foodforward

  Last October, I sat in a half-finished dining room in Riyadh, watching the dust settle on a stack of imported Italian floor tiles. The owner was stressed because the kitchen equipment was stuck at the border, and his head chef just quit to start a bakery in London. It was a mess. But that’s the reality of opening a spot in the Gulf right now; it’s never as shiny as the Instagram renders make it look. Building a brand that actually lasts Most people think opening a restaurant is about a cool logo and a signature dish. It isn’t. I’ve seen million-dollar projects fail in six months because they focused on the "vibe" but forgot about how the food actually gets to the table. When we talk about restaurant brand development , we’re really talking about identity. If your brand doesn't have a soul, people in Dubai will figure it out fast. They’ve seen it all before. Working with a restaurant development agency helps, but you have to be careful. Some agencies just give you a PDF...

Last Tuesday, I was sitting in a quiet bistro near Jumeirah Beach Road, watching the lunch rush—or rather, the lack of one. The space was beautiful, the lighting was perfect, and the staff were polished. But the place was empty. It reminded me of a project I saw last year in Riyadh where a founder spent 2 million SAR on marble flooring but forgot to check if the local neighborhood actually wanted a $50 steak. Opening a restaurant in the Middle East right now feels like a gold rush, especially with everything happening in Riyadh and Dubai. But the shiny exterior often hides a messy interior. If you're looking to build something that stays open longer than twelve months, you need more than a good chef. You need a strategy that survives the reality of high rents and fickle diners. The Foundation of a Concept That Doesn't Sink Most people start with a mood board. That’s a mistake. You should start with a gap in the market. I’ve seen dozens of owners try to replicate a London or New...

The following food and beverage consultants operate out of the United Arab Emirates but may have operations in other parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These companies are widely recognized as top F&B consultants Dubai , food and beverage consultants UAE, and trusted names for restaurant development services , F&B consulting companies in UAE, and food and beverage consulting Dubai . Gates Hospitality Another leading food and beverage consulting firm is Gates Hospitality, a well-known name among restaurant consultants Dubai , hospitality consultants in Dubai, and food and beverage strategy consultants UAE . As their name suggests, they specialize in various hospitality projects from spas to new restaurant and hotel launches, restaurant concept development , and food and beverage concept creation. It’s no surprise Gates Hospitality is a must-follow food and beverage consultant Middle East . The company was founded by leading F&B consultant Dubai and hospitality exp...