GRIF 2025 PROGRAMME
6 October
10:00 Tour of 25hours Dubai One Central
Get an inside peak at this truly community driven hotel that hosts innovation hubs, co-working spaces, outsourced, inhouse and licensed F&B.
Hosted by James Berry, General Manager, 25hours Dubai One Central
11:00 Buses leave 25hours Dubai One Central for opening lunch at Girl & the Goose Anantara Business Bay
11:30 Registration and Lunch at Girl & the Goose - Restaurante Centroamericano (Lunch is fully booked)
Hosted by Rosy Hospitality at Anatara Business Bay
Asma Khan, Founder of Darjeeling Express & Global Changemaker, and Gabriela Chamorro, Executive Chef & Entrepreneur, Girl & the Goose in conversation on the power of food to shape culture — from supper clubs to Netflix Chef’s Table, and building restaurants that feel like home.
13:00-13:30 Departure for study tours (Study tours are fully booked)
Buses will depart from the hotel entrance of Anantara Business Bay.
13:00: Departure for study tour 3
13:15: Departure for study tour 1
13:30: Departure for study tour 2
Study tour option 1: Owner-Led Case Studies: Crafting Hotels as Culinary Destinations
This tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how visionary asset owners, operators, and developers are shaping Dubai’s dining landscape — turning bold ideas into investable, sustainable destinations.
Stop 1: Marsa Al Arab — Data-Driven Development
Hosted by Spencer Ayers, Senior Vice President, F&B Strategy, Dubai Holding Hospitality, this exclusive tour explores the landmark Marsa Al Arab development. From the vibrant Marsa Al Arab Walk to the Marsa Residences and the flagship Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Spencer will share how Dubai Holding used its own data to curate the right mix of outlets and tenants — positioning the development as a new benchmark for F&B-led placemaking.
Stop 2: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah — Building a Dining Destination
This visit highlights how different ownership structures and agreements can work together to create a thriving culinary hub for both guests and the local community. Hosted by asset owners Arenco, with insights from Andrew Joyce, Head of F&B, Golden Sands LLC, representatives of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, and Duncan Fraser-Smith & Christian Abell of Craft Hospitality Group, the session will unpack the dynamics behind assembling a diverse, high-performing dining portfolio.
Study tour option 2: Alserkal Avenue – Independent Innovation, Community & Conscious Dining
Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s cultural and creative hub, has also become a launchpad for independent F&B innovation, acting as an incubator for bold new concepts. This tour stop highlights operators who embody the spirit of creativity, sustainability, and community.
This tour includes an exploration of Alserkal Avenue, stops include:
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Nala and peek behind the scenes at the Tashas Group Training Academy, offering insight into how one of Dubai’s most successful groups nurtures talent and builds consistency across its portfolio hosted by Stefano Mihalitsianos, Group Managing Director.
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Growhouse, hosted by Necip Camcigil, Founder & Managing Partner of One Life Kitchen & Café. Growhouse is an inspiring urban farming and wellness hub in the heart of Alserkal Avenue.
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Piehaus hosted by Stasha Toncev, Founder & Chief Soulkitchen Officer of Piehaus & 21Grams. Piehaus reflects the new wave of independent operators capturing the imagination of the city’s dining scene. Stasha’s leadership and creative vision across both Piehaus and 21Grams make her a compelling example of how independent founders are reshaping Dubai’s dining scene.
Study tour option 3: Extending Brands into New Arenas — From Lifestyle
Destinations to Global Outposts
This immersive tour explores how leading operators are reimagining the reach of their brands—whether by stretching into new formats or crossing international borders.
At J1 Beach Clubs, delegates will see how Fundamental Hospitality, Paris Society, RIKAS, and other operators are evolving their brand DNA into the beach club arena. From Gigi Rigolatto to Ninive Beach, Sirene by Gaia, and INA Dubai, each concept demonstrates how to balance daytime relaxation with high-energy nightlife while maximising commercial potential in one of Dubai’s most competitive lifestyle spaces.
