.

This was partly in reference to the famous spice shop Tal-Hwawar that had shut its original location. Luckily, it reopened a few months later, in March, at a new address in Valletta.

Close by, Irrera also called it a day back in May due to “unforeseen circumstances.” The restaurant was known for its bastion views and has been popular with the Maltese for many years because of its varied food offering.

To add to the list, Palm Valley, which closed after 28 years running as one of the most popular restaurants in Marsaskala. It had been winding down its operations and spent the whole of December 2022 closed. It served customers for the last time in January 2023. This came only a few months after another popular restaurant in the area, Il-Fanal, also closed down.

In February, American fast food restaurant franchise Subway closed all remaining outlets in Malta, located in Gzira, Sliema and Msida. Outlets in Valletta and Fgura closed beforehand.

2023 also saw another Frank Borda Ltd business close down, with the company's long-standing Gala Domestic Appliances and Gala Supermarket close in July, which followed the closure of its Skoda showroom in 2022. 

On a positive note, Dolmen Hotel closed its doors, however, it is set to make a return as DoubleTree by Hilton in March 2024. Owned by Tumas Group, the hotel is situated in St Paul’s Bay and features 488 rooms and suites. The hotel has recently undergone a significant renovation after an €18 million investment.

In addition, Costa Coffee closed its Balzan outlet, “to make room for other new locations across the islands. Its bean fun”. And lastly, Sliema's beloved Straws bid farewell in December 2023 after 43 years in business. The eatery was a staple for many Sliema-based residents and workers, and the announcement was met with sadness.

From Left to Right: Sarah Magro Miggiani, Tomek Piotrowski and Bryan Gera

Bidding farewell

Whilst we celebrate all that was achieved in the past year and look ahead to what’s coming next, it should be equally important to salute those who have unfortunately passed away in 2023. 

This month saw the passing of Sandro Mallia, Managing Director for Famalco Group, and Vincent Bonnici, Director of Bonnici Stores Ltd. Both heading their respective family businesses, the Directors were known for their work ethic and dedication.

Most recently, the local arts community was heavily saddened by the passing of accomplished photographer and graphic designer Zvezdan Reljić who passed at the age of 62 after a short battle with illness. 

The island was also shocked by the loss of MeDirect Senior Software Developer Sabrina Magro Miggiani, who worked with the bank since 2021. Additionally, beloved and well respected Jacqueline Camilleri also passed away in the first week of December. Ms Camilleri was a team member of Bank of Valletta who had previously served as Branch Manager in different localities.

April was marked by the passing of Isabelle Micallef, known as Bella, the Co-Owner of Copyclub Stationery and Photocopy Bureau close to the University of Malta. In an interview with The People of Malta back in 2017, she described herself as a "loud", "funny", and "positive" person, that when faced with difficult moments, always tries to "maintain a positive attitude".

Another much beloved member of the community whose loss was felt by many was that of Matthew Caruana, Owner of Iklin gaming and record store ICC Malta. Unfortunately, Mr Caruana fought a long and hard battle. Amidst the condolences many commended Mr Caruana for his excellent work throughout the years, thanking him for his friendly service.

Additionally, the retail community also lost Kenneth Ruggier, owner of Ethnics Malta who passed the way at 60 years of age. Ethnics Malta was a home décor shop in Sir Paul Boffa Avenue Paola.

In March, the catering world bid farewell to Valletta jazz club and restaurant owner Tomek Piotrowski. Many paid tribute to him describing him as a true friend. “His personality, charisma and attention to detail always created the perfect atmosphere where everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Former SMS Group Chairman Neville Mifsud passed away at 82 years of age in April. He was responsible for the setting up of the travel and tourism area of SMS Group in the early 1960s, building on the work done by his grandfather Orazio Mifsud, who had set up a ship chandler business in the Valletta’s Grand Harbour. SMS Group is now led by his sons Sam and Simon Mifsud.

On the other hand, former Chairman of BOV and Air Malta as well as Founder of Citadel Insurance Joseph Tabone passed away in August. Mr Tabone has an impressive career and was a well-respected colleague in the financial services industry. After the announcement of his death KPMG Principal Hilary Galea Lauri penned an emotional tribute to his former colleague. He described Mr Tabone as a beacon of inspiration who made significant contributions to the profession and that he had a unique ability to see beyond the horizon.

August was also marked by the passing of Welbee’s Supermarkets Head of Marketing Joseph Vassallo, whose departure was felt by many.

In September GAP Group plc announced the loss of its own shareholder, Chairman and Director George Muscat. The Group stated that Mr Muscat was a “catalyst” in the property development sector and was also involved in the retail sectors through his interests in Bay Street Complex, BHotel and the Hyatt Regency.

On 20th October, Bryan Gera passed away at the age of 89. Described as “a great proponent of business, education and philanthropy,” Mr Gera came from a very soldi commercial background which he developed in his family’s business Alfred Gera and Sons, an established pharmaceuticals importing company. He was a long-serving Director of the Farsons Board, the Chairman of the Farsons Foundation, and a board member of Atlas Insurance prior and after the mergers that formed the company.