Dubai-based Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group (IMG), a leading diversified commercial entity, has announced its entry into the food & beverage sector with the signing of an agreement with Spanish-borne family business, Asador de Aranda Group.

The agreement enables IMG to open Asador de Aranda’s first international restaurant outlet, with plans to open 12 more across the Middle East over the next 10 years.

Due to open in the first quarter (Q1) of 2016, Asador de Aranda will offer diners a unique Spanish experience, with traditional Castilian cuisine, characterized by the use of an oak-wood adobe clay oven.

This method of cooking mirrors that of a Muslim influence and culture that occupied Spain in the past, giving dishes such as the restaurant specialty, slow-cooked churro lamb, a distinct texture and undeniable depth of flavour, a statement said.

Naveed Dowlatshahi, vice president – Food & Beverage, Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group, said: “The demand for quality food and beverage options is set to increase as we edge closer to EXPO 2020, particularly given the current growth in the UAE tourism sector.”

“We are committed to partnering with well established brands that we believe will suit the Middle Eastern market well, and Asador de Aranda is no exception. Its rich heritage and proven track record is undeniable, and we are looking forward to working closely with the team to develop the concept for this market.

“This agreement, coupled with the development of a broad range of concepts that will be at the heart of IMG Worlds of Adventure, really cements our position in the market, as it adds depth to our offering and helps to position us throughout the F&B value chain,” he added.

Martiniano Palomer, chief executive officer Asador De Aranda, said: “The Middle East is a rapidly growing market, with significant consumer potential. We are committed to partnering with reliable and experienced organizations that have the necessary resources and local insight required to translate the Asador de Aranda concept in new markets. We are confident that the Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group will be able to successfully deliver on this, and look forward to working closely with their F&B team.”

Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group will also be bringing 28 original food and beverage offerings to IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest temperature controlled indoor theme park which is set to include a broad range of dining options for park guests, including American, Middle Eastern, Pan-Asian, Mexican, European, Indian, and South African.  - TradeArabia News Service