Next week, The Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) will host exclusive events for its 300 delegates at two newly opened, high-profile restaurants in Dubai.
GRIF, a networking and intelligence event will take place at Fairmont The Palm from 10 – 12 April and will host its opening reception at Lima Dubai at City Walk on the evening of 10 April.
Lima Fitzrovia first opened in London in 2012 and is the only Peruvian restaurant to win and retain a Michelin star.
The flagship was followed by Lima Floral in London’s Covent Garden two years later, with Lima Dubai representing the first venue outside of the United Kingdom.
Ryan Baird, general manager of Lima Dubai, said he was thrilled to be working with GRIF 2017: “Hosting the guests from GRIF is a great platform for all business leaders and industry professionals to come and experience the first licensed venue in City Walk.
“Lima is a brand with an international culinary story from Peru to London and now Dubai, a concept created by Virgilio Martinez, the Michelin starred chef, currently ranked world’s no.4 by San Pellegrino and managed by Meraas, a journey that we are sure will be of great interest to our GRIF guests. We look forward to an exciting evening with everyone!”
On the second day of GRIF, delegates will be treated to an evening reception at Folly by Nick & Scott, the highly anticipated new opening from restaurateurs Nick Alvis, Scott Price and Viktorija Paplauskiene, in partnership with Gates Hospitality.
Located at Madinat Jumeirah, Folly by Nick & Scott is a concept homegrown in Dubai offering a contemporary menu driven by quality produce and ingredients.
Naim Maadad, CEO of Gates Hospitality, said: “Gates Hospitality and folly are partnering GRIF 2017 as Gold Sponsors with the prime objective to generate awareness of the brand amongst industry colleagues.
“I strongly believe that much more than advertising, it is word of mouth brand publicity that goes a long way to enhance recognition and long-lasting loyalty. It is our earnest endeavor to change the future of the food and beverage industry of Dubai in particular and the GCC region in general. The best way forward is to generate the enthusiasm amongst industry professionals to launch the momentum.”
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, managing director, Middle East, Bench Events, organiser of GRIF, said: “We are delighted to partner with two of Dubai’s hottest new restaurant openings for our networking receptions, which are always a highlight of GRIF for our delegates.
“Our aim is to showcase best practice, quality and innovation and we can’t think of anywhere better to do so than at Lima Dubai and Folly by Nick & Scott.”
Speakers at this year’s event said that GRIF’s networking opportunities were essential forums for anyone operating or investing in the business of F&B.
Anis Harb, general manager GCC, Deliveroo, who is speaking on the panel session entitled ‘Third Party Delivery – Friend or Foe to the Industry’, said: “The combination of technology and globalisation are changing our industry, and fast. It’s more important than ever for us to network and have conversations to facilitate smart partnerships and alliances, both here in the GCC and internationally.”
Andrew Morrow, GM – F&B development and operations, Roya International, who will speak on the topic of ‘Hotel F&B’, said owners and investors needed to attend such meetings to “hear directly from the industry they are investing in.
“It will enable the market to react better to change,” asserted Morrow.
GRIF 2017 will feature a stimulating conference programme that will provide a macroeconomic overview of the F&B industry and tackle issues such as concept development, finance and lending, investment feasibility, scaling up for sustainable growth, creating a food culture and catering to the digitally-focused customer.
Dedicated to sharing best practice and innovative insights, the line-up of speakers for the 2017 edition of GRIF also includes Amir Nahai, CEO Global Food & Beverage, AccorHotels; Gwendal Poullenec, director international development, Guide Michelin; Stuart Gillies, CEO, Gordon Ramsay Group; Nick Schapira, international strategy & development director, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group and Martin Morales, founder, Ceviche and Andina in London.
