Hospitality

Happy employees translate to happy customers

Published

2 years ago

September 10, 2024

Exclusive interview with Yunib Siddiqui, Group CEO and proprietor of Jones the Grocer

Congratulations on the Heathrow opening, how does this milestone impact your business, and what can travelers expect at this new location?

Thank you! The opening of Jones the Grocer at Heathrow is a significant milestone because it is our first store in Europe. It certainly demonstrates that our wonderful brand, in its various formats, can successfully scale alongside entrenched players in the West. At over 550sqm, this is our largest full-service restaurant at an airport and features an open kitchen with a live grill, a traditional pizza oven and a stylish bar serving fine wines and cocktails. Many dishes, familiar and loved by our customers in the Middle East, are served at London Heathrow. For those on the go there is also a ‘grab and go’ with freshly made pastries, sandwiches, toasties, salads, wraps, and a selection of beverages and exceptional coffee. This dual offering ensures a gourmet experience for every traveler, whether they have time to sit and dine or need something quick and delicious before they fly away.

Can you share some key insights into your global franchising strategy and the challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered along the way?

The first and most important thing is to work with a partner who is a) passionate about food and b) consistently wants to deliver the most memorable experience. These two points underpin our strategy. Concurrently we look at financial capacity, access to locations and a strong team which can operate our franchise system. In my experience everything must work in tandem to deliver mutual success. Our biggest challenge is always the supply chain. We need to make sure every ingredient we specify is available and if not, then test recipes with substitute ingredients to ensure consistency. In terms of opportunities – well, there are so many given we’ve only just begun to venture outside the Middle East!

What innovative concepts and strategies have you implemented at Jones the Grocer that have helped propel the brand to new heights in the culinary world?

We’ve introduced several concepts that set us apart. The first one is this idea that a gourmet grocery can be successfully and meaningfully combined with casual dining. Then we took this one step further by designing our stores where food is theater. Whether it’s a walk-in cheese room, someone slicing meats, a barista pouring a flat white, a chef cooking on an open flame, it’s all open and visible to the customer. Many of our stores are designed to host cooking classes and some even hold live music events. We often use our fabulous retail products as ingredients on our menu, and this is a key objective now and going forward.

We’ve also embraced technology to enhance the customer experience, with initiatives like our online store and loyalty programs. Sustainability is another key focus; we’ve implemented eco-friendly practices across our operations, from sourcing locally produced ingredients to reducing plastic use. These strategies align with our values of quality, community, and sustainability.

From your perspective, what are the latest trends in the gourmet food and beverage sector?

We’re seeing a growing demand for transparency in sourcing and sustainability in the gourmet food and beverage sector. Customers are more conscious about where their food comes from and how it’s produced. There is also a trend towards experiential dining, where the focus is on creating memorable experiences rather than just serving food, which as I mentioned earlier has always been part of the Jones concept. Additionally, the integration of technology, such as AI and data analytics, is playing a significant role in personalizing customer experiences and optimizing operations. Finally, health and wellness continue to be a major trend, with an increased demand for organic, plant-based, and allergen-free options.

August is the month of happiness, so how does Jones the Grocer create an environment that promotes happiness and satisfaction for its customers and staff?

At Jones the Grocer, we believe happiness comes from a sense of community and belonging. For our customers, we create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere in our stores, where they can enjoy high-quality food and connect with others. We regularly host events and workshops that bring people together and foster a sense of joy and camaraderie. For our staff, we prioritize a positive and supportive work environment. We invest in their professional growth and well-being, providing opportunities for training, development, and team building. Happy employees translate to happy customers, and that’s a key part of our philosophy.

As someone deeply passionate about gourmet food, how do your personal culinary interests and experiences influence the offerings at Jones the Grocer?

My passion for gourmet food is deeply intertwined with the vision for Jones the Grocer. I often travel to explore food, and am constantly exploring new culinary trends and ingredients, which helps to keep our menu innovative and exciting. I also enjoy cooking, which gives me a deeper understanding of technique and flavour. I like simple food, nothing too fussy. I like the dish and its ingredients to sing on the plate. This passion is also reflected in our commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and supporting artisanal producers.

Hospitality

SUPPERCLUB LAUNCHES COMMUNITY INITIATIVE ENCOURAGING UAE RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

As the region continues to navigate the current climate, many residents are choosing to remain in the United Arab Emirates, where they feel safe, and to continue supporting local businesses while spending time together with friends and family.

Restaurants across the UAE have long played an important role in bringing people together, serving as spaces where communities reconnect, share stories, and celebrate culture. This is particularly true during moments of uncertainty.

In response to the recent developments, Dubai-founded premium dining and lifestyle platform SupperClub is encouraging residents to rediscover the city’s restaurants and experiences while continuing to support the hospitality venues that define the country’s social fabric. With school holidays brought forward and many international trips postponed, and Ramadan in its final days, the coming weeks present a natural moment for residents to explore the city’s dining scene while spending time together locally.

