Maxime Dacier is a citizen of the world. Born in Switzerland to a Belgian father and a Spanish-Italian mother, his life has been a whirlwind tour of Toulouse, Cannes, Los Angeles, Qatar, Sydney, Paris, and Beirut. But it is in Singapore where he finally planted his feet, making a distinct impact on the local F&B scene.
His background of constant movement and cultural shifting proved to be the ultimate training ground. He jokes that while he might not have many formal skills, his superpower is adaptability, a trait that has helped him navigate the chaotic waters of launching businesses in a competitive city.
Maxime’s journey wasn't a straight line to success. Bored of business school at 17, he cut his teeth working in a neighborhood bar. Shortly after, he invested in a venue that ultimately failed. But instead of retreating, he adapted.
Motivated by what he calls the 'spirit of revenge,' a friend convinced him to spearhead an independent project. Teaming up with Sharon, a seasoned professional in mixology, they co-founded Foxtail on Keong Saik Road. Remarkably, they went from concept to opening in just three months.
Despite his success, whenever patrons ask Maxime what he does, he simply replies that he is a waiter.
He rejects grandiose ideas, preferring to operate his business from the customer’s perspective. He saw a gap in the market for humble, honest bars that serve as social avenues where drinks are tasty and affordable.
Now 25, Maxime has added a second venue to his portfolio: Juice, an intimate wine bar on Circular Road. Unlike the lightning-fast launch of Foxtail, Juice was a labor of patience, taking eighteen months to open. Through this process, and with feedback from his partners Jordan and Alex, Maxime learned to overcome his stubbornness and prioritise a sustainable environment for his employees, proving that treating staff well is the key to preserving a business.
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Singapore’s Wine Palette & Future Plans
What does Maxime think about the sophisticated Singaporean wine market compared to France? How does he balance running two businesses while still living like a normal 25-year-old? To read the full feature, check out ASCENSION, the 3rd volume of INTERLUNAR’s zine.
