Haider Madani, owner of CASSETTE and NETTE Dubai, has an insatiable appetite for great food, music and art. Here, he describes his journey and future plans.
Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur and how you transitioned from the automotive industry to the F&B industry?
I took up mechatronic engineering at Middlesex University in the UK, where I focused on both electrical and mechanical systems, including a combination of robotics, electronics, and product engineering. My passion for engineering led me to co-found with my brother, Nizar, JEEPERS, an authorized Jeep dealer in UAE, specializing in modification, customization and fabrication.
I always had an interest in the F&B industry and was looking to launch a space where people could enjoy great food in an electric ambience with personalized service. By joining forces with my nephews Hasan and Husain, the founders of H2R Design, the Parisian bistro concept CASSETTE was born in The Courtyard, Al Quoz, followed by the opening of NETTE in Matcha Club, Al Quoz.
What inspired you to create CASSETTE and NETTE?
CASSETTE was born out of a passion to serve quality, fresh food in a cool, relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Since day one, our goal has been to create a healthy and sustainable restaurant menu.
We have experienced great success since opening CASSETTE. I have been eagerly anticipating an opportunity to introduce a unique array of flavors to the Dubai food scene through another distinctive venue. Matcha Club, a boutique padel club and community hangout, seemed like an ideal fit. With its offering of padel courts and mindfulness classes, such as yoga and meditation, this fresh concept provided the perfect setting for our innovative French/Japanese fusion-inspired menu. It inspired us to develop a design model that seamlessly merged the dining and padel experiences, catering to a health-conscious market that values overall well-being.
What future plans or expansions do you have in mind for CASSETTE and NETTE?
The business has been thriving and continues to grow since we opened. We are so appreciative of the support we have received from the outset. So far, the feedback has all been positive, and we have really enjoyed providing new experiences within one of Dubai’s leading cultural hubs and neighborhoods. In terms of growth, we are always looking ahead. We take pride in listening to our customers’ feedback and the community we have nurtured.
We will continue to evolve the menu to incorporate seasonal produce, and we already have some exciting upcoming growth plans. Taking pride in serving healthy dishes and comfort foods that create authentic and captivating stories is part of our culture, and healthy eating is a trend that is continuing to evolve. We must adapt and bring in significant change while also holding on to old techniques and traditions, and we must not forget the importance of indulgence.