10 EGG-CELLENT DISHES FOR BREAKFAST IN DUBAI

The Most Important Meal of the Day

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The reason behind it is because it replaces nutrients that are lost during the night, and gives you a solid foundation that takes you right through till lunch time. For the vast majority of people though, breakfast is often overlooked completely. Either that or it boils down to a piece of fruit and some toast. These quick and easy ‘grab and go’ breakfasts do not, however, offer you the protein and other nutrients that you need to make the best start.

Breakfast delivery in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has changed the way that many people in the UAE eat this first meal of the day. Now it seems that the breakfast culture within the UAE is changing further with the ability to order breakfast online. While it was once a quick snack that would be eaten minutes or even seconds before leaving for work, or even on the way in; now it can be ordered so it comes in time for you to enjoy it properly at home or in the office. It has also allowed for a wider selection of breakfast choices than before.

The traditional breakfast in Dubai and Abu Dhabi had once consisted of falafel and hummus with pita, a wide selection of preserves and dips, and tea and coffee. For a somewhat fuller breakfast, some additions such as sandwiches or wraps were added. The breakfast that is now favoured within the UAE today is slightly less traditional with the appearance of egg bringing some extra much-needed protein to this important meal. Although the addition of egg to an Arabic breakfast is due to more western influences, it has been welcomed as a valued part of breakfast in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and to the greater part of the Middle East.

Nowadays, you’ll find that egg is found in almost every breakfast favourite in the country. That’s why we have put together 10 of our delicious dishes (with eggs included!) that are now available for breakfast in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

10 EGG-LICIOUS BREAKFASTS FROM THE BREAKFAST SHOP

The All-English breakfast

The English breakfast is considered one of the more filling breakfast choices around the world. Created for the working class of an industrial age Britain, this breakfast would traditionally see a cup of tea or coffee served alongside a large plate consisting of bacon, eggs, sausages and either bread or toast. Also known as a ‘full English’, there is almost no end to the additions or variations of this breakfast which could include fried mushrooms, baked beans, tomatoes amongst others. The All English Breakfast has over time become almost a national dish and is as well known in England as fish and chips and a Sunday roast. Although this style of breakfast is much loved, it is not that widely available within the UAE.

The eggs in an All English Breakfast were traditionally served fried, scrambled or poached. At The Breakfast Shop, the ‘full English’ breakfast has been designed to fit a more modern diet. The All English Breakfast as we call it consists of 2 eggs, sausage, turkey bacon, baked beans, grilled vegetables and toasted bread. This means that you can now get a great balance of delicious taste and much-needed protein all in the same dish delivered to your door. Experience the All English Breakfast from The Breakfast Shop today.

The All American Breakfast

The origins of an All American Breakfast can be traced almost directly back to American Hotel breakfasts. This Americanised version of the ‘full English’ breakfast became fashionable as it included most or ‘All’ of the items available on the breakfast menu. Favoured by hotel guests all over America, the All American breakfast soon found its way to diners and truck stops across the country. The filling breakfast has been a staple of the working man’s diet in America ever since it first appeared. The ingredients of an All American breakfast are much the same as a ‘full English’ with a few changes or added ingredients. As well as tea or coffee, you can expect a glass of orange or grapefruit juice. Cereal or porridge is another addition and of course no All American breakfast would ever be complete without the token pancakes.

Similar to our All English Breakfast, the eggs in the All American Breakfast can be fried, scrambled or poached. We like to think that our version of the All American breakfast captures the traditional essence of the dish. This dish consists of 2 eggs, pancakes, sausages, streaky turkey bacon, maple syrup and toasted bread. The addition of pancakes and syrup is what really makes the All American a slightly more decadent version of the classic ‘full English’ breakfast.

Shakshouka

Shakshouka is amongst the most traditional of Arabic breakfasts. The word ‘Shakshouka’ itself is an Arabic slang word meaning ‘a mixture’ and the original dish was made by poaching eggs in a tomato sauce filled with other ingredients like onions and chilli peppers. The dish was traditionally spiced with paprika and cumin as well as a range of peppers and would be served as part of a traditional Arabic breakfast. It is believed that while the dish has been around in the Middle East and the Mediterranean for quite some time, the addition of eggs and vegetables is attributed to a Tunisian influence. The eggs in this dish serve as the main source of protein and therefore, have become a feature of what was once a tomato stew.

Here at The Breakfast Shop, we pride ourselves on being able to provide you with a breakfast no matter what your tastes are. Our Shakshouka is made using 2 baked eggs in a delicious tomato, red pepper and chilli salsa. This is the perfect addition to your breakfast if you want to go for a more traditional choice that reminds you of Arabic home cooking at its best. Order your Shakshouka today from the Breakfast Shop.

Deli in My Belly

Deli in My Belly is another great choice of breakfast if you like the idea of fusion foods or breakfasts with influences from other cuisines. It is based around the classic and delicious Indian omelette which serves as an important part of many Indian breakfasts. With the main ingredients of an Indian omelette being eggs, tomatoes, herbs and a selection of spices, it is easy to see why this tasty dish has gained popularity since its creation. While some variations include grated cheese sprinkled over the top and others include meats such as chicken or seafood such as shrimp, this classic omelette consisted quite simply of eggs, green chili peppers and onions chopped finely, with some salt and cumin. The protein content of this dish makes it not only a great breakfast but also good for lunch and dinner as well.

