Magnolia RM to invest over $100mn in the UAE

GCC F&B operator, Magnolia Restaurant Management LLC (MRM) plans to invest over US $100 million into the UAE with Flippin’ Pizza being the first of many brands to be introduced to the market.

The inauguration of the new outlet at the China Court of the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai is part of the company’s long-term investment plans.

The ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies were led by US Consulate General in Dubai principal commercial officer Robert Bannerman; MRM CEO Nael Mustafa; and Flippin’ Pizza Int’l CEO and founder Herminio Llevat.

MRM head of marketing Salam Abou Karroum said the firm hopes to receive an “overwhelming response” from dinets in the UAE, and added: “As such, Flippin’ Pizza is part of our plan to invest USD 100 million in new dining concepts and facilities that offer ‘everyday food’ combined with excellent customer service.

“In fact, we are looking forward to opening two more Flippin’ Pizza outlets soon, in SZR & Jumeirah.”

Mustafa added: “The Flippin’ Pizza brand has surely come a long way—from its beginnings in New York to its newest outlet here in the rapidly developing emirate of Dubai, UAE. The success of Flippin’ Pizza lies in its traditional hand-tossed preparation.” In addition, two American Pizza master chefs will oversee the pizza operations and interact with Flippin’s customers.

Flippin’ Pizza’s first branch in the region offers a New York style and theme complete with an open kitchen for diners to see the actual preparation and cooking of the pizzas and pasta dishes made by the restaurant’s American master pie makers.

To give diners a New York ambiance and feel, a large television screen has been placed strategically in the heart of the restaurant and will preview videos of the iconic New York Times Square.

Established in 2011, Magnolia Restaurant Management LLC is headquartered in Dubai, with offices in Bahrain and Riyadh.