It’s been fascinating to look at the F&B scene within the Center East flourish, not simply the sheer development in numbers, however extra importantly, within the numerous spectacular homegrown ideas which have been created by regional entrepreneurs. Many of those are on their method to changing into regional, even when not but worldwide, gamers.
No much less fascinating is the gifted, tight-knit and extremely supportive F&B group right here, made up of passionate professionals which have really put the GCC on the worldwide map for eating and leisure.
Nicely-deserved recognition
With the rise in regional F&B entrepreneurship and funding in what’s such a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, having a devoted trade occasion for the restaurant group undoubtedly made sense. It was because of this that we launched the World Restaurant Funding Discussion board (GRIF) in 2015, which has now change into an integral a part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) annual occasion sequence, that includes bespoke boards in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Having led GRIF since its inception, I can actually say this has been such an thrilling journey. I’m additionally delighted to see that the world is now paying consideration to what’s occurring right here within the GCC and recognizing the regional F&B trade’s innovation and dynamism.
On that observe, the beginning of a brand new 12 months seems like the proper time to shine a highlight on 10 of the various profitable home-grown, fast-growing restaurant manufacturers from the Center East that I imagine have large issues in retailer:
Allo Beirut is a UAE homegrown model, impressed by the Golden Age of Beirut’s culinary cosmopolitanism. The menu options traditional Lebanese road meals, from Bliss Road to Bekaa and Byblos. A number of shops are set to open within the UAE in 2024, becoming a member of the seven already up and working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The model has additionally signed contracts in 5 GCC nations, with two shops at the moment below development in Saudi Arabia, set to open in early 2024. Additional enlargement is deliberate throughout Australia, India, Europe and North Africa.
Providing premium fried hen, free from antibiotics, preservatives and hormones, Bonbird is a vibrant ode to East London hen outlets. A sister idea to Pickl, Bonbird The Rooster Store launched within the UAE in 2023, with three venues open throughout Dubai and three extra, alongside a primary drive-through, within the pipeline. Bonbird’s first-year success has already prompted franchise enlargement and the staff is within the last phases of negotiations to safe a franchisee in Pakistan, whereas preliminary conversations to take Bonbird to India are underway.
This UAE born and primarily based idea constructed from each culinary and design ardour with a love for the wealthy cultural roots of the Asian continent serves up a lavish and complicated multi-sensory eating expertise. The menu pays homage to the normal flavors of the traditional Spice Route, fused with progressive cooking strategies, whereas its interiors are wealthy in historical past and complex in design. The model at the moment has 4 places within the UAE, with shops below improvement in Armenia, Bahrain, Qatar, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
Central has change into synonymous with burgers, monster shakes, beats, bowling and state-of-the-art arcades, impressed by the streets of the Large Apple. Shops have additionally carved a distinct segment as a go-to vacation spot for youngsters’s birthday events. Having originated within the UAE, with its first outlet in Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi, Central is future places within the GCC, Europe and Asia, concentrating on motels and huge developments. The model has two shops within the pipeline in Bahrain and Thailand.
Lock, Inventory & Barrel is the house of dwell music and a really perfect hangout for these searching for dwell leisure, sporting motion, bites and drinks. That includes an American industrial-meets-urban meals truck fit-out, it gives traditional pub grub, hearty mains and shareable plates. Every location is host to award-winning girls’ nights, Sunday roasts and weekly brunches. Having grown the model to 4 shops within the UAE, the group is now trying to develop internationally, with shops set to open in Bahrain, Qatar, Thailand and the US in 2024.
With its award-winning cheeseburgers, hen sandos, plant-based burgers and well-known shakes, Pickl has constructed up a loyal fan base within the area. Recognized for providing meals that’s free from antibiotics, hormones and antibiotics, Pickl has expanded quickly and now has 15 shops within the UAE and two in Bahrain by its franchise accomplice Zayani Meals. House owners Yolk Manufacturers have additionally secured agreements to launch in Qatar and Egypt in early 2024, and are closing in on offers in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Having originated within the Jap province of Saudi Arabia, Shawarma Hlayel’s specialty is meat and hen shawarma, and freshly baked bread that’s made in-house. With 23 places in Saudi Arabia, the model has seen robust development and enlargement by its franchise and cloud model mannequin, in addition to its menu verticals. The primary worldwide department opened in Egypt and will likely be adopted by openings in Bahrain and India in 2024.
Originating in Dubai in 2018, Mohalla is an award-winning Indian road meals restaurant. The menu is a fastidiously crafted tapestry of flavors and options conventional recipes with a recent twist, served in a vibrant, cozy setting. A part of the Atelier Home Hospitality group, led by Panchali Mahendra, the model has expanded into Saudi Arabia inside the final 5 years and now consists of two eating places in Riyadh, with extra branches set to open within the Kingdom. The homeowners are additionally planning to enter New York in 2024.
The brainchild of visionary chef Reif Othman, REIF eating places are identified for his or her delectable kushiyaki, ramen and sandos, enhanced by smooth décor and a buzzing vitality. Having begun as a neighborhood gem, the REIF model now has 5 shops throughout Dubai and Egypt, with two extra eating places within the pipeline in Egypt, signaling its bold plans for additional development. A homegrown idea from the UAE, REIF has been featured within the Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 and 2023, in MENA’s 50 Finest 2023 and Gault & Millau UAE 2023.
This award-winning, Dubai-born, female-led restaurant idea has taken Dubai by storm as the one smart-casual Vietnamese chain within the GCC. The primary restaurant opened in Jumeirah Lakes Towers in 2018, with six extra places following over the past 5 years. In November 2023, Vietnamese Foodies introduced its regional and worldwide enlargement plans, with proprietor and govt chef, Lily Hoa Nguyen, inviting buyers to convey the restaurant chain to new territories by world franchise alternatives. The restaurant’s Dubai-based places are founder-led and the enlargement plans make the most of a hands-on method.