Because we at The Breakfast Shop are passionate about breakfast, we have added the Deli in My Belly breakfast to our menu so you too can enjoy that classic Indian breakfast dish. Our version of the Indian omelette contains 3 eggs omelette, cooked with onions and green chilli peppers, and served with paratha bread. The addition of the paratha bread only serves to further introduce that glorious Indian influence. If you want to add a touch of Indian cuisine to your breakfast delivery, then order yourself the Deli in My Belly today.

Croque Madame

The Croque Madame is a classic French inspired breakfast dish which came about from adding egg to the more traditional Croque Monsieur. Beginning life in the bars and cafes of French city centres, the Croque Monsieur was a boiled ham and cheese sandwich which is then baked or fried. Served as a quick snack or as part of a breakfast, the Croque Monsieur which translates to ‘mister crunch’ became a staple of the French diet. For those who desired a little more from this typically French breakfast dish, there was a slight variation available in the Croque Madame which was essentially the same dish but with the addition of a fried egg placed on top.

The Croque Madame that The Breakfast Shopadded to our already star-studded breakfast line-up is made using baked smoked turkey, cheese and fried egg. This breakfast choice is perfect for those who want to add a touch of French class to their breakfast experience. If a Croque Monsieur just won’t cut it, order yourself a Croque Madame from The Breakfast Shop today.

Steak & Eggs

Steak and Eggs has been a typical breakfast dish in quite a few western cultures. The high level of protein in this dish means that it has since its first appearance gained popularity with those needing a hearty meal to start their day. The roots of this dish may be traced back to Australia where it was a popular breakfast dish for those who worked with cattle or horses in the outback. Since then, it was copied by American soldiers who served with the Australians in the Pacific War, they in turn began to eat Steak and Eggs before they went to war. This pre-adventure trend has also seen it become the preferred breakfast of NASA’s astronauts before launch. Wherever it is eaten though, you can be sure that the fibre and protein found in a dish of steak and eggs is among the highest of any breakfast.

The Breakfast Shop has taken this classic and high protein breakfast choice and we have made it our own. Instead of just simply plating up some steak and some eggs, our Steak & Eggs breakfast comes in the form of a burger. Start your day with this great breakfast burger which contains soft potato bun bread, fried eggs, caramelised onion and cheese. Order yours today and enjoy Steak and Eggs in the burger way.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is another choice of breakfast burger that we offer at The Breakfast Shop. A breakfast burger of our own making, there is not that much history behind this dish. It can be said that this dish is somewhat inspired by flavour combinations that are more commonly found in Japanese cuisine. With the rise in popularity of Sushi and other Japanese dishes within the UAE over the past few years, it is no surprise that influences have made their way to the breakfast menu. This breakfast choice is a perfect example of the flavours and textures from Japanese cuisine being used in a more general breakfast.

Here at The Breakfast Shop, we have taken some of the much-loved flavours from Japanese cuisine and combined them in a breakfast burger. Our Breakfast Club burger combines a soft black bun, our favourite fried egg, Japanese mayo, avocado and cheese. The combination of these tastes and textures makes for a not only delicious breakfast choice but also a protein-filled one. Order yourself the Breakfast Club breakfast burger today and see what all the fuss is about.

The Reformer / For the Healthy

Healthy breakfasts have been gaining popularity with diners all over the world. The newer food trends will all take into account these healthier dietary requirements which include those of vegetarian and vegan diners. The Reformer / For the Healthy breakfast is another great example of a vegetarian breakfast done right. Most vegetarian breakfasts will include proteins like cheese or egg which are then paired with salad leaves and fresh raw vegetables. The more filling varieties will then add wholegrain breads as well as hummus or other bean dips. As the vegetarian diet does not allow the consumption of meat, there is a heavy reliance on eggs and cheese for protein, especially in breakfast dishes.

Our take on the vegetarian breakfast here at The Breakfast Shop is that it should be healthy yet filling and packed full of nutrients and fresh goodness. The Reformer / For the Healthy breakfast is exactly that as we have combined egg white, feta cheese, sumac, wild Rocca, tomato and avocado, served in sunflower brown bread to create something new and amazingly tasty dish. The heart healthy option of removing the egg yolks and the addition of feta cheese only make this breakfast choice even healthier. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, and you want the best breakfast in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, order yourself the Reformer / For the Healthy breakfast today

Pepper Boy

The Pepper Boy is another in-house creation from the team here at The Breakfast Shop. Based on the classic deli sandwiches served on sourdough bread all over the world, the Pepper Boy takes taste to another level. As one of our vegetarian choices, the Pepper Boy combines the creaminess of cheese and the slight tang of Aioli to make a beautiful breakfast sandwich.  Many breakfast sandwiches will rely on their meat ingredients to supply the dish with protein. Here, this is not the case as the protein is provided by the addition of scrambled eggs to enable this sandwich to be more than just great tasting, but to set you up for the day too.

