Taking the lead with Mark Patten, senior VP of food & beverage at The First Group
An internationally award-winning chef and highly respected food and beverage operations specialist, Mark Patten is leading The First Group’s fast-growing F&B division. His track record in creating successful, cutting-edge F&B concepts in the UAE, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK is a testament to his optimism, hard work, hands-on attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. Here, Patten tells us more about the group’s expansion.
Homegrown Akiba Dori expands beyond the GCC
Dubai homegrown Japanese concept Akiba Dori has kicked off its fifth anniversary with a franchise development agreement for 30 locations in India. Following the restaurant’s successful expansion streak, with five branches launched in the GCC within the last five years, Akiba Dori’s modern Japanese street food and Tokyo-style pizza have been enjoyed over the last five years in the UAE and, most recently, Saudi Arabia.
5 minutes with Jordanian top chef Ali Ghzawi
In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News ME, Ali Ghzawi, Jordanian patron chef of Alee restaurant and former winner of MBC Arabia’s Top Chef (2019), shares his story and ambitions for the future.
