12.50PM: QATAR’S FOOD & BEVERAGE EVOLUTION
Moderated by ITP Business editorial director Robert Willock, Qatar’s food and beverage sector was described as existing in a ‘constant state of evolution’ where change is the driver behind success, by Hilton Doha general manager Adham El Sebaey.
“Everything is changing in Qatar, so we have to study the market. Adapting to change is key. Everything is evolving, so we need to see what the market needs and work to supply the demand,” said El Sebaey.
”Millennials want to identify with brands — this applies to food and beverage too, building a reputation in the market includes developing this feeling of belonging in your guests,” revealed InterContinental Doha The City & InterContinental Residence Suites Doha The City general manager Pascal Eggerstedt.
“Changing concepts is important too, every three months think about changing the menu — this is very important. Live cooking stations are very good too — millennials will want to know what’s going into their food and how it is cooked,” said Eman Abela, executive assistant manager F&B, Simaisma a Murwab.
Elements at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha general manager Frances Robinson suggested that it doesn’t matter if the outlet is a well-known brand or local independent. Meeting customers’ needs is the same objective of both kinds of restaurant; what matters most is observing the market and giving the customers what they want.
Speaking of the need to refresh a restaurant, Robinson added: “If you keep the energy and maintain quality an outlet can last long-term, be willing to evolve, change the menu, change the goals, and you will last”.
Robinson concluded with advice for all restaurateurs: “What you think is right isn’t always right — the customer knows what is right. You have to learn to listen.”
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CASE STUDIES AND MORE!
A case study entitled: ‘Atlantis The Palm Dubai — Insights on Managing Online Reviews to Maintain Exceptional Quality & Service’ was presented by TrustYou Middle East regional manager Mohamad Ibrahim Masri, who shared details of Atlantis’ online reputation management programme and how the hotel improved its guest experience and positively influenced its reputation.
Three workshops were held at the close of the event as well: ‘restaurant revenue management to boost the bottom-line’ hosted by Tiina-Maija Bergman, managing partner, Table4ME; ‘The Gen Y workforce: motivating millennials’ hosted by Martin Baeuerle, hospitality consultant & chairman of the Green Hotel Interest Group Qatar; and ‘evolving hospitality — the digital revolution,’ which was hosted by Emille Artigas, cluster marketing & PR manager, Hilton Doha and Doubletree by Hilton Doha — Old Town.
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