Beat the competition and Serve the ultimate crunchy sensation! MADE FOR THE IN THE KITCHENIn this issue MARCH 2025 / CATERERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 3 March 2025 Specials Putting the light in Daylife The women of Sunset Hospitality Group talk about empowerment, diversity and more 20 Reaching Gen Z What are restaurants doing to speak to Gen Z diners, and is it working? Master of franchising Veteran restaurateur Greg Black talks us through the art of franchising in Saudi Arabia 26 34 20 30 “Instagram is the first place I check when deciding where to go” Ekaterina Larina, Salvaje Page 26 26 CAT_2103_3-4_CONTENTS_13523477.indd 3CAT_2103_3-4_CONTENTS_13523477.indd 301/03/2025 11:4801/03/2025 11:48In this issue 4 / CATERERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MARCH 2025 Regulars What’s Hot Romeo Lane moves to Dubai 06 Trending Latest news in the region 08 Careers Appointments, interviews, and more 10 20 Questions Sexy Fish’s chef shares his thoughts 38 Mix Masters Bar craft from Isabella Cucina 40 Spotlight Dubai’s Nazcaa turns one 42 7 Lessons Sage advice from Ian Pengelley 50 “Strong women don’t say ‘let’s get a haircut’, we say ‘let’s open a business’” “When travelling, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the culture” Neha Mishra, Kinoya Ian Pengelley, MFC Page 09 Page 50 42 12 09 CAT_2103_3-4_CONTENTS_13523477.indd 4CAT_2103_3-4_CONTENTS_13523477.indd 401/03/2025 12:2301/03/2025 12:23JUNE 2023 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 5 ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Chief Content Offi cer Holly Sands Editorial Group Editor Paul Cliff ord Tel: +971 4 444 3777 email: paul.cliff ord@itp.com Editor Nica Richards Tel: +971 4 444 3409 email: nica.richards@itp.com Associate Editor Misbaah Mansuri Tel: +971 4 444 3358 email: misbaah.mansuri@itp.com Editor, Hospitality & Design, Saudi Safa Hassan Tel: +966 11 512 2611 email: safa.hassan@itp.com Contributor Jessica Combes Advertising Chief Commercial Offi cer Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Commercial Director Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 email: richard.mobbs@itp.com Commercial Manager Adam Rawcliff e Tel: +971 4 444 3615 email: adam.rawcliff e@itp.com Advertising Manager Jack Nicolle Tel: +971 4 444 3590 email: jack.nicolle@itp.com Senior Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com Administrative Manager Siti Sumarsono Email: siti.sumarsono@itp.com Art Head of Design Rita Ghantous Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Video Editor Farah Roshdy Videographer Karan Sumadari Production & Distribution Production Manager Anand Sundaram Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Marketing Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Events Manager Beverly Stanforth Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Events Sales Executive Jan Mokoala Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga events@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published by and © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC From the editor Nica Richards, Editor Over the course of March, in honour of International Women’s Day, you will inevitably hear the terms and words feminism, gender disparity, commitment and progress over and over. And just as quickly as they are hashtagged, they will disappear, to emerge again next year around March 8. Initiatives around accelerating female representation across all industries and spheres of life is imperative, but also a no-brainer and it can be exhausting to have language peppered with equality sentiments, instead of seeing actual change. One could even argue that the need to elevate females in business is super- fl uous – surely, in 2025, we should say people and expect as many women on a power list or in boardrooms as men? However, until that time arrives, and true equality is reached, it is important for us to highlight women making signifi cant strides in their respective fi elds, especially ones previously dominated by males. However, as I write this in my fi rst edition as editor of Caterer Middle East, I pledge to keep this energy throughout the year – not just to commemorate one day or one month. So, here is to the women owning the F&B space in this region: We see you and celebrate you, and your actions will be felt by current and future generations. CAT_2103_05_EDS LETTER_13523490.indd 5CAT_2103_05_EDS LETTER_13523490.indd 528/02/2025 15:0728/02/2025 15:076 / CATERERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MARCH 2025 Astaple institution for dining and nightlife in India has made the leap by establishing itself in downtown Dubai, a move said to solidify culinary infl uences while elevating traditional fl avours. Romeo Lane has opened its fi rst international location at Pullman Dubai Downtown, blending Indian and Japanese cuisine with a touch of Middle Eastern infl uence. The Dubai outlet’s menu off ers dishes like cafreal tandoori tikka, hamachi and sol kadi ceviche, and miso-glazed tandoori salmon, marrying Indian spices with Japanese techniques. The cocktail programme, titled Harmony in Duality, draws from Japanese Wabi-Sabi and Indian Jugaad philosophies, featuring artisanal drinks crafted with organic ingredients. “We’re thrilled to bring Romeo Lane to Dubai, a city that shares our passion for creativity, fl avour, and connection,” said Romeo Lane founder Saurabh Luthra. “This is more than a restaurant; it’s a space where our loyal patrons from India can rediscover us in a fresh way, and where new guests can experience the energy