Our vegetarian breakfast selection would not be complete without the Pepper Boy which uses scrambled eggs, emmental cheese, caramelised onions, aioli and bell peppers all served on delicious sourdough bread. This is one of the best choices for a truly hearty vegetarian breakfast options available in the UAE today so order online at the Breakfast Shop.

Ranchero Burrito

The Ranchero Burrito is a twist on the classic burrito which is a staple of any Mexican menu. Essentially the Mexican take on a sandwich, the classic burrito usually consists of a tortilla made of flour which is wrapped into a cylinder around its various ingredients. The burrito began life as a Mexican street food that could be eaten while on the move. The more traditional burrito recipes saw re-fried beans accompany meat as the only fillings. Once the dish moves stateside, however, it became a different story altogether and the addition of various types of rice as well as sour cream became commonplace. The fact that you could combine a selection of your favourite ingredients within this Mexican wrap made the burrito a perfect choice for breakfast as well as all other meals. This also meant that it was a great food choice for vegetarians who could substitute the meat for a protein of their choice.

At The Breakfast Shop, our Ranchero Burrito maintains much of its classic and traditional heritage not to mention the taste. It does this by combining fried eggs, black beans, salsa, cheese, avocado in protein wrap bread. By using protein wrap bread and fried egg, the Ranchero Burrito is able to deliver all the protein that you will need to take you through till lunch. Order yourself a Ranchero Burrito online today and experience a Mexican style breakfast with a difference.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IN DUBAI AND ABU DHABI

We hope this list of breakfast dishes available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has been able to help you decide what you will be enjoying at the start of your day without missing your daily dose of egg-goodness. As you can see, we, at The Breakfast Shop, are passionate about breakfast and pride ourselves on being able to offer not just a great selection of breakfast choices, but fresh and delicious ingredients as well, and all delivered to you wherever you are. So, whichever breakfast dish you want your favourite egg with, all you have to do is visit our website. Go on, you are just a few clicks away anyway – order your breakfast today!

Top 25 Restaurant Design Trends Of 2018

Recently, more and more people are discovering their passion and interest for food. This increasing demand has urged restaurant owners and food entrepreneurs to create more dining options for customers. But due to the highly-saturated food industry, competition is inevitable. They have to come up with a unique concept that will arouse the curiosity of the consumers. One way in which restaurants are doing this is through the design. The restaurant design is and always has been a key part for restaurateurs to allow those food lovers to have a better culinary experience. The year 2018 has seen a rapid rise in the popularity of food culture all over the world. Restaurant interior design has seen a surge in the trends which set restaurants apart from their competition in such a growing marketplace.

In this article, we will be looking at the Top 25 Restaurant Design Trends of 2018 and the new restaurant design concepts that are taking the restaurant world by storm.

Stripped Back Décor

The idea of stripping back pretty much all of the fixtures and fittings in order to create a larger and sparser area for your customers to enjoy their meals is not really a new concept. However, this tried and tested trend will be seeing a comeback in the year 2018.

The idea may not be new but the way in which restaurant designers are implementing this trend will be a fresh one. 2018 will see far less restaurant design plans containing the ‘Shabby Chic’ elements of this trend and will see the focus shift back to the space saving and minimalist ideals that began the trend in the first place.

Minimalism is back in a small way

One of the trends that will be taking pride on the pages of restaurant design magazines in 2018 is minimalism. Taking it one step further than stripping back all the unwanted elements from your restaurant design, this trend designs the restaurant with minimalism as a focus from the outset.

This trend will see restaurant designers ensuring that from the very start of their design, the layout and use of space will be geared towards allowing the customer to enjoy your cuisine without the distractions of an overly populated décor. It would seem then that in 2018 when it comes to restaurant design, less is more.

Communal eating sees the return of community

More and more restaurants are asking their designers to provide them with communal seating options. This trend revolves around the idea of a return to the community centred eatery. Places where you do not just go to eat alone or in a quiet corner with a date. These are places where eating becomes a shared and social experience.

The trend will see large seating areas and shared tables where people all sit down together and enjoy their meal as a group rather than on their own. Fuelled by the ‘foodie’ movement, this communal eating trend will work for the restaurants whose menu suits a more social setting.

The return of the open kitchen

Allowing your customer to experience more of what goes into creating their favourite dish is an idea of yesterday. Some restaurants have included food preparation as a part of the experience and they have done this by opening their kitchens. The open kitchen will be returning in 2018 as restaurant design companies utilise it to switch the focus back to the food. If you see food as a journey then closed kitchens tend to cut out a large part of that journey.

With an open kitchen, the journey begins as soon as the customer enters the space. Smells and sounds, as well as the visual aspects of having your kitchen on display all, lend themselves to deepening the experience of your customers.

The atmosphere that speaks for itself

The idea that a restaurant should be filled with distractions is a thing of the past. Nowadays, most restaurant design requirements will include a need for the customers to be able to talk to each other. This allows your customers to discuss the meal, or the restaurant’s atmosphere, adding more value to their experience. Going to a restaurant to eat has become more of a social event. The notion is similar to that of the communal eating, minus the large seating areas. The fixtures and furniture, or even the restaurants’ decors are positioned in a way that they won’t hinder the customers from having chitchats. The restaurant’s comfortable and homey ambience is enough to make the restaurant more conducive to socialising.

