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.
Behind the scenes: Baghdad’s hospitality potential
After years of conflict, Iraq is beginning to finally find its feet. Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, investigates how the country’s hospitality sector is shaping up and why the capital is proving appealing to F&B brands.
7 Management sets its sight on the GCC after massive UAE expansion
Renowned F&B titan 7 Management has dominated the hospitality scene in Riyadh, Beirut, Dubai and Doha, with an array of standout Middle Eastern brands, such as Café Beirut, February 30, Lucia’s, Antika and Sayf.
11 restaurants awarded Michelin stars in Dubai
Michelin unveiled its 2022 selection of the Michelin Guide Dubai, recognizing 69 restaurants covering 21 cuisines. A total of 11 restaurants were awarded with prestigious Michelin stars, while 14 were recognized as Bib Gourmand restaurants and one received a Green Star for sustainable gastronomy.
Em Sherif Sea Café opens in Bahrain, slated to open in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh later this year
The new Em Sherif seafood concept has a beef bar corner, and was created as an homage to Lebanon’s historic ties to the Mediterranean.
Sami Matta appointed multi-outlet GM at 25hours Hotel One Central
By the end of summer 2022, Sami Matta will also be responsible for two additional F&B outlets, one of which is the Shisha Garden.
Ennismore appoints chef Sara Aqel as executive chef of Fi’lia globally
Chef Aqel will oversee sister Fi’lia in Miami’s SLS Brickell and South Beach and SLS Baha Mar in the Bahamas, and upcoming Paris outlet.
OY Hospitality to launch five new F&B concepts in Dubai
OY Hospitality was founded in 2021 by entrepreneurs Oleksii Kolomiets and Yuriy Blotskyy, aiming to define luxury chic all-day dining.
A gloves-off conversation between restaurants operators and guests
Business consultant Keary Shandler answers the tough question of whether there is a disconnection between diners and restaurant owners, guests, and hotel operators. And tells us how the answer depends on your side of the fence.