Time for mid-range outlets to shine

A group of outlet owners have said the financial slowdown in Dubai could actually have a positive impact for mid-range businesses.

Owners of several independent restaurants in the Century Village complex at Dubai’s Aviation Club said the downturn in consumer spending would see diners seeking out mid-range outlets such as their own.

“We have good prices; we are mid- to low-range in cost, so we’re a lot more affordable than many places in Dubai, and this is the time when people will start taking advantage of that,” said Country Hill International general manager Dariush Rakhshanim, owner of Century Village’s St Tropez restaurant.

Ghassan Wehbe, owner of the complex’s Mazaj restaurant including Forn w saj, The Plaice and China White, said it was important for the industry to accept the impending slowdown.

“You can’t bury your head in the sand; the economic downturn is impacting countries around the world and Dubai is no different,” he stated.

“But we are in a better position to do so here that a lot of other outlets.”

Kho Khorsandian, owner and manager of outlets Sushi Sushi and Sarband, added: “We owners are heavily involved in the running of the outlets; we are there on site to deal immediately with any issues or challenges that arise.”

Khorsandian added that the priority was to focus on promoting the area.

“The key is to be a bit more aggressive and make people aware that we’re here,” he explained.

“Of course a traditional problem when going anywhere further than your doorstep in Dubai has always been traffic — but that’s easing up a lot as people leave, which is what is happening right now.”