• Magazine Archive
  • Advertise With Us
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
  • Login
Hotel News ME
  • Hotels
  • Catering
  • Reviews
  • Suppliers
  • People
  • Videos
  • Events
    • GM Leaders Conference
      • Conference 2020
    • Leaders in Hospitality Awards
      • Awards 2021
    • Leaders in F&B Awards
      • Awards 2019
    • The Big F&B Forum
      • Forum 2019
    • Executive Housekeepers Conference
  • Business Connect
No Result
View All Result
Hotel News ME
  • Hotels
  • Catering
  • Reviews
  • Suppliers
  • People
  • Videos
  • Events
    • GM Leaders Conference
      • Conference 2020
    • Leaders in Hospitality Awards
      • Awards 2021
    • Leaders in F&B Awards
      • Awards 2019
    • The Big F&B Forum
      • Forum 2019
    • Executive Housekeepers Conference
  • Business Connect
No Result
View All Result
Hotel News ME
No Result
View All Result
Home Catering

Opinion: Authentic Ethnic

Crystal Chesters by Crystal Chesters
January 3, 2017
in Catering, F&B, Interviews & Features
A A

Mario Haddad, managing Partner Al Falamanki discusses capturing the mood of the UAE market through retail and quality food provenance 

Mario Haddad

Food and beverage outlets in the UAE are contending with a busy marketplace as new venues open daily, tempting customers to try the latest and greatest. We are all focused on attracting new guests but more importantly retaining a loyal fan base, and that is no easy feat. There are several go-to-market strategies depending on the business model, which vary from deals and discounts to events and strategic partnerships. All of them have a part to play.

By bringing Lebanese concept, Al Falamanki, to the UAE, our aim was to tap into the growing “Authentic Ethnic” trend, which looks set to define 2017. The responsibility for bringing a culinary concept to a new market is as much about showcasing a way of life, as it is about highlighting quality, local producers. This will define a brand concept and encourage a loyal customer following.

There is a strong culture of dining out regularly among the local Middle Eastern population, expats and tourists who regularly travel and are familiar with different cuisines from around the world. Excitingly, the UAE is also a popular destination for intrepid Western and Asian tourists, many of whom are seeking out the ‘real’ culinary experience.

Delivering the true ethos of a menu relies on sourcing quality produce with authentic provenance. It may be harder to achieve this in the UAE than in the concept’s local market, however the effort will set a restaurant apart in a crowded marketplace.

From our research, both in the industry and among our own guests, we have seen demand for a retail strategy that drives footfall and reinforces brand loyalty. The majority of our suppliers are small, local producers from across Lebanon, many of whom create ingredients exclusively for Al Falamanki.

Al Falamanki retail component
Al Falamanki retail component

With the success of the brand, comes the responsibility to give back and so we have replicated this aspect of the Beirut cafe here in Dubai. It showcases and sells products under the label of the producers, allowing these businesses to gain access to the end consumer directly.

The retail element is not just a sales function. It is a natural extension of the concept since we believe that Falamanki is not just an F&B outlet but rather a way of life; a true, Lebanese experience and somewhere guests can reconnect with their roots.

Retail is an additional way to reinforce this feeling, this homecoming, whether you are part of the Lebanese diaspora or simply a patron wishing to take a slice of Lebanon home with you.

Competition in the F&B industry is fierce. In the UAE, people can quickly follow the newest, shiniest opening in town. However, if a restaurant can develop an authentic environment that envelops the guest, sparking memories of home or a past trip, this “Authentic Ethnic” will surely drive customer loyalty.

Tags: Al FalamankiDubaiFood and beveragefood retailMario Haddadrestaurant retailretail

Related Posts

Dubai Food Festival announces new dates for 2021
Catering

Dubai Food Festival announces new dates for 2021

March 1, 2021
The Nine Gastropub introduces exclusive pie menu
Catering

The Nine Gastropub introduces exclusive pie menu

March 1, 2021
Lucky Fish restaurant opens on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah
Catering

Lucky Fish restaurant opens on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

February 28, 2021
Please login to join discussion

Trending

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers appoints new executive team
Appointments

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers appoints new executive team

by Dina Maaty
February 23, 2021

Read more
sbe names general manager for SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
Appointments

sbe names general manager for SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences

by Dina Maaty
February 24, 2021

Read more
InterContinental Dubai Marina appoints F&B operations manager
Appointments

InterContinental Dubai Marina appoints F&B operations manager

by Dina Maaty
February 21, 2021

Read more

Digital Magazine

Hotel News ME

Copyright © 2021
BNC Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Navigate Site

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Hotels
  • Catering
  • Reviews
  • Suppliers
  • People
  • Videos
  • Events
    • GM Leaders Conference
      • Conference 2020
    • Leaders in Hospitality Awards
      • Awards 2021
    • Leaders in F&B Awards
      • Awards 2019
    • The Big F&B Forum
      • Forum 2019
    • Executive Housekeepers Conference
  • Business Connect

Copyright © 2021
BNC Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In