A more bespoke touch to lighting

Lighting has always played an important role in a successful restaurant design. Previously, lighting tended to be used in a far more utilitarian manner. They were bright and colourful and above all, eye-catching. New trends have seen restaurant designers in 2018 move towards a different way of using lighting. Technology has changed the way we use lights in our homes and workspaces, so why not in our restaurants? The ability to have much more control over your lighting allows you to have a far more dynamic use of light in your restaurant. This means whether you install one-off bespoke lighting pieces or you create a lighting system that changes with the mood, bespoke lighting can completely change your customers’ perception towards your restaurant.

Ambient Lighting

The use of lighting within your restaurant does not need to begin at installing a bespoke piece; and using new light technologies does not necessarily mean you will end up with a restaurant reminiscent of the Vegas strip. Using light to create an ambient atmosphere can change the whole feel of a restaurant and in 2018, some of the best restaurant design companies will be using ambient lighting to entirely change the restaurant interiors. Ambient lighting simply means using the available lighting in your restaurant. This can either be a natural light that comes from the outdoors or windows, or the normal lights used to brighten up the space. The concept is to maximise the benefits of the lights readily available – giving the space a more natural and laidback atmosphere.

Local art all over

Since time immemorial, many restaurants have added artistry in their designs. 2018 will be no different as restaurant design concepts will feature a much wider use of arts provided by local artists. Designers will be using more locally sourced art pieces to adorn their walls and add a certain creativity to the overall décor while supporting local artists in the process.

Designed locally

Art will not be the only thing that is sourced locally in the coming restaurant design trends of 2018. Many restaurants pride themselves on using ingredients grown locally, so it would make sense for that idea to stretch to design. Some of the new interior design concepts would require for local materials and decorations. Using locally crafted furniture or materials doesn’t just cut down on carbon footprints but also supports local craftsmanship and adds a touch of nationalism to your restaurant.

A sustainable design concept

Sustainability has held the headlines for years, but now more than ever, it is becoming a seriously valuable design point. People are taking it into account in all aspects of their day to day lives, and this does not stop at going out to eat. Successful restaurant design companies can now use various ideas to ensure that your restaurant maintains a sustainable look without sacrificing its beauty and style.

Recycle and re-use

Though this is part of the sustainable design concept, this idea goes further by using reclaimed and recycled materials for décors. Fitting in perfectly with several other trends seen in 2018, this can certainly set your restaurant apart from many others.

Recently, many recycled materials have been made into workable design features. Recycled paper can now be made into napkins or tablecloths; old railway sleepers can be turned into tabletops or bar surfaces. When it comes to recycling, the possibilities are pretty much endless.

The power of paneling

2018 has seen an explosion of the use of paneling in restaurant design. Many types of paneling are currently being used to give walls, floors or surfaces a warm and inviting look.

Heavy wood paneling can create a feature wall and can be a statement maker. It has helped some restaurants create separate areas within one singular space. So if you would like to create a bar area and a seated area within the same space, paneling maybe just the thing you need.

Casual meets formal

Normally a casual restaurant experience and a formal one happen in completely different places. This is because the atmosphere and décors required for each are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. However, 2018 now sees the trend of casual dining and formal dining coming together. Restaurants that wish to cater to both crowds are now bringing the idea into their restaurant designs. One way to do this is by having a casual space at the front of your restaurant and keeping the more formal or business-oriented-diners seated at the rear. By catering to both types of clientele, you will be able to get far more customers through your doors and offer a more tailor-made experience.

International Food Halls

Keeping with the theme of casual dining, the good old-fashioned food hall will be keeping its place amongst the restaurant design concepts of 2018. Food halls have always been a great place for food lovers to enjoy meals in a casual environment. This year however, they will be seen to have less of an overall theme. Gone are the food halls that only serve food from one country or one type of cuisine. The new type of food hall will cater to food lovers of a more diverse type and will cash in on the fact that food has become far more of a social affair.

Themes that aren’t themes

The large themed restaurants that were once popular with diners are seeing far less feet through their doors in recent times. This is mainly because people’s views towards food and where they go to enjoy it has changed. Matching the décor of your restaurant to the menu that you serve and the experience you would like your customer to have has become the new way of ‘theming’ your restaurant.

Finishing in style

Some types of finish have almost always been used to denote a certain theme or a certain era. Examples of this are the black and white checked linoleum and red leather booths in American Diners, or the white ceramic tiles that have found their way into high-class burger joints as a nod to the butcher shops of times past. Well, some of these finishes are back in a big way. Chrome is one of the more retro finishes that are making their way back into restaurant design in 2018. It will replace brushed steel or brass as the popular metallic finish to be used in restaurants. Giving a somewhat 60’s feel to wherever they are used, chrome and linoleum can drastically change the style of a restaurants décor while also echoing that much adored 60’s chic.

Old-school new

2018 will see a return to the old-school with more and more vintage design heading for restaurants worldwide. Certain classic elements of design tend to never go out of style; this is why the addition of old-school styling can still breathe fresh air into new restaurant design. A return to these classic ideas, whether it is the use of classic furnishings or retro finishes is definitely a good idea for your restaurant design in 2018.

