Jumeirah creates new restaurant management company

Jumeirah Group has formally launched a new home-grown restaurant management company which will oversee its portfolio of 60 restaurants and brands.

The new company, Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai (JRG Dubai), will create, operate and franchise its brand portfolio, which includes high-end, premium casual and casual dining venues and lounges.

It is being overseen by Nicholas Clayton, CEO group operations, Jumeirah Group. The restaurants at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah will continue to be managed by the hotel's own F&B leadership team.

A year ago, Hotelier Middle East exclusively revealed Jumeirah Group had created a new division, Jumeirah RnB, to operate its restaurants and bars.

Spokesperson Piers Schreiber explained how it had developed since then. “It has been an organic, evolutionary process, with a number of restaurants 'incubated' to assess their future potential,” he said.

“One prime example of the success of this process has been the relaunch of Pierchic. The company has also recently celebrated the first anniversary of Italian restaurant Alta Badia and entered the second year of operation for Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and Bar.

“This week's launch of the Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai brand marks the successful completion of the transition of more than 60 restaurants to this division.”

The new company will collaborate with international experts to develop new concepts and will also engage in joint ventures, franchising and white label operations.

In addition to this, it is set to develop existing restaurants located within the Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts portfolio via a series of refurbishments, menu overhauls, talent acquisition and marketing.

In the current quarter, it is opening two new outlets: Beach Lounge and North Indian restaurants Naya, both at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

JRG Dubai is being introduced this week at the Global Restaurant Investment Forum in Dubai.