The tour then offers a sneak peek at Tattu Dubai, the first-ever international outpost from UK founders Adam and Drew Jones of Permanently Unique. Hear firsthand the strategy and ambition behind taking a much-loved homegrown brand global, and the lessons learned in adapting to Dubai’s dynamic dining scene.
Please note that tours are subject to change and have a maximum capacity.
All tours finish at the opening reception
18:00 Opening reception at Delano Dubai hosted by Delano Dubai, Paris Society and RIKAS
Step into the glamour of Delano Dubai as GRIF 2025 opens in style. The Opening Reception is more than a party – it’s an experience. Champagne flows as the sun sets over La Cantine Beach. Guests are whisked through Delano’s dazzling outlets – from the Italian soul of Tutto Passa to the Parisian elegance of Blue Door and Maison Revka – each serving signature bites and sips. The night crescendos at the Rose Bar, with crafted cocktails, gourmet indulgences, and high-energy beats. A feast for the senses, this is where deals begin, friendships spark, and GRIF 2025 comes alive!
7 October
08:00 Registration
08:30 Coffee & Chats
Networking to start the day
09:00 Welcome Remarks
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Founder, GRIF Collective
FOUNDERS FOCUS: JOURNEYS OF GROWTH
09:10 Shaping a Better World Through Hospitality
Global changemaker Asma Khan, acclaimed founder of Darjeeling Express, joins James Hacon, Managing Partner, Think Hospitality, for an inspiring conversation on how restaurants can drive cultural change, empower communities, and create lasting impact beyond the plate. Discover how hospitality can become a powerful force for connection, inclusion, and transformation on a global stage.
09:30 How do you balance the DNA of independent concepts with rapid growth, hotel partnerships and internationalisation?
Rizwan Kassim, Founder & CEO, RIKAS Hospitality, reflects on the group’s rapid growth, international expansion, and entry into the hotel world. With moderator James Hacon, Managing Partner, Think Hospitality, he explores the key challenges and how RIKAS is overcoming them to shape the next chapter of hospitality.
09:45 Taking a Global Pulse: Lessons from the Frontline of Growth
James Hacon hosts a candid conversation with founders reshaping the global restaurant landscape, sharing the pivotal decisions, risks, and bold moves that fuelled their journeys — from launching locally to scaling internationally. Expect real insights into expansion strategies and the future of growth.
Frantz Braha, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, SaladStop Group (Singapore)
Stephen Flawith, Founder & CEO, Yolk Brands (UAE)
Alexis Melikov, Co-Founder & CEO, TigerMilk Group (France)
Martti Siimann, CEO & Co-Founder, Siigur Restaurants (Estonia)
10:15 Create, Partner, or Franchise: Choosing the Right Path to Global Growth
With concepts across multiple markets and a mix of ownership, management, and franchise models, 7 Management has mastered flexible growth. In this fireside chat, Rabih Fakhreddine, Founder & CEO, joins James Hacon, Managing Partner, Think Hospitality to share how he decides when to create, partner, or franchise — and where he sees the biggest opportunities for shaping the future of hospitality in Dubai, the GCC, and worldwide.
10:30 Driving Intelligent Growth, Innovation and Concept Creation through Data-Driven Insights
How can operators, investors and developers utilise data to minimise risk and increase their chance for success?
Presented by Gustavo de Hostos, Managing Partner, Forsite Creative
10:45 Concept Spotlight: Scaling Tradition and Trend with Akkomarka
Efe Altınkut, Chief Growth Officer of Akkomarka, in conversation with Duncan Fraser-Smith, Author, Create to Plate & Founder, Craft Hospitality Group, shares how the group has scaled 14 brands across 60 locations while elevating Anatolian cuisine globally. Discover how multi-brand groups can balance heritage and innovation to create lasting value for investors and communities.
11:00 Break hosted by Dubai Economy and Tourism & opportunity for Q&A with morning’s presenters
11:40 Keynote Interview Sunset Rising – Scaling a Dubai Success Story Globally from Beach Clubs to Bedrooms
In just over a decade, Sunset Hospitality Group has evolved from a Dubai-born beach club operator to operating in 26 countries. In this session, Chairman & CEO, Antonio Gonzalez, takes us behind the scenes of Group’s expansion into new markets, new concepts, and now, hotels.