Hygge otherwise known as cosy contentment

One idea or concept that has gained more popularity in restaurant design comes all the way from Norway and Denmark. Hygge which is correctly pronounced Hyoo-guh, is a concept based on a feeling of wellness and contentment. The not-so-new concept has been around since the early 20th century but it is only in 2018 that we see it being more widely used as a design concept for restaurants.

It means that your restaurant can now be designed with the wellness and contentment of your customers being the main focus from step one. This concept can be a combination of one or more of the trends in this list, provided that the overall design gives your customers that feeling of contentment, coziness, friendliness, and warmth.

Design it green

Green is the word of the year when it comes to restaurant design in 2018. Green accents throughout your restaurant will give a sense of nature to your space. This can be accomplished with green glassware or touches of green in your décor. But green as we know is far more than a colour.

Green design also includes the use of plants to make a space come to life. Some restaurants are asking their designers for a green design from top to bottom. This means from the sourcing of their materials, right through to the overall philosophy of the restaurant.

Interior Landscaping

Sticking with the green theme here, 2018 is also seeing a huge rise in designers using plants inside restaurants. This goes far past the odd potted bush and some restaurants have been seen to introduce living green walls to their interior. Some interior landscapes feature herbs and spices that can be added to their ingredients for cocktails or garnishes later on.

Photo-friendly décor

You rarely see people just eat food anymore, at least not without taking pictures of their meals or of themselves in the restaurant, especially in the UAE where more than 15 million people visited in the year 2017 alone.

Tourists tend to take more photos than locals which is why restaurants used this fact to their advantage. Living walls, custom-made bespoke furnishings or unique interior concepts would become a subject of your customers’ photos.

Typography all over

One of the design concepts that are popping up all over the place in 2018 is typography. Feeding into many of the other restaurant design trends of this year, typography will see letters making their way back to the walls and open spaces of restaurants and diners.

Pastel coloration

When it comes to colours in 2018, the soft and inviting palette that pastel colours provide will be seen throughout the restaurant industry.

These colours offer the customers a friendly and clean ambience. The use of a pastel colour palette also allows typography to shine through and any feature finishes or items to take centre stage while providing a far warmer background than the stark whites or dreary magnolia of the past.

Experience-driven eateries

The experience of going to a restaurant is the key. While the food that restaurants offer is the main event, far before you eat it and long after you are finished, it is the experience that matters. 2018 sees far more restaurants tapping into this and gearing their restaurants towards providing not just an awesome menu but a more memorable experience. Come for the food and stay for the experience? Why not come and stay for both.

The personal touch

One trend that is making waves within restaurant designs in 2018 is the personal touch. This design trend works better for smaller restaurants but can be incorporated into larger ones too. The trend sees the use of personal items such as old or bespoke cooking equipment, family photographs and cookbooks as part of the décor. This creates a closer link between the customers and the chefs or owners.

Adopting the Design Trends for Your Restaurants

As shown on this list of the top 25 restaurant design trends, 2018 is set to be a stellar year for restaurant designs. If you would like to explore more possibilities for your restaurant in the United Arab Emirates, GCC or anywhere in the Middle East, whether it’s for a new food joint or an older diner, Glee Hospitality Solutions has all the experience needed to help you get on your way. From complete conceptual design through to comprehensive end-to-end solutions, we do not only provide innovation and high level of service, you’ll also be guaranteed to have the support all throughout. Contact us today and tell us about your restaurant project.

Top Restaurant Consultants in Dubai (Here are Tips to Find Them!)

Introduction: How Do You Know if You Need a Restaurant Consultant?

It is said that up to 70% of new restaurants go out of business within the first year of operation. This is just not true and is considered an urban myth. New restaurants fail or succeed at around the same rate as any new business. A frequently cited study by the University of Ohio concluded that only around 26% of new restaurants failed within the first year. However, the same study showed that within three years, up to 60% of new restaurants shut down. That means 6 out of 10 fails. It takes more than a great location, a love of food and a good menu to open, run and maintain a restaurant. It needs business sense, discipline, and foresight. The food and beverage industry can be a cut-throat one, with notoriously narrow margins and many pitfalls for the inexperienced restaurant owners. Even the seasoned veterans can find the going gets tough at times.

Who Needs a Restaurant Consultant? You Do.

Four kinds of people need a restaurant consultant and if you are reading this, chances are you are one of them:

1.Novice, Newbie, or Rookie	These are those who want to go into the restaurant business for various reasons such as love for food, having a great business concept and think it’s a good investment. These may also include those who just recently launched their brand.
2.In trouble	These are those whose businesses are dropping, costs are out of control and need immediate help or assistance.
3.Comfortable	Comfortable business owners are those who have their businesses under control, but could still make it better. Things are going smoothly but these people are worried on what the future may bring.
4.Hungry	The hungry restaurants owners want more – more customers, revenues, and outlets.

What Do Restaurant Consultants Do?

