AI voice ordering to transform drive-thrus
Ready to take your order, voice-activated artificial intelligence systems are poised to revolutionize drive-thru operations across the region’s rapidly expanding quick-service restaurant market. Duncan Fraser-Smith, CEO of Craft Hospitality Group, spotlights the huge opportunities and possible challenges that this transformational technology presents.
midar 4 steps to building a resilient franchise
As global markets become more complex and competitive, resilience has become the defining factor that sets robust franchise systems apart. Anthony Aucar, head of projects at Glee Hospitality Solutions, shares four core principles for businesses looking to implement a sustainable, scalable franchise model.
Mixing eye-catching design with relaxed elegance with Firas Alsahin
Firas Alsahin, co-founder and creative director at 4SPACE, reflects on how magical maximalism coexists with quiet luxury, layered jewel tones and sculptural details.
Franchising frameworks for a new era of investment
Franchising remains a powerful growth engine for hospitality across MENA. However, rising levels of investor sophistication have revealed the limits of one-size-fits-all models.
Jad Shamseddin, COO at Aleph Hospitality, analyzes the evolving frameworks now shaping the region’s next phase of hospitality brand growth.
Multi-unit franchise models: The full perspective
Babette Marzheuser-Wood is a founding partner at Global Franchise Group Dentons and managing director at Dentons Franchise Advisory. Here, she talks us through the benefits and potential challenges of these models, and shares her top negotiation tips.
Lebanese cuisine in the limelight with master chef Sleiman Khawand
Lebanese cuisine continues to evolve with confidence, blending refinement with a deep respect for tradition. Sleiman Khawand, Lebanese master chef, culinary consultant and founder of Hospitality Professionals Academy, shares his perspective on this dynamic transformation.
Why all-round hospitality training needs a touch
Hospitality venues are stages where employees need to deliver captivating performances that wow guests and keep them coming back for more. The curtain is rising. Daniel During, principal and managing director at Thomas Klein International, offers us front-row tickets to show-stopping insights on the attributes that set staff apart and help to deliver dramatic industry win-wins.
7 secret marketing tactics of busy restaurateurs
Keeping customers coming through the doors is no easy feat in today’s fast-changing dining landscape. So how do the most successful eateries do it? Monica E. Chikhani, founder and managing director of MEC Workshop, shares seven of their secret strategies. But keep them to yourself…
5 ways to crack the Gen Z code
There’s a new cohort of customers in town who are bringing both fresh expectations and growing spending power to the hospitality industry. Are you ready for them? Ashleigh Donald, co-founder of Halo Business Consulting, shares five tips to attract and engage the all-important group of Gen Z guests.
The return of maximalist restaurants
Luxury hospitality is evolving beyond marble lobbies and fine linens. Norman Cescut, founder and CEO at Desita, has the lowdown on how high-end hotels are defined by emotion, culture and purpose.