Van Jaarsveld: I think the ambiguity of it all was the worst part of what we’ve had to deal with, because there were a lot of newspapers publishing contradictory reports. I’d like to see those publications now telling it how it is, so guests have a clear understanding of what is happening.
We found it quite difficult to get the story straight, and had to make phone calls to several different departments before they could confirm exactly what the law was. Even now, customers are still asking us about it, and people don’t seem to be sure.
Are there any particular trends you’re seeing coming up at the moment?
Penhaligan: Well people are still going out, but they’re watching what they spend. They’re not going for the full three courses, or expensive beverages, but they are still looking for a good meal experience. Also we’re seeing the average check remaining a bit lower in the week than it is at weekends.
Harb: I think consumer confidence is getting better though. You cannot stay at home for six months or a year, worrying about money.
Admittedly at first, everyone panicked and was afraid to spend, but you cannot just stay at home doing nothing forever. And proof of this is what happened in Eid al-Adha; we had record-breaking sales in most of our outlets. People went out, they spent money, and since then things have been getting steadily better.
Fakih: The good thing about this area is that the infrastructure is there, there is huge potential, and it will get on track again.
We will never get back up to where we were a couple of years ago, but certainly for those who work hard and smart in terms of building real brands, real presence and strategies for development, they will benefit, for sure.
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RMAL Hospitality
Brand portfolio includes: Trader Vic’s Madinat, Trader Vic’s Mai Tai, Frankie’s Bar and Grill, Wagamamas, and the newly-launched Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill.
Cravia
Brand portfolio includes: Zaatar w Zeit, Roadster Diner, Cinnabon, Seattle’s Best Coffee
BinHendi Hospitality
Brand portfolio includes: Bella Donna, Business Café, Cacao Sampaka, Café Havana, China Times, Duck King, Japengo Café, Ruby Tuesday and Inferno Grill.
The Meat Co
Brand portfolio includes: The Meat Co, Ribs & Rumps and new brand to the region Tribes, to be launched in the UAE later this year.
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