Tomáš Karpíšek, founder of the Ambiente restaurant group, was awarded the Medal of Merit at Prague Castle on 28 October. President Petr Pavel honoured him for his contribution to the economy, linked, among other things, to the development and refinement of contemporary Czech gastronomy.
Tomáš Karpíšek, founder of the Ambiente group, is one of the figures who have significantly influenced the contemporary Czech restaurant scene. On Wednesday, 28 October, he received the Medal of Merit from President Petr Pavel for his services to the state in the field of the economy. Among the reasons for the award were his contribution to the development and refinement of Czech gastronomy and the establishment of a network of distinctive restaurants.
“I am a chef, and I was fortunate enough to train as both a chef and an entrepreneur in Austria. Cooking and hospitality were my passion back then and still are,” said Karpíšek in an interview with VisitChef.
Karpíšek is the driving force behind the Ambiente group, which offers a wide range of gastronomic concepts under various brands. Its establishments are united by an emphasis on the quality of ingredients, craftsmanship, hospitality, and the pursuit of a unique approach to both Czech and international cuisine. The award thus recognises not only entrepreneurial success but also the importance of gastronomy as part of Czech culture and public life.
Karpíšek received the Medal of Merit at a ceremony in the Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle, held to mark the anniversary of the founding of the independent Czechoslovak state. Alongside him, this year’s recipients included figures from the fields of culture, science, healthcare, sport, and other sectors.
