In an exclusive interview with Chawki Edmond Barakat, the Managing Director of Barakat Food Company, HN learns all about his take on the COVID-19 pandemic, his expansion plans and motto for life.
1. What are Barakat Food Company’s brands and what is the total number of branches?
We have around 12 branches in Kuwait for the following brands: Alghanim Restaurant; Mais Alghanim To Go; Mais Catering; and Shawarma Matic.
2. How do you plan to adapt to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and what do you expect to be the ‘new normal’ in its aftermath?
We plan to implement several measures. Firstly, all staff will be checked with a thermometer prior to entering the premises.
The dining area will be reconfigured to adhere to social distancing guidelines and there will be notices giving guidelines on handwashing and sanitizers at reception.
Staff will wear masks and gloves when serving customers, while cutlery will be pre-packed in clear plastic packaging. We also plan to develop an auto-immune menu to help combat viruses.
3. What is your motto for life?
Live blissfully.
4. How is your restaurant going green?
We’re currently working with local suppliers to convert all our packing to environmentally friendly biodegradable options for our Mais Alghanim To Go and Shawarma Matic brands.
5. What are your upcoming projects?
We’re currently looking into franchising our Mais Alghanim To Go enter the GCC, in addition to growing our B2B business locally.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