What can a restaurant or hospitality consultant in Dubai bring to the table? Experts in the Food & Beverage (F&B) field should be able to advise new and existing ventures on a range of issues. Some consultants specialise in certain areas, while others provide full-scale support on all of the following:

Concept Development	Branding	Staff: Recruitment & Training
Location Scouting & Selection	Menu Development or Refreshment	Restaurant Design: Décor-Furniture-Ambiance
Kitchen Design	Financial Systems & Accounting	Purchasing & Cost Optimisation
Business Planning & Financing	Sales & Marketing	Social Media Presence & Public Relations
Back Office Support: e.g. Payroll	Initial Start-up	Project Management
Growth Strategies	Exit Strategies	Operating Systems & Policies

Operational management inclusive of area managers, accounts etc.

Investing in a restaurant is not for the faint-hearted; whether you are going to run it on your own or bring in partners; whether you have an independent concept or are part of a franchise. There are competent people who can help you enhance and refine your vision and make your business run more profitably.

Making the decision to hire a consultant can be difficult for many business people. There is an old joke about the man who brought in a consultant to tell him the time, so the consultant presented him with a detailed diagram of a watch. The problem here was the poor choice of a consultant, not in the concept of consultancy itself.

A good F&B consultant can bring to you tried and tested solutions to improve your operation. They will have experience in solving the problems you are facing, along with specific skills and know-how.

In a complex and dynamic market like in the UAE, it makes sense to consider not only if you need a restaurant consultant but how to find the best one. The reasons for this will become clearer in the next section.

Homegrown concepts which we have created and operate are the likes of Parlour Café, Café 57 and Molten Me

UAE Food & Beverage Industry Outlook: When the Going gets Tough the Tough gets Going

“While the outlook for the sector as a whole has probably never been better, for individual players, the market has become increasingly competitive and thus challenging.” KPMG partner Anurag Bajpai

Over the last few years the F&B market in the UAE has grown at explosive rates, to the point where people have been referring to as oversaturated. By the end of 2017, there were over 16,000 food and beverage outlets in the UAE, and this is expected to increase to over 19,000 by 2020. According to Euromonitor, the UAE F&B industry is one of the world’s largest markets, estimated at AED 52.4 billion in 2015. While the overall outlook is positive, on the ground, the competitive landscape is extremely complex, with high fixed costs, including rents and wages, stagnating revenues and ever more discerning customers.

Despite this, the country remains a highly attractive target for investment in the hospitality sector, and that is set to continue, especially in the run up to Expo 2020. The UAE, according to KMPG’s “Ready to Serve: 2017 UAE Food & Beverage Report”, continues to attract F&B investment because of its demographic profile, with a relatively young and growing professional class, high average per capita income, a healthy tourism industry and government support for the service sector.

Consumers spending is rebounding as the economy recovers, with customers claiming that they are spending as much as, if not more than, during the previous years. But operators are still feeling the squeeze. There are just too many outlets competing for the same customers. According to the same report, the market is suffering from an oversupply that has outpaced demand. Most F&B operators will continue to struggle throughout 2018 leading many to reconsider their business models and branding to remain competitive.

Just last month, a top executive in a firm running several popular restaurants spoke of a “bubble” in the Dubai F&B sector that is now bursting, forcing many outlets to shut down. The bubble, he argued, was caused by too many “amateur” would-be restaurateurs hoping to make quick returns, flooding the market. Despite the constraints, he argued: “Don’t misunderstand me. It’s a very profitable market. It’s the number one in the region and will continue to be, but it is a [maturing market] and it will naturally select the best. It’s not easy like it used to be. To succeed in the F&B sector today, you need to be the best. You can’t afford not to be.”

Abdul Kader Saadi, Managing Director of Glee Hospitality Solutions, one of the region’s top restaurant and hospitality consulting firms, spoke to the National newspaper last year about the challenges facing the industry due to the economic crisis Many restaurants struggled to deal with rising rents, while customers were becoming both more discerning and price sensitive. Mr. Saadi pointed to the contradiction between more international and regional chains opening in the UAE, while local players suffered from shrinking margins. This situation, he argued, needs more creative solutions to control costs, for example, more flexibility on the part of landlords, and more flexible staffing solutions to consider seasonality and daily peak or off-peak seasons.

F&B industry analysts agree that although the UAE market is crowded, there is still room for growth. The market is going through a culling. Restaurants that cannot adapt will go out of business or be forced to sell to new owners. The remaining players will learn how to survive and thrive in tough conditions.

KUAI is an example of a concept developed and operated but had to shut down as the entire development didn’t work.

Before searching for the Top Restaurant Consultants in Dubai

Before hastening to hire a consultant for your hospitality or F&B business, make sure to identify first your objective. It will be a waste of time and resources if you will just jump in to the idea without knowing the direction you are aiming for. The following questions will guide you in determining your objective:

• Do you want to grow your business – customers, outlets, revenues?
• Do you want to increase brand awareness?
• Do you need to increase social media presence?
• Do you need advice on the:
• Menu
• Décor/Ambiance
• Promotions
• Do you need to manage costs?
• Do you need help with HR issues, like staffing and training?
• Do you need to implement new technological solutions?
• What kind of financial resources do you have to implement improvements? Will you need financing assistance?

