Hospitality management firm JRG Dubai’s new Managing Director Spencer Ayers aims to prioritise sustainability as part of his mission and vision for the company, which currently operates 17 restaurants (four of which are in the pipeline) and 11 brands.
“The ultimate priority is sustainability. In its purest form, success equals growth and we want to continue seeing growth across our existing concepts and the portfolio’s overall brand count. We have wonderful concepts that appeal to tourists and residents, but we must endeavour to be even more attractive to domestic diners. To achieve that, we need agile and accessible concepts to safeguard our longevity and grow our resonance with the consumers we serve,” says Ayers.
JRG Dubai has adopted a group-wide commitment to ban single-use plastics – the company even conducts an annual ‘Plastic Amnesty’ exercise at flagship brand, The Noodle House, where diners can trade unused plastic cutlery for menu discounts.
“Concepts that connect to our consumers will boost loyalty. When married with our operational experience and value offering, this enhanced loyalty will ensure our long-term financial sustainability,” he adds.
The managing director, who joins JRG after three decades of senior-level food and beverage sector experience at the UAE’s Bateel International LLC, Le Pain Quotidien and AlShaya Group International as well as various positions in the United Kingdom, vows to embrace adaptability and accessibility as pillars of future growth.
Further commenting on his new role, Ayer adds: “I understand the GCC and Dubai in particular, but it’s vital we also understand what’s happening across the global dining market – from London to New York – and assess how habits are changing. Dubai isn’t insulated from global challenges, so we must use innovation and adaptability to remain at the top of our game. Challenges are opportunities and JRG Dubai is well-versed in adapting to trends and consumer habits.”
JRG Dubai currently operates The Noodle House, Trattoria Toscana and Perry & Blackwelder’s, premium or upscale venues such as Pierchic, Pai Thai and Segreto. Recent launches include Flow at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, The Duck Hook and Hillhouse Brasserie at Dubai Hills Golf Club.
