SPECIAL REPORT
FRANCHISING
7 MANAGEMENT’S FOUNDER & CEO
RABIH FAKHREDDINE, A TRENDSETTER IN THE F&B AND NIGHTLIFE SCENE
based here as well, and we own all our Born in Lebanon, Rabih brands. The idea behind expanding in the UAE Fakhreddine graduated with a involves taking the essence of each brand and degree in business marketing giving it a new home to thrive in and bring our creative acumen and cost-efficient from the American University pleasure to more people. Antika, for example, decisions, allowed us to weather the storm, of Beirut. Early in his career, he will be franchised in another emirate soon, as and, to some degree, thrive. Lebanese expats have found joy in connecting gained experience in the FMCG Thankfully, we were able to retain all of with places that remind them of home; and industry, including a prestigious our employees. I would like to express we have also reached a diverse clientele who position at British American my gratitude to our incredible team who enjoy what we have to offer, whether it’s helped us adapt and survive this pandemic. Tobacco (BAT) as a manager of Antika or Seven Sisters. I have so much pride and respect for them the Levant region. Soon, we will be welcoming Lebanon’s as family and for their dedication and A visionary at heart, Fakhreddine legendary B018 nightclub to Dubai. Also loyalty during this crisis. But I cannot take stepped out of the corporate scheduled to open is The Theater, which all of the credit for our business decisions; world to follow his passion for the promises to change the face of nightlife and I need to acknowledge that the UAE has food and entertainment industry. entertainment in the Middle East with its live, always provided us with solid opportunities, dynamic shows and performers directed remaining financially and economically In 2015, he opened Seven Sisters, by Guy Manoukian, Lebanese-Armenian robust in the past and during this pandemic. a luxurious oasis of music and musician, composer and pianist. Is there a destination where you would cuisine within the heart of Beirut, What is the secret behind 7 like to expand your portfolio? and formed 7 Management Management’s success? Our expansion plans do include Athens soon after. The success of Seven I would say that our industry specifically, not and London, and we are considering other Sisters acted as a catalyst for the only 7 Management, has shown dignified destinations in Europe and the Middle East, resilience in the face of the many difficulties development of the ten food, such as KSA and Egypt. Our industry has we have faced. Some businesses were hit become incredibly diverse, with different beverage and entertainment harder than others, and this is unfortunate, but audiences looking for something unique. concepts that followed. business carries risk that one is aware of when
What’s your mantra? If you have a vision and an ironclad will, then nothing can stop you from accomplishing everything you want. The sky’s the limit.
Do you have any new franchises in the pipeline? I do not consider that bringing Lebanon’s beloved nightlife names to the UAE is “franchising,” since our head offices are
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | JUN - JUL 2021
they venturing into our industry. Like other business owners, we faced a serious drop in sales but took swift action when we saw how this could significantly shake our industry and cause serious or permanent damage. We immediately reworked our business model from financials to forecast planning, which actually made us become more creative in finding solutions to staying afloat. Our crisis management model, combined with
But they all have one thing in common; they are all experience seekers. The versatility and modernity of today’s customers, who can easily find what they seek in any country, is both a challenge and a joy. To be able to reach them and provide memorable experiences while carving our name into their thoughts is both a pleasure and an honor. Hence 7 Management’s tagline: “Moments made memorable.” 7management.me
