Issue 144 | Feb-Apr 2023
hospitalitynewsmag.com
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OPINION
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publications deputy manager Rita Ghantous
The Lebanese have always been savvy restaurateurs, and this has helped solidify Lebanon’s reputation as a test market for successful, franchisable concepts. Nouhad Dammous (June 11, 2021) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
Senior editor Lisa Jerejian Sub-editor Miriam Dunn Account managers Maha Hasbani, Josette Hikri advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Subscription executives Houayda Haddad-Roumman, Mirna Maroun subscribe@hospitalitynewsmag.com Circulation coordinator Rita Nohra-Kejijian Graphic designer Ibrahim Kastoun
WHY TECHNOLOGY MATTERS IN THE WORLD OF FRANCHISING Nouhad Dammous, the late editor-in-chief of Hospitality News Middle East, was a firm believer in the power of technology. Here, we share his words on why franchises need to integrate smart systems to improve efficiency and cut costs.
Published by Hospitality Services
It is fundamental for franchises of the future to understand consumer needs and take advantage of the huge opportunities that exist. Technology is reshaping the F&B industry and creating new job categories. AI is already being used and will continue to be part of the franchise landscape. Indeed, many of today’s jobs will become obsolete due to automation and robotics.
LEBANON Borghol Building, Dekwaneh Tel: +961 1 480081
The rise of social media adds another dimension. Franchised restaurants must be visible on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and other digital platforms.
To advertise advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com
UAE HSME Tel: +971 585098057 info@hospitalityservices.me www.hospitalitynewsmag.com
When we look ahead, the horizon looks bright for restaurants and the franchise industry, as firms can educate talents on new technologies and provide practical training. Attracting, developing and retaining the right talent may be a challenge, but I know that it can be achieved. The editorial team
All the information disclosed in the magazine was provided by the parties concerned by each publication and checked to the highest possible extent by the editors. However, the magazine cannot ensure accuracy at all times of all information published and therefore could in no case be held responsible should any information reveal to be false or insufficient. We welcome views on any subject relevant to the hospitality industry, but request that letters be short and to the point. The editor reserves the right to select and edit letters. Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
FEB-APR 2023 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
3
In this issue FEB - APR 2023
NEWS 08 10 16 18 20
In-depth news and interviews from around the region Industry Hotels Food & beverage Chefs Suppliers
8
50 best restaurants 2023 in MENA
29
HORECA lebanon makes a comeback
30
NEOM IS the spotlight
EVENTS SEEN AND HEARD 26
A successful fifth calendar edition for Whisky Live Beirut Calendar
WHERE TO BE SEEN 27
Gulfood set to tackle global food challenges Arabian Travel Market makes net-zero pledge
28 29
HORECA Kuwait on the horizon HORECA Lebanon makes a comeback
HORECA NETWORK
BUSINESS OPINION 30
What 2023 holds for hospitality events
INTERVIEW 32
NEOM in the spotlight with Peter Fitzhardinge
TOURISM 34
International travel: what to expect in 2023
MARKET UPDATE 36
Morocco: more than meets the eye
38
9 Influential restaurateurs at the table
INFLUENCERS
SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISING 46 48 49 50 52
How to build a strong franchise Franchise trends in 2023 The role of technology in restaurant franchises Innovative franchise and manchise models Hot franchises
BUSINESS EYE ON 58
Why Nikkei cuisine is making waves in the MENA region
F&B 60
4
F&B growth in the region
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BUSINESS TRENDS 62
Inside the restaurant of the future
OPINION 64
La dolce vita: Italy's food scene
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 66
What travelers expect from hotel spas
TECHNOLOGY 68
38
Franchising in focus
72
The real secret to retaining talent
Interior design trends to watch in 2023
SOLUTIONS MANAGEMENT 70
Speeding up brand growth
71
Why brand marketing strategies matter
MARKETING HUMAN RESOURCES 72
The real secret to retaining talent
GREEN 73
The path to zero waste
PRODUCT ZONE BEVERAGE 74
Lifting the lid on lactose-free drinks and dairy alternatives in the Middle East
76
Global trends in dairy
FOOD EQUIPMENT 78
Vegan milk chocolate cardamom cake
80
Pabana party
81
New products
CHOCOMANIA ON THE MARKET
Coming issue MAY - JULY 2023 • Special report Coffee and coffee shops • Influencers Women in the hospitality and food sectors • Equipment Bakery equipment • Food Meat • Beverage Tea & hibiscus drinks
FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS FROM THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, VISIT
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | FEB-APR 2023
76
Global Trends In Dairy
Working Towards Net Zero
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