The intimate industry gathering, held on February 25th at 11 Woodfire, welcomed the region’s industry deal makers, tastemakers, and decision-makers to discuss key trends shaping the future of the global restaurant industry
Dubai, UAE -: Serving as a platform to connect the brightest minds in the global restaurant industry, GRIF (The Global Restaurant Investment Forum) hosted an exclusive advisory board meeting at the Michelin-starred restaurant 11 Woodfire. Building on insights from the recent London Advisory Board hosted by Joey Ghazal at The Maine Mayfair, the meeting served as an industry think tank, where participants could connect and share valuable insights. The focus of the session was to steer the direction of future GRIF gatherings while also addressing market gaps and industry trends.
Navigating a Changing Landscape
At GRIF’s latest gathering, the Dubai Advisory Board highlighted that the future of global restaurant investment is shifting, emphasising a need to focus on sustainable growth and talent investment. While Istanbul and Southeastern Europe present exciting investment opportunities, overdevelopment in some areas and rising labour costs in Western Europe pose significant challenges. Despite this, the shift towards joint ventures and franchising is opening new doors for those with a strategic approach.
Shaping Future Industry Leaders
A recurring theme was the need to bridge the knowledge gap for aspiring restaurateurs. Natasha Sideris, Founder of Tashas Group, explained, ‘There’s a massive gap in the industry for training future restaurateurs. Culinary schools focus on cooking, but we need schools that teach the business of restaurants, the operations, and even leadership.’ The discussion further underscored the importance of GRIF’s role in fostering mentorship and education to set the next generation up for success.
Beyond mentorship, transparency in financials and operations can also help businesses navigate challenges together. By sharing data and insights, operators can better understand market dynamics and reduce uncertainty. Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Atelier House Hospitality, added, ‘If we know that everyone’s numbers are similar, we’ll feel less anxious as operators. A shared understanding of where the market is can help us plan better and reduce the feeling of isolation.’
Meanwhile, labour shortages remain a pressing issue, particularly in markets like Turkey, where inflation is pushing workers towards more stable alternatives. Many younger workers no longer see hospitality as a long-term career, leading to retention challenges across the industry. Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management Company, shared, ‘I think the focus should be on creating environments where employees feel valued. The more we invest in their wellbeing, the more they’ll invest in delivering excellent service to our guests.’
Technology’s Role in the Future of Hospitality
The meeting also spotlighted how AI and smart technology are rapidly transforming the restaurant industry, from automating operations to enhancing customer experiences. Innovations such as sentiment analysis and IoT-driven insights are already helping restaurants optimise service and improve efficiency. However, while technology can streamline operations, it must enhance, not replace, the human touch, with creativity being the key to setting concepts apart.
James Hacon, Founder and Managing Partner of Think Hospitality, concluded, ‘I think it’s fascinating that with the rise of hybrid spaces and tech-driven experiences, the future of the industry will hinge on creating spaces that aren’t just for dining but for deeper, more immersive experiences.’
Next Stop: GRIF 2025 Istanbul
Next up, GRIF 2025 heads to Istanbul from October 6th to 8th, bringing together top industry minds for another round of high-impact discussions, study tours, and networking receptions. Building on the momentum from GRIF 2024 in Edinburgh and the recent advisory board meetings in Dubai and London, the event will welcome 200-250 attendees—75% of whom will be investors and operators—ensuring meaningful connections and valuable insights.
Rounding out the Dubai gathering, Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Founder of GRIF, stated, ‘We are immensely grateful for our networks in Dubai and London, whose collaboration during the advisory board meetings this February have been invaluable in shaping the agenda for GRIF in Istanbul later this year. At GRIF, we’ve always been passionate about bringing the industry together and fostering candid exchanges. The insights and innovative solutions that arise from these conversations are truly impactful, and we can’t wait to expand this dialogue at a larger forum in Istanbul.’
As GRIF continues to expand its influence and reach, the advisory board is committed to creating spaces for collaboration and learning, where industry leaders can tackle these pressing challenges together. By enabling discussions around innovation, emerging technologies, and investment in people, GRIF aims to drive the hospitality sector towards a future of sustainable growth and success.
