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Hospitality

We are in the business of bringing happiness to our customers

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Brooklyn Creamery

Exclusive interview with Romil Ratra, The Brooklyn Creamery

Highlights of your journey in the hospitality industry and how it has shaped your leadership approach?

My journey in the hospitality industry began at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, leading to a diverse career trajectory. Over the past 29 years, I’ve had the privilege of moving through the ranks from a corporate management trainee to managing established ventures. 

Hospitality, as an industry, is fast paced and keeps one on their toes, fostering out-of-the-box thinking and innovation by design and requirement.

My leadership approach is deeply influenced by my early experiences in luxury hospitality, where attention to detail, exceptional service, and a relentless focus on guest satisfaction were paramount. Today, the same translates into going above and beyond for a great customer experience, focusing on delivering the right product and making sure that service channels are exceptional and we are where our consumers are.

The Brooklyn Creamery offers a unique range of ice creams with health-conscious ingredients. How do you ensure these products stand out in a competitive market?

The Brooklyn Creamery stands out in a competitive market by prioritizing health without compromising on taste. We understand that consumers are increasingly looking for better-for-you options that align with their dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.

Our approach combines cutting-edge food science with an unwavering commitment to quality. We use natural ingredients, avoid added sugars, and focus on creating products that are not only delicious but also nutritious. By staying attuned to global health trends and continuously innovating, we ensure that our ice creams not only meet but exceed the expectations of health-conscious consumers.

What inspired your new product line of latest guilt-free protein ice cream bars?

We have been noticing the shift in consumer sentiment towards protein rich diets and snacks.

Protein has taken a center stage in health conversations and across age groups, our TG is focusing on understanding protein needs through different life stages – it is visible everywhere – in gyms, in health centers, in influencer communities, on social media. It is no surprise that the global growth in the protein ice cream market is predicted to grow at 11% per year to 2030.

The Brooklyn Creamery is driven by these mined insights and what our consumers tell us and thus, came in the protein ice cream bars. The format is stickless, as we understand that a big percentage of usage is post/pre-gym and/or as a snack and we wanted to keep it easy to consume. As a company, we focus on all touchpoints and not just the product or the health benefit.

Can you share an example of a recent innovation at The Brooklyn Creamery?

One of our recent innovations that I’m particularly proud of is the 99-calorie fudge sundae.

We launched it in February 2024, and it sold out within 25 days, which speaks volumes about its popularity and the market’s readiness for such innovative products. The UAE market in particular, is very receptive to trying new formats, and this motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries. The success of this product underscores the importance of understanding consumer preferences and delivering products that not only meet but exceed their expectations.

How do you ensure that your products bring happiness to your customers while aligning with their dietary goals?

We are in the business of bringing happiness to our customers. Ice cream is universally perceived as a product that brings joy, whether it’s part of a family gathering, a date night, or a quick treat to uplift your day. With The Brooklyn Creamery, we ensure that this happiness comes without any guilt but added health benefits. Our products are designed to align with dietary goals, being low in calories and free from added sugars, so our customers can indulge without worry. By offering delicious, healthier alternatives, we provide the best of both worlds—happiness and health.

As an avid gastronome, how do your personal culinary interests and experiences influence the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery?

My personal culinary interests and experiences impact the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery when it comes to new product development and flavors and to some extent, I’d also like to say global trends as I’m an avid traveler too.

I have a deep appreciation for fine foods and innovative culinary techniques, which inspires me to push the envelope in our product development. Whether it’s experimenting with new flavors, textures, or health-conscious ingredients, my passion for gastronomy drives our commitment to excellence. This personal touch ensures that our products are not only nutritious but also delightfully flavorful, offering a unique culinary experience to our customers. Having an experienced RnD team, food technologists to execute the vision or an idea is a blessing!

Hospitality

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD LAUNCHES LIMITED-TIME ALL-INCLUSIVE ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF DUBAI

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Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road invites guests to enjoy a seamless city getaway with its limited-time “All-Inclusive Escape,” available until 31 December 2026, designed to combine comfort, dining, and relaxation in one convenient stay experience.

Perfectly located in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road, the offer allows guests to unwind and indulge with thoughtfully curated dining experiences and hospitality throughout their stay.

The all-inclusive package includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside free-flowing selected house beverages and soft drinks available at selected outlets. Guests can also enjoy two hours of selected house beverages during either lunch or dinner service.

Enhancing the culinary experience further, the package features a specially curated set menu offering one starter, one main course, and one dessert per person from selected menu items. Non-alcoholic beverages, including water and soft drinks, are also available at selected outlets daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Whether planning a relaxing staycation, a business trip with added comfort, or a convenient city retreat, the All-Inclusive Escape delivers a hassle-free Dubai experience with everything thoughtfully included.

