Hot franchises
We list several leading franchises in the region, with details on their owners by and where they can be found.
View from the top with Eleni Tsolakou, GM of Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi
As general manager of Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, Eleni Tsolakou knows what it takes to lead a team. We spoke with the seasoned hotelier to find out what’s trending in the hospitality landscape.
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.
Heinrich Morio is named the new GM of Zulal wellness resort by Chiva-Som
Chiva-Som International Health Resorts has appointed Heinrich Morio as the GM of its newest wellness destination in Qatar, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre partners with Misk Skills
The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre has joined forces with Misk Skills to welcome 20 interns and aspiring managers for hands-on training and skill development toward rewarding careers in hospitality, thus giving the next generation of hotel talent a major boost in the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Japan crowned winner of the 2023 Pastry World Cup
Held this year at Sirha – Lyon, the 18th Pastry World Cup ended with Japan winning the coveted top spot, followed by Italy and France. The Japanese team, which comprised Moe Takahashi, Naritoshi Suzuka and Yusaku Shibata’s, was commended for its outstanding technical skills and originality.
Dubai named number one global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for second consecutive year
Dubai named number one global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for second consecutive year
