60 SECONDS WITH OMAR TABBAA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF EAT RESTAURANT GROUP
Founded in 1998 by three brothers, Omar, Khalid and Tawfiq Tabbaa, EAT Jordan is today one of the largest and fastest-growing restaurant groups in Jordan. HN spoke to Omar Tabbaa to discover more about the group’s development and new ventures
What culinary preferences have you observed among Jordanians?
I’ve noticed that Jordanians have grown increasingly interested in unique culinary experiences, so we’ve made it a point to set each of our brands apart, with great fun concepts. While Casereccio continues to attract loyal customers with its classic Italian recipes, Azkadenya has won the hearts of younger and older generations alike, with its traditional menu and modern-retro style. Jordanians are no different than other clientele in this regard.
How did EAT Group achieve its status as a regional franchising company?
Franchising usually presents risks when it comes to maintaining quality and standards on a large scale, but our meticulous internal system ensures that the knowhow is transferred to all of our branches, enabling us to expand without compromising quality. Nearly 10 years have passed since we ventured into franchising and the hard work and dedication put in by ourselves and our team have made it a truly worthwhile journey. The group already has a presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine and Canada, and we hope to extend our reach even further.
Where do you see the industry heading?
I anticipate a wave of innovation that will transform the F&B scene here. While some might think surviving in a fast-changing environment like ours is particularly challenging, I believe it creates an atmosphere of healthy competition that encourages growth. As for EAT, we recognize the potential for creating lasting change locally and regionally through the group’s investment arm, Eat Invest. We also plan to continue with our expansion in the Gulf, Egypt and North America, and to invest in food technologies, as well as restaurants across the region at various stages of development.