In Conversation with Gustavo de Hostos
12:00 GRIF x Food People: Industry Sentiment Report
What’s really on the minds of hospitality leaders? Greg Wright, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Food People & Project People, unveils the results of an exclusive sentiment survey capturing the perspectives of leading operators and investors. From growth priorities to pressing challenges, this session offers a candid snapshot of where the market stands today—and where it’s heading next.
Followed by a panel with leading CEOs on their perspectives on the market.
Pauline Ibrahim, CEO, Global Catering Services and
Omar Saideh, Founder, Orange Hospitality.
Nadim Majdalani, CEO, eathos
12:40 GRIF Insights: What Does the Future Look Like? You Tell Us
Get hands on with AI, as Henry Coutinho-Mason, Founder & Author, The Future Normal, demonstrates in real time the power of AI to unleash creativity and innovation, and crowdsources from the GRIF audience what the future of the industry looks like.
13:00 Lunch hosted by Dubai Economy and Tourism
CONVERSATIONS WITH FOUNDERS ON FUNDING GROWTH
14:00 Funding Without Debt or Equity: Redefining Restaurant Growth with Mezza
Kevin Boubil, CEO & Co-Founder of Mezza, shares how his venture is rethinking restaurant finance by providing access to funding without debt or equity. We’ll explore the inspiration behind the model, how it works in practice, and what restaurants can learn from early case studies.
14:10 Choosing the Right Investors & Partnerships
Natasha Sideris, Founder & CEO, Tashas Group, opens up about her own successes and mistakes when it comes to selecting investors and partners. Hear how she navigated the highs and lows of funding, built strong partnerships, and learned what it really takes to make investor relationships work.
In conversation with James Hacon, Managing Partner, Think Hospitality
14:30 Wellness as the New Social Currency: Unlocking Hospitality’s Next Growth Frontier?
Wellness is becoming a defining factor in how people choose to socialise, spend their time, and allocate their money. Chris Miller, Founder & CEO, White Rabbit Projects and Co-Founder of Arc Community, joins Kathryn Moore, Founder, of Spa Connectors, to discuss his journey into the wellness space. How can integrating wellness into hospitality offerings can drive both commercial success and long-term relevance?
14:45 Scaling Smarter: Lessons in Growth After Investment
Tony Habre, Group CEO of Addmind and AlphaMind Hospitality, shares his experience managing rapid expansion, balancing ambition with control, and making the strategic decisions that drive long-term success.
In conversation with Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Founder, The GRIF Collective.
15:00 Coffee Break
Hosted by DET Dubai Economy and Tourism
SIGN UP REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO SESSIONS (BOTH ROUNDTABLES ARE NOW FULL)
15:15 - 16:15 ROUNDTABLE
Think Tank Session
Join the Think Hospitality team for an interactive session designed to shape the future of eating and drinking out. These collaborative sessions bring together industry leaders to debate, share, and define the strategies driving the next wave of innovation
Focus topic: Growth & Expansion — Unlocking opportunities, models, and strategies for scaling successfully
16:30 - 17:30 ROUNDTABLE
Founders Forum
Closed door roundtable for founders and investors. Places are limited, so advance sign-up will be required.
F&B’s Role in Driving Asset Value
15:15 The Quantum Guest
Quantum theory tells us the world is made of possibilities, not certainties. Hospitality tells us people are shaped by how they’re seen. This talk explores what happens when those two truths collide — and why it changes how we think about customer experience.
Lauren Scott-Harris, Founder & CEO, EARNT
15:30 Competing in the 'New F&B Era'
How are legacy hotel brands reinventing themselves to appeal to the modern consumer in the food and drink space.
