Turistička zajednica Zagrebačke županije u suradnji s udrugom JRE-Hrvatska (Jeunes Restaurateurs) objavljuje poziv ugostiteljskim objektima s područja Zagrebačke županije za sudjelovanje u mentorskom pilot-programu. Poziv se provodi u sklopu projekta Sustainable AgriGastro Innovation Hub – From Soil to Signature, sufinanciranog sredstvima Hrvatske turističke zajednice kroz Fond za turistički nedovoljno razvijena područja i kontinent.
One restaurant will be selected to work closely with the project's expert team to enhance its gastronomic offering, strengthen cooperation with local suppliers, develop its wine selection, improve service standards, and refine its digital communication. The programme aims to identify the selected restaurant's existing strengths and potential and, through tailored professional mentoring, develop it into a practical example of best practice that can serve as a model for the programme's continuation in 2027.
"The gastronomy of Zagreb County has been growing steadily and authentically, shaped by the families, fields and vineyards behind every dish. Through this programme, we are not looking for the perfect restaurant, but for one that is eager to grow and has the ambition to tell its own story in its own way. Quality cannot be imported—it is patiently built from the ground up. That is precisely what From Soil to Signature is about: the journey from the land to a distinctive culinary identity,"said Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to restaurants operating in Zagreb County where food preparation and service are essential parts of the business. Applicants should demonstrate an established level of quality or clear potential for further development, have a stable operational team, show a commitment to incorporating more local and seasonal ingredients into their offer, and be open to professional feedback and implementing improvements in their day-to-day operations.
What Does the Selected Restaurant Receive?
Participation in the programme is free of charge. The selected restaurant will receive personalised mentoring across four key areas:
- Kitchen and Gastronomic Offer Analysis of the existing menu and culinary identity, Connecting with local producers, • Development of new dishes or signature menu elements
- Wine Selection and Service Review of the existing wine list, •Recommendations for including wines from Zagreb County, Development of a wine-by-the-glass offer and food-and-wine pairings, Evaluation of key service standards and procedures
- Digital Communication: Review of existing communication channels, Development of content themes, Guidelines for a more consistent and effective digital presence
- Documentation and Presentation of Results Professional photography and video production, Presentation of the programme's outcomes at the project's closing event, Preparation of a detailed case study
The costs of professional mentoring, as well as the agreed photography and video production, will be fully covered by the project. The selected restaurant will receive the agreed-upon portion of the resulting promotional materials for its own marketing purposes. At the same time, additional visibility will be provided through the project's communication channels, the Zagreb County Tourist Board, and JRE-Croatia.
Project Expert Team
Depending on the area of expertise, mentoring will be provided by renowned chefs Bernard Korak and Tibor Valinčićsommeliers and maîtres d'hôtel Branimir Vukšić and Dinko Lozica, Lucija Bilandžić Matić, country manager JRE-Hrvatska, te Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.
Programme Duration
The Mentorship Programme will run from late September until 15 December 2026, comprising approximately four to six mentoring sessions, delivered both on-site at the selected restaurant and online, depending on the specific focus areas and the participant's needs.
Application Deadline and Procedure
Applications must be submitted as a single Word or PDF document no later than 15 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m.simultaneously to rh.erj@ofni and rh.ytnuocbergaztisiv@ofni, with the email subject: Application for the Mentorship Programme – [Restaurant Name]
Applications will be evaluated by the Mentorship Pilot Programme Selection Committee according to predefined criteria, with a maximum score of 100 points. The selected participant will be notified and publicly announced no later than 22 September 2026.
Detailed information about the Mentorship Pilot Programme, participation requirements, application procedure and deadlines is available in the official call:
Call for Participation in the Mentorship Pilot Programme (PDF)
The project is financed through the Fund for Underdeveloped Tourism Areas and Continental Tourism, based on a decision of the Croatian National Tourist Board Tourist Council, following the recommendation of a committee comprising representatives of the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, and members of the Croatian National Tourist Board Tourist Council.
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