and soul of what makes Romeo Lane special.” Romeo Lane Dubai head chef Varun Mathur says the restaurant and bar’s Indian-Japanese concept blends boldness with precision, an experience he hopes “will feel both familiar and entirely new”. “Our Indian-Japanese concept allowed us to explore an entirely new dimension of fl avours, blending the boldness of Indian spices with the Romeo Lane The Indian concept makes its global debut at Pullman Dubai Downtown What’s Hot CAT_2103_06-07_WHATS HOT_13522817.indd 6CAT_2103_06-07_WHATS HOT_13522817.indd 628/02/2025 15:2328/02/2025 15:23MARCH 2025 / CATERERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 7 precision and balance of Japanese techniques,” Mathur said. Patrons can expect an “unforgettable experience” from Romeo Lane, with the promise of storytelling meeting food and drink and evolving interiors to accommodate a variety of customers. Romeo Lane goes from a calm and subtle lunch venue to a vibrant dining experience that provides music and conversation for locals and travellers alike. “Dubai’s diversity has inspired us to bring something unique to the table, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone,” said Luthra. CAT_2103_06-07_WHATS HOT_13522817.indd 7CAT_2103_06-07_WHATS HOT_13522817.indd 728/02/2025 15:2328/02/2025 15:238 / CATERERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MARCH 2025 GULFOOD to expand to Expo City Dubai for 2026 edition Three by Eva joins Time Out Market Dubai Annual F&B trade show GULFOOD will expand to two venues in 2026, with the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai joining the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) as a hosting site. The move follows HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s US$2.75 billion expansion plan for DEC, announced in September 2024, transforming it into the region’s largest purpose-built indoor events venue. The 2026 edition, set for January 26–30, will significantly increase the show’s capacity, allowing for the inclusion of new industry sectors and broader participation from global food industry players. Organisers will begin reaching out next week to exhibitors regarding space allocations and layout updates for both venues. The 2026 expansion is set to further provide an even larger stage for companies to connect, innovate, and drive the global food economy forward. Flour, water and salt: Three humble yet key ingredients a mother-daughters trio are soon bringing to Time Out Market Dubai. Three by Eva will join the best in the city at the Souk Al Bahar venue, seeing it as an opportunity to further expand its Jordanian roots while embracing a modern approach to food and dining. “We are absolutely thrilled about expanding Three by Eva further and becoming new tenants in Dubai’s most loved culinary spot Time Out Market. “We want to continue celebrating Jordanian cuisine and show the world its richness, love and underlying sense of unity,” Eva Halasa, Lilian Rihani and Emilie Rihani told Caterer Middle East. “Joining Time Out Market is the fi rst step of many in our journey of sharing food and hospitality with wider audiences, so that they can understand and appreciate everything that our region has to off er.” News CAT_2103_08-09_NEWS_13522819.indd 8CAT_2103_08-09_NEWS_13522819.indd 828/02/2025 15:0828/02/2025 15:08MARCH 2025 / CATERERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 9 Panchali Mahendra and Neha Mishra team up for new Dubai restaurant Al Beiruti launches franchise model for global expansion Panchali Mahendra-led Atelier House Hospitality and acclaimed chef Neha Mishra have announced a new Temaki bar in Dubai, set to open in late 2025. Mishra shared the news on Instagram, revealing that the idea stemmed from a DIY temaki night at home that led Mahendra to suggest, “I love those temakis, let’s open a place.” The new concept, aimed at off ering an immersive dining experience, will feature a selection of temaki, freshly prepared to preserve fl avour and texture. The venue will also feature a speakeasy bar, designed to be discovered. Located within the dining space, it will off er a curated cocktail programme. Expected to launch between August and September of this year, Mishra acknowledged that timelines could shift due to contractor delays. She also clarified that this is a standalone brand, completely independent of Kinoya, marking a fresh chapter in her culinary journey. Lebanese brand Al Beiruti has launched a global franchise model in partnership with Francorp Middle East, one of the world’s oldest and largest franchise consultancy fi rms. Building on its successful presence in the UAE, Egypt and Lebanon, Al Beiruti is expanding its concept to Jordan and Qatar, marking the fi rst step in its mission to bring the essence of Beirut to the world. Samer Zayat, CEO of Al Beiruti, said: “Al Beiruti was born in Dubai with a mission to bring the heart of Beirut to the world. Our expansion into Jordan and Qatar is the next step in this journey. We look forward to establishing regional and international franchise partnerships with organisations and ventures that share our vision for Al Beiruti as we strive to deliver the ultimate Al Beiruti experience in all markets.” The launch in Jordan and Qatar is just the beginning of Al Beiruti’s ambitious expansion plans. With a rapidly growing franchise model, the brand aims to establish its presence internationally, bringing the vibrant spirit of Beirut to new audiences worldwide. News CAT_2103_08-09_NEWS_13522819.indd 9CAT_2103_08-09_NEWS_13522819.indd 928/02/2025 15:0828/02/2025 15:08Next >