In the hotseat: Emma Banks, VP F&B Brands and Operations, Hilton EMEA with Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Founder, The GRIF Collective
15:45 Creating Destinations – F&B as a Catalyst for Asset Value Creation & Placemaking
How are asset owners leveraging F&B to enhance TRevPAR, long-term value, and create vibrant destinations? This discussion will bring together leading CEOs to share their vision and strategies for embedding restaurants into large-scale hospitality and real estate projects.
Amit Arora, COO, Hospitality & Entertainment, Arada
Spencer Ayers, Senior Vice President, F&B Strategy, Dubai Holding Hospitality
Mario Ferraro, CEO, Smeralda Holding & Sardegna Resorts
Moderated by Gustavo de Hostos, Managing Partner, Forsite Creative
16:15 How to Land Hotel Partnerships and Make it Work
How can chefs and operators position themselves as the partners global hotel brands and owners want to work with? This session explores what hotel groups and owners look for when selecting collaborators, how they evaluate potential operators, and the strategies that help standout concepts secure partnerships in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Laura De Vega, VP, Food & Beverage, Meliá Hotels International
Max Grenard, Corporate Food and Beverage Director, WASL Hospitality & Leisure
in conversation with Heleri Rande, Partner, Think Hospitality
16:40 Revenue Optimisation in Hotel F&B
Claire Scullion, Founder, The Menu Scientist together with Hilari Voorthuis, Regional F&B Director at Fairmont Raffles, share case studies and insights on hotel F&B revenue optimisation strategies.
17:00 Closing keynote From Two Stars to Scaling Up
How do you translate world-class talent and passion into a scalable business? This session explores the journey of evolving from fine dining into more accessible concepts, navigating new markets, and unlocking avenues for growth beyond two Michelin stars.
Heleri Rande, Partner, Think Hospitality in conversation with:
Chef Alex Dilling, Chef Patron, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal
Victoria Sheppard, CEO, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal
17:25 End of Day One Round Up
17:45 Buses depart for the evening reception
18:00 Cocktail Reception – Celebrating 10 Years of The MAINE
Hosted by Joey Ghazal, Founder of The Maine, at the Maine Land Brasserie. Join us as we mark a decade of one of Dubai’s most iconic restaurant groups, celebrating bold ideas, global ambition, and unforgettable dining experiences.
8 October
08:00 Registration
08:30 Coffee & Chats
08:55 Welcome Remarks
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Founder, GRIF Collective
FUTURE OUTLOOK
09:00 Hospitality in Context: A Macroeconomic Outlook
Tyrone Reid, Group CEO, MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail, joins Edward Bell, Acting Group Head of Research and Chief Economist, Emirates NBD for an in-depth conversation on views around refinancing, the macroeconomic trends shaping the region and their impact on hospitality. Gain insights into shifting consumer behaviours, economic pressures, and opportunities driving growth across the sector.
09:20 Tapping into the UAE’s Biggest Opportunity: Thriving in Neighborhoods & Communities
These operators have achieved longevity and sustained success by becoming part of the fabric of a community. How operators create destinations that locals return to, and design business models that thrive long term. What are the keys to building loyalty, relevance, and resilience?
André Gerschel, Section Chief, Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund
In conversation with:
Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director, M Management Company
Joey Ghazal, Founder & Managing Partner, The MAINE Group
Ziad Kamel, CEO & Co-Founder, Rosy Hospitality
Dr. Naim Maadad, Chief Executive & Founder, Gates Hospitality FZ LLC
09:50 What’s Next for International Brands in the GCC?
As the region’s F&B market matures, which international brands and formats are best suited for success in the GCC? What do franchisees value most when evaluating opportunities, and how can global concepts be adapted to thrive locally?
Walid Hajj, Co-Founder & CEO, Lavoya Restaurants Group
Nadine Benchaffai, Partner, Fabfood Co.
10:05 The TGI Fridays Turnaround: Franchising, Relevance & Growth
David Singleton, Founder, Oraculi sits down with Phil Broad, President International, TGI Fridays to explore how the iconic brand is reinventing itself. The conversation dives into franchising as a growth and recovery strategy, the challenges of staying relevant in a shifting dining landscape, and how TGI Fridays is leveraging partnerships and new models to regain momentum globally.
