Local lovemark brand to open eight new branches in the next two years

Dubai, UAE, 08 February 2015

Reem Al Bawadi Restaurant & Café, the themed family restaurant that is renowned for their authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and superb hospitality, today launched its International franchising model at Gulfood 2015, currently taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The brand is planning to open an additional eight new branches over the next two years, worth more than USD17.6 million.

"Gulfood is providing us the ideal platform to launch our franchising opportunities as the event is welcoming numerous industry experts and investors, who are keen to get involved with local businesses and top-class concepts," said Ayman Abdel Jaber, CEO, Reem Al Bawadi. "Our brand has evolved over the last decade and now we are ready to offer interested parties the opportunity to share the success of our lovemark brand."

Its flagship store in Jumeirah, Dubai, was launched in November 2001 with a simple concept in mind of serving the tastiest authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine along with the best Sheesha in town, all in a relaxed, sophisticated, and uniquely Arabian setting. Today it operates five branches in the UAE, one in Jeddah and soon another branch in Bahrain, Al Ain and second branch in Jeddah, serving more than 100,000 customers per month. 

The regional and international expansion plans have come in place due to the enormous demand from customers to experience the Reem Al Bawadi hospitality in their home countries and those visiting around the region and countries like Europe and Central Eastern Europe and Asia.

"We see a huge potential for expansion in the coming two years and already have between six to eight international openings planned. We are aiming to target a mix of new markets and to fill-in market gaps and where opportunities arise," added Mr. Jaber.

Reem Al Bawadi touched on their unique selling points of being a strong and differentiated brand with a broad appeal and unique experience. Many value the brand as a 'home away from home' with distinctive assets, innovative marketing and solid financials in the UAE managed by an experienced, results driven team.

The restaurant, with its relaxed and lively ambience is a preferred destination for business meetings, social gatherings, family get-togethers and celebrations of special occasions. It offers customers the pleasure of an all-day dining experience which makes it an apt place for both socializing and meetings.

By using advanced technology during service, like the use of hand held devices to take orders and walkie-talkies to communicate during service, the management can ensure and optimize operational efficiency.

A typical Reem Al Bawadi restaurant is around 8000 Sq ft. which requires an approximate USD 2.2 million investment till outlet opening.

The brand is looking to partner with financially stable investors/entrepreneurs with shared values and vision in relation to its concept and goals and those who are committed to superior quality, efficient customer service and long-term brand-building. A typical franchisee will have sound local market know-how as well as strong business acumen, preferably those who are already in service based industries such as food and beverage, Hotels and so on.

With a view to achieving a smooth and well aligned support system, Reem Al Bawadi has devised a systematic assistance program which includes the following services:

·         Franchise Support - a support system of an organization committed to success and the experience of a professional management team with a strategic plan to help launch outlet(s) quickly

·         Architecture and Design - architectural and design assistance are provided to each franchisee which includes prototypical plans to assure the highest quality design and construction.

·         Construction and Equipment Support- full guidance in the design and layout of every branch. The guidelines also specifies the equipment required for each location; e.g. freezers, fryers, grills, crockery, cutlery, pots & pans etc.

·         Operational Support - a dedicate Reem Al Bawadi Franchise Consultant is appointed for each branch who are available at all times to support franchisees, assure consistency of the Reem Al Bawadi brand and to assist franchisees in all areas of operations including financial analysis, marketing promotions and vendor selection.

·         Purchasing- as a multi-unit, multi-country chain, Reem Al Bawadi has opportunities to negotiate prices on behalf of the brand -- affording franchisees more competitive prices and ensures quality, consistency and cost-effectiveness throughout.

·         Training - Reem Al Bawadi sets rigorous standards for staff development. A detailed and focused training program is put in place for your key personnel at a designated training unit.

During the first year of operation, Reem Al Bawadi Jeddah branch won the Best Fine Dine Award from Jeddah Chamber of Commerce. It was also recently awarded as the BBC Good Food Middle East's Best Middle Eastern Restaurant 2014 along with What's On Awards' Best Middle Eastern Restaurant 2014.

"We've ensured that the franchising setup is hassle free for the ease of all parties involved. After signing the formal agreement it normally takes 4-6 months to setup and start the entire operations and the initial agreement is for five years, with an option of renewing it further," concluded

For inquiries, contact Group Franchise Director, Mr. Pankaj Gulati at pankaj@reemalbawadi.com or visit their stand at Al Multaqua Hall (4A), Stand No.: Q-C10 during Gulfood till 12 February, 2015.

For more information about Reem Al Bawadi, visit www.reemalbawadi.com.

-Ends-

About Reem Al Bawadi:
Reem al Bawadi is a themed family restaurant that is renowned for their authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and superb hospitality over the last decade. Many guests consider it as a 'home away from home' due to the genuine flavors in the food and the restaurant's ambience, which is synonymous to family barbeques and gatherings among friends for special occasions.

The quality of service has given Reem al Bawadi a mass appeal and has attracted many international travellers who enjoy exploring new types of food, especially the Lebanese cuisine as they visit the UAE. The owner, and also head chef of Reem Al Bawadi, has created an extensive menu that features local favorites, made from old family recipes, along with a few international dishes with his own personal touch.

Reem al Bawadi is a landmark for Arabic food in the UAE and a home for friends, family and the curious explorer.

For more information about Reem Al Bawadi, visit www.reemalbawadi.com

Media inquiries, please contact:
Zelda Hyman
Founder and Managing Director, emblem PR
E: zelda@emblem.ae
M: +971 55 568 1105

Sara Riad
PR Manager, emblem PR
M: +971 55 568 3205
E: sara@emblem.ae

© Press Release 2015