01. Paul Evans
British
Managing Director/CEO, Solutions Leisure Group
Evans has built, owned and operated over 32 F&B outlets. In the summer of 2013, the Solutions Leisure Group acquired Karma Kafé in Souk Al Bahar, then went on to open their first home-grown brand, Q43. Evans then launched the group’s second home-grown brand, Asia Asia. The venue is the group’s first franchise of its own brand, with a branch in Iran. Lock, Stock & Barrel opened in February 2016, becoming a household name, followed by another space in Souk Al Bahar - The Atlantic Dubai.
Opening five outlets in three years, Solutions Leisure Group doubled its portfolio in 2017 with four new outlets this year. A bigger Lock, Stock & Barrel and a nightclub concept, Inner City Zoo, have opened at the Rixos Premium Dubai. In addition, the Solutions Leisure Group has been chosen to be the official licensing partner to bring the STK brand to the Middle East – a modern and upscale American steakhouse concept and the company will be opening two venues in Dubai.
Evans credits his team and focussing on the midmarket sector with the company’s success. His key priority for 2018 is to double the size of the group and secure multiple international licences of the company’s existing home-grown brands.
NUMBERS GAME...
Number of years in the F&B industry: 15
Staff: 600
Number of outlets in the Middle East: 07
Coming soon: Two STK venues in Q4 2017 at the Rixos Premium JBR and at The Address Downtown Dubai.
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