Falling victim to the crisis

Falling victim to the crisis

While each Middle Eastern economy has its own problems and individual strengths, all in all, the last five years have brought a fair few challenges for most of the region’s markets. The hospitality industry is, as always, one of the first to bear the brunt of tough times. Nagi Morkos, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, analyzes the region’s turbulent times and its impact on the sector and its players

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The intricacies of healthy eating

The intricacies of healthy eating

The business of eating healthy has not only changed consumer eating habits, it’s produced regional sales growth that can no longer be ignored. Nada Alameddine, partner at Hodema consulting services, gives us a rundown of the basics and some surprising new trends

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Shababik; a window onto KSA’s F&B industry

Shababik; a window onto KSA’s F&B industry

What is ‘Shababik’? Shababik, a restaurant managed by Richard Farhat, has been operating in Jeddah since May 2014. It serves traditional Lebanese food and welcomes up to 450 guests. It is located on the second level of a boutique mall in a prestigious area with a vast air-conditioned terrace. Over the years,...

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Feasts from the East: Understanding Levantine cuisine

Feasts from the East: Understanding Levantine cuisine

Levantine cuisine ranks among the latest trends that the restaurant world is witnessing right now. However, before figuring out what’s behind its rise in popularity, the ‘Levantine’ concept itself needs clarifying. Nagi Morkos, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, explains

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Serving up novelty in a scoop

Serving up novelty in a scoop

Born and raised in Lebanon with an education in chemistry, Carole Moawad hadn’t ever predicted that she would someday be the co-founder of M’OISHÎ, the UAE’s homegrown mochi ice cream manufacturer. In March 2017, she opened her first M’OISHÎ store in City Walk, Dubai. Today, she is the owner of...

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Exclusive: Meet Chef Stéphane Jego

Exclusive: Meet Chef Stéphane Jego

In an exclusive interview with Chef Stéphane Jego from L’Ami Jean, Hodema consulting services sits down with the chef at Liza Beirut for a one on one Franco-Libanaise culinary exploration.

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Serviced apartments:  A growing sector

Serviced apartments: A growing sector

According to 2018’s Global Serviced Apartments Industry Report, there are over one million serviced apartment units worldwide in over 13,000 locations, providing hotel-like amenities. These alternative accommodation facilities have become particularly popular among two categories of travelers, namely the business and family segments. Nada Alameddine, partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains

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F&B Funding: An appetite for growth

F&B Funding: An appetite for growth

Raising capital to fund future development is pivotal in securing the future success of a company, including food and beverage (F&B) industry players. Nagi Morkos, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, ‘shows us the money’

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Siraj, where Emirati cuisine meets the Levant

Siraj, where Emirati cuisine meets the Levant

In an interview with Culinary Enthusiast and Event Management Expert Heba Rumhein, Lebanese-based consulting company HODEMA learns all about the interestingly-unique origins behind the creation of the Siraj restaurant brand, Dubai. Where did the idea of the restaurant come from? It all began with my passion for decor, food and...

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Regional F&B groups – The five-year challenge

Regional F&B groups – The five-year challenge

F&B operators and investors in the region have certainly faced turbulent times in recent years. Fortunately, there’s still good news to share, despite the difficulties, as Toufic Akl, partner, operations, at Hodema Consulting Services, reveals

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