Strong research and creative concepts are the key elements to launching a successful hospitality business in the current UAE market, according to a firm of experts.

The GCC market volatility caused by the oil price has led to numerous food and beverage (F&B) outlets going out of business in recent months, while many start-ups have struggled to get off the ground.

However, UAE based Glee Hospitality Solutions has helped its investor clients buck this trend and believes the secret to success in the current difficult market is robust research that leads to a creative concept that will ensure consumer demand.

Abdul Kader Saadi, managing director of Glee Hospitality Solutions, said: “We have researched, designed and launched a total of more than 20 restaurant concepts, while we also operate 40 outlets for our clients.

“We have seen a 20 per cent year-on-year growth of the concepts. Overall, our emphasis is on creating a space for fascinating menus, fresh components, and modern design elements executed by the right team.

“You only need to pick up a newspaper to understand how tough it is to start any new business at the moment, but we know the demand is still there. We would advise anyone looking to open a new restaurant or café to ensure they carry out the right research to ensure their dream becomes a reality rather than a nightmare.”

Over the past five years, a vast number of UAE-based investors have ploughed their money into new restaurant concepts. A report by Euromonitor International states that around 19,000 new dining outlets are expected to open in the UAE by 2019. However, some industry experts say that a fifth of the UAE’s food and beverage companies will close by the end of 2017.

Many concerned investors have turned to specialists like Glee for help before investing in the F&B industry and have seen their projects flourish, turn a profit, and even become a regional franchise.

In its seven years of operation, Glee has helped set up more than 20 successful homegrown brands in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, of which three concepts are being franchised in other countries across the region. Its impressive list of thriving start-ups includes Molten Me, the first-of-its-kind dessert concept and Rice Creamery, a venue dedicated to quintessential Arabian desserts, which opened branches in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt.

Saadi has been delighted to see his clients’ dreams become a reality in recent years and expects that success to continue to grow into other markets as they remain focused on affordable rather than high-end concepts.

He added: “We plan to unveil over 10 new concepts in the next two years, of which five are primarily targeting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain markets.

“Our restaurants and their success in the last two to three years in the UAE, and more importantly in the franchises across the Gulf, speak volumes about the latent market for affordable, high-quality food.” - TradeArabia News Service