Caterer speaks to Victor Louis, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, about the F&B developments taking place over the next year in the emirate
What is the Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group?
Ras Al Khaimah HG, which opened under the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority umbrella, acts as a management company on behalf of the government owned hotels, hospitality, tourism and leisure assets.
It aims to offer diversified F&B concept offerings to the local residents and tourists. One of the major objectives of this entity is improving and upgrading the quality of service within hospitality related organisations.
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Why is F&B so important to Ras Al Khaimah’s growth?
F&B brings in phenomenal revenue and is a key tourism driver for Ras Al Khaimah. In the last year, the total revenue for F&B outlets in Al Hamra Golf Club is AED4,869,010 (US 1.3million) in 2012 and the total revenue for F&B outlets in Al Hamra Marina is AED3,171,390 ($863,000) in 2012.
Tell me about some of the plans you’ve got in the pipeline
Managing the Qawasim Corniche, Ras Al Khaimah HG is working on a masterplan, where its first stage is scheduled to open in the next 18 months at the Qawasim Corniche area.
This project, “Down Town”, will introduce five double decker restaurants; one ground floor restaurant; one rooftop restaurant; 17 to 20 bazaar-concept shops and wet-areas for children both indoor and outdoor. These dining outlets will cover different F&B concepts offering a variety of dining experiences including Asian Fusion, Steak House, Arabic Fusion, Seafood and Pastry & Bakery.
In January 2013 Ras Al Khaimah Beverages was established, which is a new internal department for Ras Al Khaimah HG, responsible for coordinating the management and supply of liquor within Ras Al Khaimah.
The mission is to establish a controlled, socially responsible, culturally sensitive liquor distribution and retail model that adds value to the Ras Al Khaimah tourist industry and guest experience and services the resident population, while creating a revenue stream for re-investment back into Ras Al Khaimah.
What are your thoughts on training in F&B?
Earlier this year, The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority launched its new tourism and hospitality training scheme for 2013. One of the training programmes concentrates on the F&B and Hospitality sectors. The courses are being done in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development and Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
Where will RAK's F&B offering be by 2014?
Further premium restaurants that follow a stand-alone concept will be offered to the Ras Al Khaimah dining sector giving the emirate’s residents and visitors a wider range of choice when it comes to eating out in addition to the already existing dining offered at hotel outlets.
One of the new brands that Ras Al Khaimah HG has launched and opened in 2012 is the modern and authentic Italian restaurant “Pesto” located on the Al Qassimi Corniche, owned by the Ras Al Khaimah Government and managed by the Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group which, since opening in February 2012, has generated revenues of more than AED2.2million ($599,000).
A second “Pesto” is scheduled to open in the Al Hamra area in May 2013. One further addition for a stand-alone restaurant on the Al Qawasim Corniche is Indian restaurant MotiMahal.
While Ras Al Khaimah HG is set to support the development and the hospitality quality measures, we encourage and are open for potential franchise opportunities and new hospitality brands in the emirate.
A Closer Look: Pesto - The Italian
Following the success of the first Pesto, a second Pesto opening is planned for May 2013 in Al Hamra.
“The concept and food quality will remain the same. However as the clientele will differ the menu will be slightly amended and alcohol will be combined with several of the dishes,” explains chef Giuseppe Randazzo.
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