The trade model of F&B Business is evolving at such a drastic pace, where the traditional path of setting up a shop is being threatened. The boom of online business is transforming the landscape, from 3rd party delivery companies to cooking at home.

If you are looking to invest or set up a restaurant, then join us as we partner with sps:hotels - part of Strategic Partnership Solutions, a boutique business consultancy for the hospitality, leisure, tourism, and service sectors, to unravel the myths of whether to go online or set up shop?

The conversation will cover:

    Fundamental difference between setting up a shop & going on-line?
    What is the current trade market landscape?
    What are the Pros & Cons of each business model?
    What are the critical considerations for potential businesses to enter the market?

ON THE PANEL

Marie-Christine Luijckx, Co-Founder of Fruitful Day

Marie-Christine is the Managing Director of Fruitful Day, a business that delivers delicious and thoughtfully-curated selections of fresh fruit to workplaces and homes across the UAE. 

Marie-Christine has been living in Dubai for 12 years and has a background in finance. Through the creation of Fruitful Day, she is leveraging her business knowledge to help Dubai’s workplaces and families become healthier and happier.

 Marie-Christine has a degree in Economics and Psychology from the University of Notre-Dame in Indiana and a Masters in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan in the USA. She is a member of the local Entrepreneur Organization Accelerator chapter. 

Fruitful Day received a high commendation for Start-Up Business of the Year at the 2017 Gulf Capital SME Awards. 

Nicky Ramchandani,  Managing Director / Streetery DMCC

Raised in Bangkok, Nicky always had a passion for food. Growing up in his family hotel, spending time in the kitchen, food was a part of his blood.

After an initial career in his family business of of exports, air transportation, and telecommunications in Uganda he later moved to Dubai and in 2004 in a serendipitous experience of helping a friend set up a restaurant in Dubai, he fell in love all over again with the F & B business. 

In 2005 Nicky created The Zen Restaurant. Serving Authentic street style Thai & Chinese food, was the first street style food concept of that kind in Dubai. 

Success came naturally to the Zen brand and won accolades ranging from most Authentic Thai restaurant by the Thai Trade center in Dubai to the Ahlan Hot 100 restaurants. 

Raki Phillips, Co-Founder, CEO of SugarMoo Desserts

A 15 Year Hospitality veteran working for some of the world’s most global brands including Universal Studios Orlando, Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. His experience spans in launching more than 12 hotels globally and numerous F&B concepts such as Hard Rock Live Orlando, Noire the Middle East's first Dinner in the Dark concept, SoBe  at Monte Carlo Beach Club Abu Dhabi, Al Basta Sandwiches, District Lounge in DIFC & District47 Dubai’s highest rooftop at Warwick Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road.
 
Raki Co-Founded SugarMoo Desserts in 2014 and currently is CEO of  the home grown start up which caters to sweet cravings across the UAE and is Dubai’s first online dessert delivery business.  It also manages and operates several Dessert Lab & lounges across town including Dar Wasl Jumierah, Mercato Mall, Dubai Parks & Resorts & VOX Cinema  Mall of the Emirates.

Bobby Kapoor,  Chef Partner at Cartalyst Solutions / Classic Catering Establishment
 
With over 29+ years in Hotels and Food Sector, Bobby has an insatiable hunger for knowledge and an inquisitive mind, prodding him to learn from people, exploring new processes and ways. He adapts easily and is innovative in getting maximum results from limited resources.

Bobby’s culinary escapades are creating storms in the Middle East, and with his catering company named as Classic Catering, the range of ideas he can transform into reality onto your plate, is nothing short of vast. Whoever said this about Bobby was so right. ‘Passion’ is his middle name.

Peggy Li,  Michelin Star Caliba Service Industries Consultant, Public Speaker, Trainer & Coach

Peggy having worked in world-renowned Michelin star acclaimed establishments such as L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, is an individual with an exceptionally strong work ethic, an ambitious professional and team player. Critical problem solver who works with great attention to detail and highly goal orientated.  

With Peggy’s strong working persona, she has carved many success business ventures prior of settling in as a Managing Partner at SPS: Affinity, a boutique consultancy that covers all spectrum of working at the hospitality & service industries. 

Peggy is also a startup mentor and adviser at WOMENA, In5 Tech and SHERAA.