To further support both residents and restaurants, SupperClub has introduced a community-focused initiative for March, offering complimentary Diamond memberships for twelve months. SupperClub partners with leading restaurants and hospitality venues across the UAE and globally, including homegrown Dubai brands like Reif Kushiyaki and Lila Molino, as well as popular venues such as ROKA, Josette, and other acclaimed dining destinations.

SupperClub is also giving back to residents who support the UAE’s restaurant community by rewarding them for dining out more. Members who dine at three different SupperClub partner restaurants within 60 days will receive AED 300 in dining credit towards their next booking.

Those signing up for the complimentary Diamond membership can enjoy a range of benefits, including:

Available for free when signing up in March 2026, using the promo code UNITY
Unlimited access to privileges for 12 months
Dedicated WhatsApp Concierge
Unlimited Bookings, Unlimited Guests
Seamless Bookings

Muna Mustafa, Co-Founder of SupperClub said, “Moments like these remind us how important it is to support the restaurants and hospitality teams who provide a place for us to come together to share meals, conversation, and a sense of normality. The UAE’s dining scene has always been built on community, and it’s encouraging to see residents continuing to gather and support the venues that make this country so vibrant.”

Hospitality

ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI PARTNERS WITH UAE FOOD BANK TO DONATE 100 IFTAR MEALS DURING RAMADAN

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

In the spirit of generosity and community that defines the Holy Month of Ramadan, ME By Meliá Dubai is proud to announce its participation in this year’s Ramadan Food Donation initiative in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank under Dubai Municipality.

As part of its commitment to responsible hospitality and meaningful community engagement, the hotel will prepare and donate 100 thoughtfully assembled food bags to support individuals and families in need. Each bag will include a freshly prepared cooked Iftar meal featuring Majboos and Raita, along with bottled water, a laban drink, whole fruit, and dates to help provide a nourishing and complete meal at sunset.

Through the UAE Food Bank, these donations will be distributed to communities, families in need, and mosques across Dubai during Iftar time, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan reaches those who need it most.

This initiative forms part of ME By Meliá Dubai’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, reflecting the brand’s dedication to social impact, sustainability, and inclusive community support. By aligning with the UAE Food Bank’s mission to reduce food waste and redistribute surplus food responsibly, the hotel continues to champion initiatives that create lasting positive change.

In addition, the hotel’s leadership team and Heads of Department will be invited to take part in packing the food bags, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and hands-on engagement. By involving team members directly in the preparation process, ME By Meliá Dubai aims to strengthen internal unity while reinforcing the true essence of Ramadan: compassion, generosity, and shared purpose.

Through this initiative, ME By Meliá Dubai reaffirms its commitment to serving not only its guests, but also the wider community, contributing to a more connected and caring society during the Holy Month and beyond.

Hospitality

JD MALAT GALLERY X AFRICAN QUEEN KOJO MARFO INSTALLATION LAUNCHES DURING RAMADAN AT J1 BEACH

Published

3 days ago

March 11, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

African Queen Dubai unveils a special collaboration with JD Malat Gallery which operates in Downtown, Dubai and Mayfair, London, presenting an installation of works by Ghanaian-British artist Kojo Marfo at its J1 Beach location. Launching during the holy month of Ramadan through to summer, Marfo’s vibrant paintings enter into dialogue with the spirit of African Queen – the iconic Mediterranean restaurant founded on the French Riviera in 1969.

Installed throughout the venue, the works transform African Queen into an immersive cultural setting where gastronomy, art and atmosphere converge. From sunlit interiors to open terraces overlooking the shoreline, guests encounter contemporary African art within a space defined by Riviera elegance and cosmopolitan energy.

Born in 1980, Kojo Marfo is recognised for his distinctive AfroGenesis style – an Afrocentric “new beginning” that fuses Cubist visual language with Akan artistic traditions. His layered figurative works explore identity and spirituality, reframing African heritage through a contemporary lens. Rooted in Ghanaian artistic traditions while engaging with European modernism, Marfo’s work is expressive, symbolic and internationally resonant.

This dialogue between heritage and reinterpretation mirrors African Queen’s own story. Founded in 1969 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, African Queen embodies Mediterranean art de vivre, where cuisine, culture and celebration unfold in an atmosphere of warmth and timeless glamour. Inspired by the 1951 film The African Queen, the venue’s layered textures and design create an environment that feels transportive yet refined.

At J1 Beach, the concept transitions seamlessly from relaxed daytime dining to vibrant evening gatherings.

Throughout Ramadan, African Queen welcomes guests for sea-view Iftar gatherings, offering a curated set menu designed for sharing. The experience begins with dates and lentil soup, followed by Arabic mezze with warm bread, lamb samosa and stuffed vine leaves. A choice of lamb, beef kebab, chicken tagine or vegetarian tagine follows, concluding with seasonal fruit. Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included per person.

The JD Malat Gallery and African Queen Kojo Marfo installation runs from February 2026 through summer 2026.

À la carte dining is available daily. Iftar is served from sunset throughout Ramadan, Iftar is served from sunset until 9:00 PM, with set menus starting from 296 AED per person, including welcome dates and apricot, sharing starters, a choice of main course, and dessert. The Suhoor menu is available throughout Ramadan from 10:30 PM until 1:30 AM, with last orders taken at 12:45 AM.