Ryan Godinho

Ryan Godinho is an Australian entrepreneur, a specialised coffee instructor, and columnist based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He is the founder and CEO of Specialty Batch Coffee, a premium wholesale coffee roastery and cafe equipment company, and the owner of specialised hospitality ventures, such as Stomping Grounds and Tyler's Tavern.
 
Noted for his significant contributions to the hospitality industry, Godinho's insights and opinions have been highlighted by prominent publications such as Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine. He has previously held the role of national coordinator for World Coffee Events in the United Arab Emirates, and is a certified coffee instructor with the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
Godinho has become a prominent figure in the UAE's coffee industry, and his achievements have been featured in several industry publications and media outlets, including Barista Magazine (USA), Khaleej Times, Arabian Business, The National, Caterer Magazine, Forbes, and Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2023, Entrepreneur Magazine named Godinho one of the Top 10 Influential Businesspersons to Watch in the Middle East.
==Early life and education==
Godinho spent his childhood and adolescence split between Dubai and Melbourne developing a genuine appreciation for fine coffee during his high school days. During his teenage years while completing his higher education, his passion for the specialty coffee business was further nurtured through a series of part-time jobs at various Australian cafés and restaurants.
Godinho completed A-Levels at Dubai College in 2003 where he studied Music, Music Technology, Computer Science, French and Business Studies. He later pursued a master's degree in Music Production and Audio Technology from the SAE Institute in South Melbourne, Australia, which he obtained in 2008.
==Career==
Godinho began his career in the coffee industry in 2009, first serving in an operational role for the annual International Coffee & Tea Festival in Dubai. He subsequently became the National Coordinator for the UAE on behalf of World Coffee Events, overseeing the launch and management of all licensed National Coffee Championships in the UAE, including the UAE Barista Championship, UAE Latte Art Championship, UAE Brewers Cup, and UAE Cup Tasters Championship.
In 2010, he was appointed the first lead instructor for the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) in the UAE, where he hosted accredited educational programs covering various aspects of professional development including green coffee grading, coffee roasting, sensory skills, coffee brewing and coffee business.
 
In 2011, Godinho established Specialty Batch Coffee, offering training and education across the entire coffee value chain. Over time, the company expanded to include a roastery and equipment division, and established regional distribution agreements with specialty equipment brands, Synesso, Anfim, Poursteady, Bentwood and Grindie. Today, Specialty Batch Coffee is a premium wholesale coffee roastery and complete coffee solution provider, supporting over 500 restaurants across the country with coffee and equipment supplies and operational assistance.
 
In 2015, Godinho founded Stomping Grounds, a specialty coffee bar and restaurant located in Dubai within the prestigious neighbourhood of Jumeirah 1. Seating up to 100 customers, the cafe serves a diverse range of single-origin specialty coffees and a highly acclaimed all-day dining menu. Since its inception, the cafe has won several awards, including Best Independent Specialty Cafe in the UAE and Time Out Dubai's Best Breakfast.
 
In 2022, Godinho co-founded and launched Tyler's Tavern, a contemporary bar and grill situated near the new harbour-side facility of Specialty Batch Coffee in Mina Rashid, Dubai. Seating up to 150 customers, spread across 10,000 square feet, Tyler’s Tavern offers live entertainment, a modern fusion pub menu, craft taps, a diverse selection of wines and liquors, and a comprehensive list of signature cocktails. Today, Tyler's Tavern sets a new standard in the UAE by offering an elevated coffee cocktail menu.
 
Prior to entering the coffee industry, Godinho co-founded BG Studios and Soundproof Cafe in North Melbourne. The business provided recording and rehearsal room services: with separate vocal and drum recording facilities, a 48-track multi-tracking system, post-production and mastering services. In addition, the in-house SoundProof Cafe operated 24/7, offering small-batch roasted single origins, custom blends, and light snacks.
 
Ryan Godinho is an official member of the Forbes Business Council and is often cited by Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine for his valuable insights into the hospitality and business industries.
==Awards and recognitions==
* Godinho has been named one of the Top 10 Influential Businesspersons to Watch in the Middle East in 2023 by Entrepreneur Magazine.
* LA WEEKLY has recognized Godinho as one of the Top 10 Entrepreneurs of 2023.
* The International Business Times has identified him as one of 7 Trailblazing Entrepreneurs Who Are Changing the Game.
* World’s Leaders Magazine recognised Godinho as one of the Most Influential Entrepreneurs in Middle East in 2023
Awards (Stomping Grounds):
* UAE’s Best Independent Specialty Café 2019 at the Europe and Middle East Coffee Awards, hosted by Allegra, United Kingdom.
* UAE’s Best Independent Specialty Café 2020 at the UAE Business Awards 2020, hosted by MEA Markets.
* Dubai’s BEST BREAKFAST 2020 at TIME OUT DUBAI Restaurant Awards.
* HIGHLY COMMENDED CAFÉ 2020 at TIME OUT DUBAI Restaurant Awards.
* TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE 2021 AWARD by TRIPADVISOR.COM
* TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE 2022 AWARD by TRIPADVISOR.COM
* BEST UPMARKET CAFE & RESTAURANT 2023 – DUBAI, at the Restaurant and Bar Awards 2023 hosted by LUXlife magazine
Awards (Specialty Batch Coffee)
* Best Specialty Coffee & Supplies Brand United Arab Emirates 2020, Food & Drinks Awards, hosted by Lux Life Magazine
* Best Specialty Coffee Equipment Service 2021, UAE Business Awards, hosted by MEA Markets.
* Best Specialty Coffee Supplier (Middle East) 2022, UAE Business Awards, hosted by MEA Markets.
* Best Specialty Coffee Supplier (UAE) 2022, The Global 100
* Most Comprehensive Coffee Supplier – Middle East 2022, at the MEA Business Awards 2022, hosted by MEA Markets.
==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
* Specialty Batch Coffee
* Stomping Grounds
* Tyler's Tavern
* Synesso
* Anfim
* Bentwood
* Poursteady
* Grindie
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Category:Australian businesspeople
Category:Coffee preparation
Category:Columnists
Category:People from Melbourne