NEWS
F&B
JAD ABOU JAOUDE, A LEADING RESTAURATEUR AT THE FOREFRONT OF EXPANSION IN THE MIDDLE EAST With over 20 years of experience, Jad Aboujaoude, a leading restaurateur and avid entrepreneur, has been busy launching a series of new projects under the function of founder and managing director of his new company, Elements Hospitality. In a sit-down with HN, he tells us all about his latest endeavors. What are your most recent projects? We’ve recently acquired from Spain the master franchise development of Salmon Guru, a gastro-cocktail bar that has been
named the highest climber in the World’s 50 Best Bars since 2019. We will open our first branch in Dubai at the ME Hotel, Business Bay, an iconic property designed by Zaha Hadid.
Do you have expansion plans in the pipeline? After the success of TATEL’s expansion throughout Bahrain and KSA, we are aiming to finalize agreements in Dubai and Qatar. The uniqueness of TATEL not only resides in the distinctive partnership with Rafael Nadal, Enrique Iglesias, Cristiano Ronaldo, Abel Matutes and Manuel Campos but also in a gastronomic cuisine that combines strong Spanish character with a stroke of sophistication and innovation.
Furthermore, we are delighted to consult, connect and work on the expansion and franchise of two outstanding brands, 3Fils (Dubai) and Baoli (Cannes), with the wellestablished F&B group Arabian Phenix Entertainment (KSA).
ILILI RESTAURANT, THE LEBANESE FOOD REFERENCE, EXPANDS BEYOND NEW YORK The culinary journey of Philippe Massoud, executive chef, CEO and owner of ilili, is embedded in the rich heritage of Lebanese cuisine and hospitality. Inspired to bring Lebanese food to the forefront, Massoud opened ilili in 2007 in New York City’s Flatiron District. We learn more about the brand and its recent expansion. What can you tell us about the new ilili branch in Washington, D.C.? ilili officially opened its doors in D.C. on October 7. We have a magnificent space at The Wharf, with a warm, festive environment. We have poured our hearts and souls into this restaurant and believe it will make an impact on our nation’s
BARBAR RESTAURANTS EXPANDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST The famous Lebanese restaurant Barbar is expanding its operations in the Middle East. We sat with Ali Ghaziri, Barbar’s COO, to find out more about the brand’s recently announced partnership with Kitch, a cloud kitchen operator, and upcoming plans. Why did you decide to partner with Kitch to open Barbar Dubai? It was a strategic, long-term decision. We took our time because because we wanted an investor and an operator as a partner,
16
HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | DEC 2021-JAN 2022
and Kitch fulfills both roles effortlessly. Expanding rapidly from a brick-and-mortar establishment to a cloud kitchen will help to speed up Barbar's market domination.
What do you think is behind Barbar’s 40-year successful track record? Barbar is a family-run business. We have remained consistent in our service and the quality of food we serve.
Do you have any further expansion plans? Yes, we will be expanding to KSA and Qatar with Kitch and to Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman with different partners. eatbarbar.com
capital. D.C.’s restaurant scene has evolved so much in recent years. When I left D.C. in 2005, after working at Georgetown’s Neyla, it seemed to be at the beginning of an incredible surge that has lasted and continues today. We’re proud to be a part of it and feel that ilili has a lot to offer toward the city’s growth.
How has the public responded to the new opening? Better than we could have ever imagined! D.C. has embraced us so warmly, and we are thrilled with the positive response.
Do you have any expansion plans? We are completely focused on D.C. and New York right now, but I do hope that we will be able to think about expanding further in the future. ililirestaurants.com Read the full interview on hospitalitynewsmag.com