Investor Insights
Conversations hosted by James Hacon, Managing partner, Think hospitality
10:20 Trends & Market Movements
James Hacon, Founder & Managing Partner, Think Hospitality, presents an up-to-date overview of the latest F&B transactions and investment activity worldwide. Gain insights into market dynamics, deal trends, and where capital is flowing across the global hospitality landscape.
10:35 Inside McWin: Deals, Growth & Global Ambitions
Harry Goss, Partner at McWin, discusses the forces shaping global hospitality investment. The discussion dives into consolidation trends, investor appetite, and cross-border capital flows, offering insights into where the opportunities lie and how operators and investors can position themselves for growth in a rapidly evolving market.
10:55 Fireside Chat What Investors Want from Lifestyle & Hospitality Investments
Sanjay Nandi, Group CEO of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, shares how one of the region’s leading lifestyle investment firms evaluates opportunities in the space. Discover what makes a concept attractive to investors, the metrics that matter, and how ADMO identifies and builds long-term value across its portfolio.
11:10 Investing in people - USLA Academy
Akkomarka Restaurant Community introduces USLA Academy.
The session will highlight how hospitality and gastronomy education is evolving for today’s students and how USLA’s auditing function can contribute to shaping and regulating the industry.
Seray Karaca, European Sales & Marketing Director, Akkomarka
11:15 Coffee Break
Hosted by DET Dubai Economy & Tourism
FUTURE FOCUS
11:45 Value Creation: Investors Perspective
Exploring how value is identified, created, and scaled in today’s competitive F&B landscape.
Nadine Benchaffai, Partner & Founder, Fab Food Co & Project People, in conversation with:
Donna Benton, Founder & CEO, The ENTERTAINER
André Gerschel, Section Chief, Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund
Harry Goss, Partner at McWin
12:10 Profit with Purpose: Building a Circular Future in Hospitality
Niels Peter Pretzmann, Investor & Architect, Circular Food Ecosystem, in conversation with Laura Vana, Chief of Staff , Think Hospitality, shares insights on creating sustainable business models that balance profitability with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Discover how circular practices, ethical sourcing, and innovative operational strategies can drive both impact and long-term commercial success.
12:25 Creating Lasting Brand Equity: Connecting With Your Consumer – Who are They and What do They Want?
This session explores brand building in hospitality today and what it means for creating authentic connections with consumers. Discover strategies to maintain relevance, strengthen trust, and leverage emerging technologies to enhance brand equity in an increasingly technology driven world.
Henry Coutinho-Mason, Founder & Author, The Future Normal, in conversation with
Nicolas Budzynski, CEO, La Petite Maison
Charlie Gilkes, Co-Founder, Inception Group
Lauren Scott-Harris, Founder & CEO, EARNT
Georgina Woollams-Edwards, Founder & MD, Katch International
12:50 Harnessing AI to Transform F&B Businesses
How AI-driven technologies are being integrated into restaurant operations to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive smarter decision-making. Gain practical insights into the opportunities and challenges of adopting AI in the fast-evolving F&B landscape.
Henry Coutinho-Mason, Founder & Author, The Future Normal
In conversation with:
Sheikha Al Mheiri, Founder, MAD Investments & Advisor / Investor, Sundae.io
Samer S. Hamadeh, Founder, Big Mouth Concepts
Sam Loyd, Co-Founder, Cover
13:15 Beyond the Hype: The World’s First AI Chef
Reif Othman, Chef & Owner, Hotaru Holdings LLC, and Ahmet Oytun Cakir, Owner & Managing Partner, Gastronaut Hospitality, on the world’s first AI Chef and its practical applications.
13:30 Buses depart for Closing Sessions of GRIF 2025
14:00 Lunch hosted by Gastronaut
We are treated to a first look at Gastronaut’s new landmark venues MAMABELLA, Ram&Roll & WOOHOO Kempinski The Boulevard Hotel, Downtown Dubai.
15:30 It's a wrap - See you in 2026!