Once you’ve identified your objective, it’s also important to determine your expectations from the consultant. These could include the time frame you think is reasonable to implement the improvements or new initiatives, and the cost you are prepared to pay the restaurant consultant?

A Checklist on How to Find a Restaurant Consultant That’s Right for you

Anybody can call themselves a restaurant consultant – but not everybody has the requisite local knowledge coupled with the international level of experience needed in a fast-paced and aggressive F&B market like the UAE. Just like you can go to the doctor for a regular check-up or before you even get sick, think about seeking a reputable restaurant consultant before investing in the market or asking what you can do to improve your margins. An experienced consultant can highlight many issues you may have overlooked in your business plan or operational strategy. The top consultants will have rich the experience and many effective tools to deal with all the issues related to the F&B business as well as an in-depth knowledge of the local market dynamics and trends. Below are some tips on how to find the best restaurant consultant for you.

Research F&B Consultants	Carry out an internet search and check for firms that specialise in hospitality, food and beverage, or restaurants. The hospitality industry requires skills and competencies, so firms that have the expertise in this area will be more competent and knowledgeable than generic business consultants. Look for firms with a local headquarters and knowledge. Every market has its own characteristics. What works in one market may not apply to another, even if broadly similar, as can be seen in the way the largest fast food chains customise menus to suit local tastes. In saturated markets with high levels of competition, local firms have more detailed know-how, especially about issues such as location scouting, rents, labour laws, customer segments, and many more. Check industry blogs, news coverage and industry specific sites. Here you will be able to gather information about the restaurant consultants active in your market and you can begin a preliminary assessment of their approach. Examine F&B consultant Web Sites. Currently, companies must invest in developing up-to-date and engaging web sites, particularly companies offering services such as consulting, because web searches have become the most important tool used by clients, after personal referrals. Going through a consultant website, you will be able to grasp what they are – their vision, mission and success stories. Do they demonstrate expert knowledge and awareness? What kinds of services do they offer? Who are their clients? What kinds of resources do they have? A dead giveaway will be a poorly designed website. If they don’t take the time to do a good job here, how can you guarantee they will do a good job for you? Social Media accounts are also a good source of information. Check how often they are updated and what kinds of interactions are visible. Social media nowadays are also often a venue for dissatisfied customers to vent so it’s also a good way for you to evaluate their performance.
Develop a Short-List	Pick 2-3 firms that might suit your requirements and begin to do more in-depth research Visit F&B outlets they helped, set up or currently manage. Ask for referrals or insight from other F&B outlet owners or investors. Call or meet previous or current clients and ask them how likely they are to recommend your candidates. Asking them questions on what they liked about their services and what could have done differently will help you get an idea if these clients are happy with their services.
Interview	Meet with Short list candidates to discuss your issues or ambitions. If possible, visit them at their offices. You will be able to deduce a great deal from their working premises. Is the office organised? Are the staff helpful and attentive? You may need to have a series of meetings before you make your decision. Ask your shortlisted candidates what they can do for you that other consultants can’t. Ask for examples of previous work and if possible, case studies of their clients and how they’ve become an instrument of the business’ growth. During this phase, it’s also beneficial to know how they manage their projects. Do they have sub-contractors for any of the services? Is there an assigned project manager or a single point of contact? That way, you know if your project will be handled properly or there might be some communication issues that will arise down the line.
Written Brief/Proposal	Request a written brief or proposal with preliminary budget for clear deliverables. The brief should demonstrate an understanding of all your requirements. It should include the following: Concept Proposed activities/actions Services to be provided Team who will work on each activity (with resume) Budget with breakdown
“Pitch Meeting” Presentation	If possible request a “pitch” meeting where the shortlisted candidates can present their concept, budget and timeframe for your project. You should also be able to meet the key people who will be handling your project.
Evaluation	Create an evaluation sheet and score your shortlisted candidates on each phase of the selection process. When doing the evaluation, you have to consider the feasibility of the proposal especially when it comes to the budget and timeframe. You wouldn’t want a consultant who will quote the project in a very low price, in a very short time frame and will provide you substandard services in the end. You also have to be cautious with very expensive quotations when the services are not even extensive. At the end, select the company that can not only deliver your requirements, but can also identify underlying issues and future needs.

Selecting the Best Restaurant Consultant

What to Avoid

There can be many pitfalls in selecting a restaurant consultant. Most of these can be avoided if the checklist is used. But here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for, especially if you are rookie restaurateur.