Guests are advised that beverage and dining inclusions apply only at selected outlets. Additional charges may apply for non-marked menu items, room service, tobacco products, and shisha. On the day of departure, all-inclusive benefits remain valid until 12:00 PM only. Availability of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is subject to local regulations, while festive supplements may apply during Christmas and New Year dining experiences.

Validity: Until December 31, 2026, subject to availability and hotel terms and conditions.

Offer: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner | Free-flowing selected house beverages and soft drinks at selected outlets | Two hours of selected house beverages during lunch or dinner | Curated set menu featuring one starter, one main course, and one dessert per person | Non-alcoholic beverages available from 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM at selected outlets | Location: Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road

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Hospitality

SPOTTING THE SIGNS: HOW DOOR STAFF ARE BECOMING NIGHTLIFE’S FIRST RESPONDERS

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Stephanie Austin, founder of Prima Cura Training

The image of the nightclub ‘bouncer’ has a clear stereotype: physically imposing, authoritative, and primarily concerned with keeping order among the customers. But step into today’s night-time economy and you’ll find that role has evolved significantly. Door staff are now acting as frontline responders, playing important roles in safeguarding vulnerable people as they enter, enjoy, and even once they’ve left the venue.

These developemnts reflect a cultural change, a shift in the way society views issues like consent, and most importantly improved training. Door supervisors are in an ideal position to spot signs of distress, coercion, or danger.

‘Duty of care’

Nowadays, there’s a much broader interpretation of the ‘duty of care’ concept. One of the most important messages now emphasised in training is that responsibility doesn’t end when someone steps outside the venue. Door staff are encouraged to look after not only customers inside the venue, but also those leaving it, people nearby, and even non-customers within visible range. The mindset of “not on our premises, not our problem” is thankfully becoming outdated.

Another major change lies in the way we define a vulnerable person. Where it once only really meant someone who’s intoxicated, training now stresses that vulnerability can take many forms and isn’t always obvious. A person may be sober but anxious, isolated, or pressured. People of all genders can experience harassment or assault, not just women and girls. Recognising these nuances is key to meeting a duty of care.

This awareness is reinforced by a more diverse workforce. The presence of more women and LGBTQ+ door staff has helped create a more approachable and inclusive environment. For many customers, particularly those feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, being able to speak to someone they relate to can make all the difference. It opens the door to earlier disclosures and ultimately, better support.

Initiatives like “Ask for Angela” have also contributed. Now widely recognised across venues, the scheme provides a discreet way for people to signal they need help. While not a complete solution, it represents a step toward embedding safety into nightlife culture.

Responding to raised concerns

Equally important is how staff respond once a concern is raised. Physical intervention is rarely appropriate in cases involving vulnerability. Instead, training focuses on communication, empathy, and alignment with safeguarding policies. The aim is to support people in a way that minimises further harm, without escalating a situation unnecessarily.

The industry has also learned from past mistakes. There is growing awareness of the risks associated with ejecting someone from a venue without their belongings or without informing their friends. What might once have been standard practice is now considered dangerous. Leaving individuals stranded or isolated only increases risk.

Training is the key

Ongoing training is absolutely critical in maintaining this progress. Laws change, but I’d like to know one person who can cite every law relevant to their profession. On top of that, societal expectations and emerging threats form quicker than the law can keep up with.

From increased numbers of drink spiking incidents to changes in local crime patterns, door staff must stay informed and receive the training they need to ensure public safety is maximised. Regular refresher sessions not only reinforce responsibilities but also provide space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

These sessions often include guidance on local support services, enabling staff to signpost individuals towards appropriate help, whether that’s mental health support, substance misuse services, or national helplines for issues like exploitation. They also cover practical skills like accurate incident reporting and navigating communication systems such as venue radios and emergency services.

Together, these developments are changing what it means to work the door. Today’s security staff are active participants in a wider safety ecosystem. Observant, informed, and increasingly compassionate, they stand on the frontline of nightlife, ready to step in when it matters most.

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Hospitality

A Flavour-Packed International Burger Week at List Bar

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From 25th to 30th May, List Bar presents a special International Burger Week experience, featuring a curated selection of expertly crafted burgers made with premium ingredients, all served in a lively and relaxed setting perfect for social gatherings or unwinding after a long day.

Each burger order is paired with a complimentary pint, adding extra value to this exclusive offering and making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy great food in a vibrant atmosphere.

Offer Details
Date: 25th to 30th May | Offer: Buy any burger and enjoy a complimentary pint | Location: List Bar, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel

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