Ziad Kamel, CEO and co-founder of Rosy Hospitality, is a passionate entrepreneur with an unstoppable drive for the hospitality industry. CQ French Brasserie, his latest Dubai venture, is located where Couqley JLT once stood. We learn more about his new French concept and how it is bringing something fresh to the city’s dining scene.
What inspired you to create CQ French Brasserie and how does it differ from Couqley?
CQ French Brasserie emerged from my deep passion for crafting soulful, high-quality dining experiences that perfectly blend exceptional service with modern hospitality. I’ve recently completed my 10-year commitment to managing Couqley in JLT. As I saw the opportunity to introduce a new concept that reflects my vision for the upcoming decade, I seized it.
Furthermore, CQ French Brasserie captures the vibrant energy of a Parisian brasserie. It also features a reimagined menu, refined interiors and a more expansive culinary approach. Moreover, this approach balances sophistication and accessibility. Thus, it ensures a memorable dining experience. While Couqley was focused on a bistro-style atmosphere, CQ French Brasserie introduces a livelier, more refined environment. It blends timeless Parisian charm with a fresh, contemporary touch.
With Couqley and now CQ French Brasserie, how are you redefining the essence of French dining in Dubai’s culinary scene?
We honor French dining by celebrating the rich traditions of its cuisine while adapting it to modern tastes. Furthermore French dining has always emphasized quality and authenticity, yet it must also evolve with changing times. Moreover, our approach blends timeless Parisian flavors with a contemporary dining experience that remains refined yet unpretentious.
We focus on sourcing the finest ingredients, executing every dish to perfection. We also offer warm, welcoming hospitality that reflects today’s Parisian brasserie culture. Thus, we are committed to making fine-casual dining in Dubai not only accessible but exceptional. We deliver incredible value without ever compromising on quality.
From beloved classics like steak frites and pain perdu to our signature croquette de short ribs and poisson frites, every detail at CQ French Brasserie is meticulously designed to create a memorable, immersive, and effortlessly Parisian dining experience.
Why did you choose to launch an independent concept rather than expand Couqley further?
After 17 incredible years as co-founder of Couqley, including a decade successfully establishing the brand in JLT, I felt it was time to explore something new. I sought freedom to launch a brasserie that embodies my vision for the future of French dining in this region.
Our experience, incredible team and operational expertise have always been our strengths, regardless of the brand itself. So, this made launching CQ French Brasserie a natural next step. This new venture allows us to craft a dining experience that aligns with our high standards in every aspect, whether it’s the interior design, menu, ambience or guest experience.
Additionally, launching CQ French Brasserie as an independent brand offers us the opportunity, autonomy and creative freedom to shape the concept purposefully. This enables us to grow strategically in Dubai and beyond, free from the constraints of external partnerships and limitations.
What can guests look forward to experiencing at CQ French Brasserie?
At CQ French Brasserie, guests can expect a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that captures the true charm of a Parisian brasserie. It’s a place designed to bring people together, making every visit feel like a celebration of warmth and good food.
Above all, CQ is a brasserie for friends and family, where every visit feels like a gathering filled with warmth and delightful meals. Furthermore, our menu perfectly balances beloved French classics with exciting new creations. We’ve crafted each dish with passion and dedication that defines our culinary philosophy.
The new interior design blends refinement with a relaxed, unpretentious ambiance. Thus, making CQ French Brasserie the ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions. We’re also introducing our own CQ wine label, while offering our signature French baguette and butter for sale. Consequently, this adds a personal touch of legacy and quality.
At CQ, we focus on soulful hospitality, timeless dishes and exceptional value. Thus, we ensure that every visit feels like a celebration of French dining at its best.
What are your future plans?
Rosy Hospitality, which I co-founded with my life partner, the group’s chief brand officer Rowan Kamel, our vision is to build a feel-good hospitality business. We partner with exceptional people who share our values and work ethic, fostering strong and lasting relationships.
We’re focused on creating high-performance, guest-centric dining experiences that are warm, innovative and memorable, ensuring every visit exceeds expectations. Following the successful launch of CQ French Brasserie in JLT, we plan to expand with two new locations in Barsha Heights and Downtown Dubai, with additional openings in the pipeline.
In March 2025, we will introduce Girl & the Goose Restaurante Centroamericano at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, led by our partner, founder and executive chef, Gabriela Chamorro. Chef Gabriela, known for her sought-after supper club and collaborations with celebrated chefs, is bringing bold Central American flavors and signature hospitality to a permanent space.
Meanwhile, Butter by the Dozen, Dubai’s go-to destination for the best cookies, is expanding beyond delivery. With our passionate partner, founder and chief baking officer, Asma Jabri, we are growing its reach across Dubai while developing the brand into a full-fledged café.
The new space will be a cozy, community-driven spot, offering freshly baked desserts, artisanal coffee and a thoughtfully crafted menu. At Rosy Hospitality, we are committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences that go beyond expectations, ensuring every detail reflects our vision.
As we continue to expand our brands and innovate, we look forward to shaping Dubai’s dining scene with passion, integrity, and creativity.
