According to a directive from the Dubai Economy, while restaurants and cafés are supposed to close down for a couple of weeks from now to contain the spread of COVID-19, customers can order for takeaways and delivery.
We spoke to Naim Maadad, chief executive & founder of Gates Hospitality, to understand what restaurateurs are doing in the face of on-going crisis. The Gates Hospitality portfolio includes food & beverage (F&B) brands such as Social Reform & Grill, Ultra Brasserie and folly by Nick & Scott, to name a few.
Naim Maadad, chief executive & founder of Gates Hospitality
How are restaurateurs uniting?
Maadad: It has been a great uniting force among restaurateurs in recent times. We have united on a common platform, and are communicating daily amongst ourselves, sharing information, seeking government initiatives and support. Importantly, for stakeholders to realise their responsibility and accountability.
Have you seen enough increase in online orders to partially recover losses on dine-in?
Maadad: At the current moment, we have not seen a drastic increase in the online orders – as our brands are not known for deliveries. Our brands are not seen as delivery friendly. In times of crisis, the natural tendency of people, in general, is to focus on saving money and not spending on food deliveries. As days progress, we are hopeful to see a splurge in delivery orders in week two and three when boredom sets in and people explore variety in their cuisine. At such times, F&B brands that benefit would be the 2-for-1 kind of deals from pizza and fast food delivery brands. Other F&B brands would have to wait for the climate to clear and a medical treatment solution to be found globally.
Are food delivery platforms charging similar commission as before?
Maadad: Unfortunately, the delivery platforms are charging the same hefty commission as before and taking undue advantage of the situation. We have terminated the agreement and parting ways with one of the top three delivery platforms.
Watsons to open 20 new stores in the GCC
In 2020, global health & beauty retailer AS Watson Group signed its
April 29, 2024 | By Rupkatha B“We want to not just match the price; but beat it,” claims Chemist Warehouse CEO
Landmark Group to invest $1-bn to grow the business, open 400 stores
/ 
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in cooperation with Lulu
What does it take to sustain profitable growth in the post-IPO phase?
Mahalle began its operations in 2022 as an “Authentic Turkish Grocery in
“Retail is a people’s business. When building a retail brand or the
From being one of the first retailers in Dubai to ban single-use
For starters, Rabbit is a growing e-commerce grocery platform in Egypt always
In 2024 grocery retail major Choithrams has achieved several milestones underscoring its
Industry pioneers are embracing a comprehensive strategy that integrates consumer insights, digital
The regional grocery retail market is evolving fast keeping pace with constantly
From ethical and local sourcing to adopting cutting-edge technologies to curb food
/ 
KNOOPS, a trailblazer in the world of chocolate beverages, has captivated tastebuds
The Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has recorded sales of $1.94 billion up
bkry, one of Alserkal Avenue’s newest residents, goes beyond the cookie cutter
Located at Kempinski Central Avenue, Zenon combines modern technology with luxurious dining,
Founded over 20 years ago by restaurateurs Alexey and Dmitry Vasilchuk, the
In what comes as a significant announcement, Middle East based eyewear majors
Founded in 2007 by Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood, UAE-based RAW Coffee
US-based company SAMBAZON, an acronym for ‘Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon’,
Emirati Gen Z women are seeking collaborative, culturally diverse and creatively enriching
Yolk Brands’ remarkable journey began humbly in April 2019 with the launch
The UAE, particularly Dubai, is a melting pot of cultures. However, introducing
Previous Article