1. Consultants who boast about “international” experience but have never worked outside of the country.
2. Consultants who boast about “local” experience, but don’t even speak the language, or have a local office.
3. Promises, Promises. Avoid anybody who promises to deliver things that are just too good to be true. Some of these are revenues from day 1, discounts on prime location rentals and costs slashed to 25%. As mentioned previously, cheaper price and shorter timeframes are also some of the most common broken promises. If they promise you the moon, chances are they are only interested in getting the contract, and not too worried about what and how they will deliver.
4. Fuzzy budgets: If the consultant will only give you a preliminary budget without specifying costs of each service, be wary.
5. Project Budget substantially lower than competitors. Chances are they are low-balling their pitch, then will hit you with additional costs and overruns. Transparent budgeting and breakdowns are a sign of an honest and experienced company. Again, watch out for the deliverable deadlines.
6. Reluctance to provide proof of experience, like a portfolio and contact information for previous clients.
7. Proposals that look generic or “cut & paste”. If they don’t take the time to check your business, they will not take the time to do a thorough job later on.
8. Concepts that are clones of an already successful business down to the menu. In a crowded field, new restaurants need to find ways to stand out.
9. “Hard Sell”: Avoid companies that try to pressure you to shorten the selection process or that try to get you to expand the project scope beyond your brief. Chances are, they are only after closing the deal.
10. We have worked with the likes of Mighty Quinn and Berris. Both international franchises on bringing them to the local market and adapting to the local market due to our local knowledge

We are currently working on BlackSpoon in Saudi due to Open in Oct 2018 and Mint & Coco opening next month in Muscat

What to Look For

REPUTATION: In selecting the right firm to work with, who they are is as important as what they can do. Top firms already have established a reputation. They will have a roster of clients who are willing to recommend them. Repeat customers are an excellent indicator of satisfaction. Ask how much repeat business the firm has. What percentage of projects are due to long-term customers. If they are involved in management and operations, what is the reputation of their restaurants?

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: As previously noted, the UAE F&B and hospitality market is complex and highly competitive. Find a consultant who understands the realities on the ground, who, in other words, “speaks the language”, and who has the capacity to anticipate future trends and to plan for them. Speaking the language means understanding all the fine details that go into developing, launching and managing an F&B outlet such as:

• Scouting and securing prime locations, including negotiating rents
• Design input
• Managing fit out
• Regulatory issues (e.g. VAT implementation)
• Recruitment
• Food trends (e.g. vegan and vegetarian menu choices)

OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE: Look for a record of hands-on operational experience in all the interrelated phases of restaurant design and delivery, from concept to brand identity, carrying through to management and operations.

PASSION: The best restaurant consultant will be the one who has a real love for the business. They are fascinated by every aspect of the business and keep up with industry news and trends. They recruit the best available talent, because they want to be the best in the field.

SCOPE OF EXPERIENCE: Look for a range of experience with both international chains and local individual operators. Some consultants will be specialised in only one aspect of the restaurant business, like public relations, or kitchen design. It is better to find someone who has comprehensive experience because this will ensure that there is continuity and consistency to all the different initiatives going on in your business.

IN-HOUSE RESOURCES: When you select a consultant for your restaurant business, select a consultant who has the expertise, resources and skills to do everything you need without outsourcing. If they outsource, it means they are sending your business on to another entity that you have not vetted. It creates another layer of accountability that may create problems down the line.

CHEMISTRY: Finally, find a “good match” for your vision and ambition. Someone who you can trust to provide you with all the support you need to achieve your objectives. Business people are usually good at listening to their gut, but one way to assess whether to trust a consultant or not, is how much guidance they are ready to provide, during the selection phase. If they are open and trusting you during the interview process, chances are, this is how the relationship will continue. If they provide insights and advice before you hire them, you can conclude that they are supremely confident that you will not find anybody who can help you better than them.

We have a team of 20 people in head office with knowledge across many facets of the restaurants business

An Example of The Best Kind of Restaurant Consultant

If you are looking for a competent firm that possesses all these qualities and more, you will not be able to find a better F&B consultant than Glee Hospitality Solutions. Glee has incomparable local knowledge built over the last 8 years as well as a highly qualified staff with international experience. The Dubai-based firm is among the top restaurant consultants in Dubai. Offering end-to-end hospitality services, Glee caters to restaurateurs in the UAE, in other GCC countries, as well as in Egypt and Jordan. They have launched more than 50 F&B concepts and opened over 70 outlets regionally. The firm has nearly 400 employees with a rich range of experience in all aspects of restaurant design, implementation and operation. Their focus is on innovation, deployment and implementation, from finding the best location, identifying key customer segments, to recruiting and training staff and undertaking. Clients receive personalised guidance and support so they can achieve and even surpass their ambitions.

Conclusion: A Good Restaurant Consultant Can Make the Difference

UAE restaurant owners need to be agile in this transformative period. Those businesses that can adapt will ride out the slumps and come out stronger. Those that can’t will fall by the wayside. According to KPMG, “the economics of the business have changed in current times and a strong control over costs, while managing customer experience, will be critical to achieving the right financial outcome.”

From kitchen to dining room, from bar to back office, there are people doing delicate and coarse tasks, and there is money to be gained or lost at each step. Few individual business owners will have the requisite resources and knowledge to see the big picture and to pick the right development path for their operation. In a crowded field like F&B, restaurant owners and operators need to be able to find the best ways to leverage on digital technologies  and food trends without losing business to competitors or being outmaneuvered by the industry players.

Always remember, restaurant patrons want more than just a meal. They are paying for more than the food. A good restaurant must sell a story, a concept, a vision; and that’s where a restaurant consultant can make the difference. The restaurant consultant can provide the exact kind of support needed to make your business stand out and grow.

Did you like what you read? Ask us your questions at info@gleehospitality.com