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Fairmont Bab Al Bahr boosts F&B strategy

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Elias Chakhtoura

An Enhanced food and beverage strategy will be the mainstay of success for Fairmont Bab Al Bahr this year as it celebrates its tenth anniversary in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. This transformation is the brain-child of general manager Elias Chakhtoura, who joined the property in 2018 and has taken a hands-on role to ensure the hotel ends up right on top of all dining charts.

Chakhtoura tells TTN about the renovations to the Marco Pierre White outlet, while teasing us about a new Italian/American concept on the cards for 2019.

Here’s an excerpt of our conversation:

 

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is famous for its F&B offering – do you have any plans in that department for this year?

Without a doubt, Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill have been pioneers of the fine dining scene in Abu Dhabi. The Maison Beirut and Sports Café concepts were inspired by our discerning guests who longed for locations that delivered specific experiences: modern Lebanese cuisine and bespoke sports bar atmosphere.

“Recent years have seen the opening and closing of concepts that bank on trends. Our vision is to become the go-to destination for premium dining, in a personalised and luxury environment”
– Elias Chakhtoura

 

This year, we will be focusing on enhancing the overall dining experience within the hotel by revamping our collection, refreshing the offering and developing our team.

Two of our most anticipated projects are the renovation of Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, and the opening of a new venue. The former will see the makeover of the restaurant’s interior, the launch of a new curated menu and redesigning the guests’ experience. With regards to the latter, we trust it will bring a completely new vibe to the hotel: influences from New York immersed into Italian heritage and cuisine.

 

What is the driving force behind your F&B focus?

Recent years have seen the opening and closing of concepts that bank on trends. Our vision is to become the go-to destination for premium dining, in a personalised and luxury environment. From the premium ingredients used to the entertainers featured, we have spared no effort in bringing to Abu Dhabi the very best.

Our guests’ profiles are extremely diverse and so are their dining preferences. To cater to their every need, in recent years we opened Café Sushi, a modern Japanese restaurant that is now firmly embedded on the social map of Abu Dhabi, and Sports Café, which is now the centre of all sports broadcasts and entertainment events such as jam and karaoke nights. Maison Beirut, with its loyal Arabic following, is another new addition that has carved a name for itself in the market for its exquisite cuisine and bubbly atmosphere. Chameleon terrace offers a refreshing al fresco dining option with beautiful views of the Abu Dhabi Creek.

 

How has the transition been from your previous role and what are your initial thoughts on the competitive landscape in the capital?

Having worked in various roles for the Sofitel brand for more than 18 years on the international scene, from the US to Morocco and UAE, the shift to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr came naturally, particularly after FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) joined the Accor Group.

It is a fantastic time for any hotelier to work in Abu Dhabi; its competitive landscape and fast-moving F&B industry require consistency, creating seamless and personalised guest experiences, and, above all, a constant search for quality. While visitors to the capital are spoiled for choice and seek new adventures, I firmly believe that guests only return to the products and services that are firmly engraved in their memory as being trustworthy, genuine and innovative.

 

* Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is available in Hall 2.2/200

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