The Global Restaurant Investment Forum 2018 (GRIF), the annual meeting place for the international restaurant investment community organised by Bench Events and powered by Michelin, is set to discuss and dissect the modern-day disruptors impacting expansion and global growth for restaurant investors, operators and entrepreneurs.
Bench Events managing director Middle East Jennifer Pettinger-Haines said: “In collaboration with our GRIF Advisory Boards in London and Dubai, we’ve developed this year’s programme to tackle two critical challenges faced by the industry. Firstly, we are witnessing increasing levels of disruption, which we will see take various forms at GRIF — from innovations in technology and big data to the transformation of the retail sector and growth of food delivery concepts. Secondly, entrepreneurs and brands alike are having to find alternative ways to expand and internationalise, with landlords, rents and regulations posing stumbling blocks in markets across the globe – another major disruptor. Our expert speakers, who come from the world’s leading restaurant groups, will offer their insights on these topics and more at GRIF 2018.”
One of the highlights of the event will be the GRIF Finance Forum on March 14, which will feature The GRIF Deal Den, a showcase for new restaurant concepts seeking investment to internationalise, expand or launch their first venture.
The GRIF Deal Den will enable entrepreneurs to pitch to a panel of investors including Paul Campbell, founder at Hill Capital Partners LLP and an investor in renowned brands including Hawksmoor, Vinoteca and Gusto; Martin Sherwood, partner, Enterprise Investment Partners and a serial investor with many years’ experience of small company fundraising, specialising in hospitality and leisure; and Sami Daud, managing director of the Oman-based Daud Group and the man behind Gourmet Gulf.
Commenting on what the judges will seek in The Deal Den, Campbell said: “I love meeting supremely talented and ambitious people who are looking to bring a fresh and exciting twist to a traditional format.”
GRIF will also feature workshops on restaurant marketing and advanced franchise negotiation skills and ‘how-to’ roundtables on: raising finance; expansion; talent retention; operational costs; and intellectual property.
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