In 2021, drawing on over two decades of culinary expertise, Walid Hajj co-established Lavoya Restaurants Group, a premier operator introducing diverse and innovative culinary brands to the GCC industry. Lavoya successfully launched three franchises: trendy Danish café Joe & The Juice, US-based Dave’s Hot Chicken, and the 45-year-old Lebanese street food outlet, Barbar.
Joe & The Juice, a global juice market leader with over 300 stores across 16 countries, places emphasis on health consciousness and trendy offerings. Lavoya oversees its UAE presence with nine outlets, including the recently opened DIFC branch in September 2022. Committed to sustainability, they launched Joe & The Juice in the UAE in September 2022, with locations in key areas including Dubai Design District, Mall of the Emirates, Galleria Mall Al Barsha, and more.
Dave’s Hot Chicken, a renowned LA-based eatery famed for its Nashville-style hot chicken, is gaining popularity in Dubai with two branches and a third soon to open in Dubai Mall. Managed by Lavoya Restaurants, this Drake-backed establishment offers a spectrum of spice levels, from mild to the fiery Reaper® pepper. Dave’s Hot Chicken was launched in the UAE in September 2022 and has multiple locations, including Motor City and JBR in Dubai, and Place Vendome Mall in Qatar, along with Tahlia Street in Riyadh, KSA.
Barbar, the beloved Lebanese street food concept, has made its international debut in Dubai. Lavoya introduced Barbar in the UAE in October 2021, offering authentic Lebanese dishes, including shawarmas and falafels. Known for its genuine flavors and premium ingredients, Barbar has quickly become a favorite among food enthusiasts in Dubai. The restaurant aims to provide a memorable dining experience, showcasing Lebanon’s rich culinary heritage. Barbar has locations in Hessa Street, Bay Avenue, Tahlia Street in Riyadh-KSA, Place Vendome Mall, and Bin Al Sheikh Towers in Qatar.
Walid Hajj, with an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia, has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial acumen. Before Lavoya, he founded Cravia, a leading food and hospitality group, and co-founded Kitch, a pioneering delivery-focused cloud kitchen and premium store-front operator. Hajj, a sought-after speaker at global industry conferences, received the Leading Hospitality Entrepreneur Award at the Leaders In Hospitality Awards 2023.
With plans for ambitious expansion, including the launch of 31 Dave’s Hot Chicken outlets in six countries, Walid Hajj’s well-rounded experience and extensive industry knowledge underscore his pivotal role in Lavoya’s remarkable success and innovative ventures in the F&B sector.