Călin Cîndea: The Entrepreneur Bringing Childhood Spirit into Hospitality

Discover the story of Călin Cîndea, founder of Maidan and Piua, about entrepreneurship, authenticity, and the joy of creating culinary experiences that unite people.

Călin Cîndea is the founder of Maidan, a Romanian brand launched in 2017 in the hospitality sector, which evolved from the development of the Moșia Corbeanca venue to the creation of Maidan Events – event catering – and Maidan Catering – large-scale catering for companies, schools, and public institutions. In 2025, he expanded into ready meals with the brand “Piua – pauza de bun,” currently serving over 1,600 meals daily.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, to spark curiosity in those who don’t know you yet?
Călin Cîndea: A curious entrepreneur in love with the playgrounds of childhood, always seeking the next experience that brings people joy by gathering them around a good meal.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Călin Cîndea: Looking back, the first turning point was the decision to leave my corporate career behind to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I started from a simple observation: in Romania’s HORECA market, there was too much focus on form and too little on substance. I wanted to do the opposite – to create spaces and contexts where people feel free, relaxed, and authentic, just like on the childhood playground.

The first step was in 2017 with Moșia Corbeanca. In 2018 I launched Maidan Events, in 2022 Maidan Catering, and in 2025 Piua – pauza de bun, along with the relaunch of the Fezandate de Moșie line. At the end of 2024 we inaugurated Maidan Spațiul. All these stages share a common denominator: good taste, lively atmosphere, and the freedom to enjoy food and people without rigid rules.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Călin Cîndea: The hardest moment for me was losing my partner, Bogi, in 2024. It was a painful break, both personally and professionally. Instead of stopping, I chose to look at the business from a new angle and take it further in a way that honors his memory. We refreshed the brand, strengthened the team, modernized processes, and moved into a space that allows us to grow.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, no matter the obstacles?
Călin Cîndea: My dream has always been to create places and moments where people feel free, like on the childhood playground: no pretenses, no masks, just the joy of being together.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?
Călin Cîndea: At the beginning, I was an enthusiastic entrepreneur but with many unknowns. I relied on instinct and energy. Today I feel more balanced, more detail-oriented, and more aware of my role. If at first I wanted just a different kind of place, now I want to build a community and a lasting brand.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Călin Cîndea: I think they would describe me as a calm and adaptable leader who gives people the freedom to leave their mark. For them, I remain “the kid with the ball” — always ready to jump in wherever needed.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Călin Cîndea: Leaving my corporate career behind to follow my dream in hospitality. It was a leap without a safety net, but one that brought me the greatest satisfaction.

C&B: How did you shape your leadership style or the way you make decisions?
Călin Cîndea: My style was built from lived experiences, tough moments, and the right inspiration at the right time. The book Antifragile by Nassim Taleb changed my perspective. The MBA at BISM gave me clarity and structure. For me, leadership is about trust, real dialogue, and the courage to walk alongside the team.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business from the rest of the industry?
Călin Cîndea: We put authenticity first: good taste, a warm atmosphere, the freedom to be yourself. We don’t aim for perfect events, but real experiences.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Călin Cîndea: My day starts at 6:00 with breakfast for the kids. The morning is for important meetings, lunch with the team, and lighter tasks in the afternoon. Evenings are for family, walks, and bedtime stories.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Călin Cîndea: Authenticity and honesty. Caring for people, listening, and flexibility. Adaptability without losing your essence is the key.

C&B: How did the idea of starting this business come about, and how did you choose the name?
Călin Cîndea: We were inspired by the playgrounds of our childhood: freedom, play, the joy of sharing. We wanted to bring that into hospitality. For us, “Maidan” is not just a place, it’s a state of mind.

C&B: If you were to send a message to people who follow your example, what would it be?
Călin Cîndea: Don’t be afraid to start, even if you don’t have all the answers. In business, just like on the playground, you learn the rules as you play. Obstacles will come, but they are what will shape you and make you stronger.

Călin Cîndea shows us that passion, authenticity, and the courage to follow your own dream can turn an idea into a thriving community and lasting brand. Through Maidan and Piua, he brings the joy of childhood back into hospitality, reminding us that good food and authentic experiences bring people together.