Barilla, the Italian company behind Barilla pasta has opened two restaurants in Dubai in partnership with Al Futtaim Group.
Marking the brand’s first ventures outside of the US, the venues are located in Dubai Festival City and The Outlet Village and promise to offer authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices.
Omar Al Futtaim, vice chairman and chief executive officer, Al Futtaim Group commented: “Barilla is one of the most famous food brands in the world, with many years of history and warm Italian culture. For us these first two Barilla Restaurants in Dubai represent the start of much bigger plans.
“We are pleased to be working alongside the Barilla family and confident that combined with Al-Futtaim Group’s long standing experience in the Middle East, Barilla Restaurants will enjoy as much success here as they have in the USA.”
The menu offers pasta, pizza, Italian deserts, sandwiches, salads and soups and the restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available.
The Dubai venues are the first of several Barilla Restaurants to be rolled out across the region in partnership with Al Futtaim Group.
Luca Barilla, vice chairman, Barilla Group commented: “The arrival of Barilla Restaurants in the Middle East are part of a growth plan in an area, which sees an increasing interest in pasta and high-quality Italian cuisine.
“The success of the restaurants in the United States has prompted us to take on this new challenge with an outstanding partner: the Al–Futtaim Group, a business that we had the opportunity to get to know and appreciate. The long-term objective is to create a chain of restaurants where people can become familiar with the Mediterranean diet and eat quality Italian dishes in an informal setting.”
Established in Parma, Italy in 1877, Barilla is a specialist in pasta and pasta sauce, bakery products and crispbreads.
The company owns 29 production facilities (14 in Italy and 15 abroad) and exports to more than 100 countries, including countries in the GCC.
