Franchise: +130 concepts to watch
HN takes you on a whistle-stop tour of 130+ successful food concepts in the Middle East and beyond, reaffirming what we already knew – that the franchise model is as powerful today as ever.
Fidel Cigars celebrates its 10-year anniversary
After the massive success of its first edition of Sunset Ash in 2019, Fidel Cigars, Lebanon’s most popular cigar and single malt lounge and bar, commemorated its 10-year anniversary on July 2, 2021, with the launch of its second edition of Sunset Ash event in collaboration with Oliva Cigars. The event took place at the beautiful sunset bar of Beit Misk, in the hills above Beirut.
A dose of brût with Chef Youssef Akiki
More than a chef, Youssef Akiki is a changemaker who is dedicated to his role as board member of the Lebanese Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Night-Clubs & Pastries and his consultancy work with the United Nations Industrial development Organization (UNIDO) in Lebanon. Today, Akiki is the owner and manager of the F&B consultancy firm Kitchen Backstage Company as well as brût, a unique farm-to-table concept that offers experiential Levantine cuisine.
Sandy Hayek at the helm of Time Out Market Dubai
Sandy Hayek is a woman of many talents. With a career spanning more than 15 years, she is not only an F&B operator but also a passionate sommelier. Having worked in Sweden and the UAE, where she has held senior positions at a number of award-winning dining and retail concepts including La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie in Downtown Dubai and Galeries Lafayette, she recently began a new chapter as the GM of Time Out Market Dubai, a new food hall. We learn more about her new role.
The kitchen’s hottest rising stars
One thing’s for sure: the Middle East is bursting at the seams with talented chefs who are making their culinary mark. We turned up the heat and spoke to some of the brightest stars in the kitchen to learn more about their experiences at home and abroad.
Michelin-starred Vito Mollica appointed executive chef of Chic Nonna, Dubai
Chef Mollica is known for preserving the properties of fresh ingredients while combining Italian and international flavors.
Global versus regional F&B trends
The Middle East is renowned for its prowess in introducing foreign cuisines locally, but which ones really stand out? Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema consulting services, dishes up the hottest food trends in the region.
Getting to grips with Generation Z
Having grown up with technology, Generation Z is one of the most advanced — and sophisticated — of all generations. Maya Bekhazi Noun, founder and managing director of The Food Studio, explains how this group is calling the shots, especially in the world of food and beverage.
Grilling with BBQ Bros
“If you get that gut feeling, trust it, and give it your all,” is Mario Aoun’s mantra. As owner and director of the BBQ Bros, one of Lebanon’s brightest food concepts, he has certainly followed his instincts, creating a respected brand that is now present in several countries in the Middle East.
Hady Kahale’s new chapter in the U.S.
A passionate wine connoisseur and consultant specialized in wine production and wineries, Hady Kahale is embarking on a new adventure in the U.S. with Naked Wines, the leader in the direct-to-consumer wine market in the U.S.
