Abela & Co has revealed expansion plans, as the home-grown food service management company looks at growth opportunities beyond its core market of Dubai.
In a recent interview with Caterer Middle East, Abela & Co. head of business development Brian Gambin spoke about the importance of having a presence in the UAE capital, where it operates a central kitchen, and of exploring new territory.
“In 2012, we made a strategic decision to start expanding beyond Dubai and in 2013, we opened our first central kitchen in Abu Dhabi and our third in the UAE.
"This “on the ground” commitment in the capital certainly had a positive impact on our business, with new contracts signed up only weeks after opening,” he said.
The company is increasingly eyeing expansion in the Northern Emirates, and Gambin said Abela sees this area “growing and developing” significantly in the near future.
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The success of its Abu Dhabi operations, inspired the company to explore newer markets, which it views as having "enormous potential for growth", Gambin revealed.
"In March 2015, we opened our forth central kitchen in Fujairah. This commitment was not only seen as a significant contribution to the local economy but also had an immediate impact on organisations such as those within the hospitality sector that could finally outsource their staff catering requirements to us knowing full well that the highest standard of food safety and hygiene would be maintained," he stated.
Aside from the catering business, Abela & Co. has grown through its retail arm, which has made significant progress in the Northern Emirates.
The first outlet to open was home-grown Mediterranean food concept Zaatar W’ Aktar, in Bawadi Mall, Al Ain in July 2015, followed by Sandella’s Flatbread Café in Fujairah Mall, which opened at the end of 2015.
Gambin told Caterer that Abela & Co. will open its 19th Sandella’s, which is a US concept, over the Eid weekend next month, in Julphar Avenue, Ras Al Khaimah.
“RAK is another new territory for us and we are excited that through Sandella’s we will be able to showcase the level of service and quality that is associated with Abela & Co,” he added.
Ajman is also in Abela & Co’s sights, with the company set to launch another Zaatar W’ Aktar concept later this yea. Gambin confirmed that this would be located close to Ajman University but would be accessible to the general public.
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