Coffee and orange juice at high speed
Burger Fuel Worldwide marketing manager Alexis Lam has learnt that doing business in the Middle East can be fast-paced , reports John Anthony.
DOING BUSINESS in the Middle East can present some hair-raising experiences, as Burger Fuel’s marketing manager Alexis Lam discovered last year.
The NZX listed burger chain is expanding rapidly throughout the Middle East with 11 stores in the United Arab Emirates, eight in Saudi Arabia, one in Egypt and one in Iraq.
Lam, who makes a handful of trips to the Middle East each year, said Burger Fuel’s growth is not the only thing in the fast lane in the Middle East.
He recalls a business trip where he and Burger Fuel founder Chris Mason were being driven by a Saudi Arabian Burger Fuel partner at 200kmh through the desert.
‘‘He was talking on the phone and drinking a coffee while driving at 200kmh,’’ Lam said.
‘‘At our request, he slowed down to 160kmh which was still pretty hairy given he liked to text while he drove.’’ Worst flight? Auckland to Dubai via Melbourne on Emirates. On the first round of drinks the stewardess opened up some tomato juice on me during the Australia leg. She was nice enough to offer me a whole bunch of rather delicious chocolates. But the airline wasn’t nice enough to let me into their lounge to have a shower on the transfer. I had to spend the next 15 to 20 hours smelling like rotten tomatoes. One place you want to visit before you die? The middle of the Las Vegas strip. I’ve been to Vegas twice now, staying at opposite ends each time and haven’t yet managed to make it to the middle of the street. Favourite international dish? Duck rice, Singapore style. There used to be a little shop near my grandparent’s place in Singapore. All they sold was duck rice. Every time I visit I drop in – double duck, extra sauce. Favourite travel app? Tripdeck. It uses a Tripit account, but has a sexier look and feel. Just forward your itinerary to an email address and bam, all your hotel, flight and other travel details are all in one place. Kayak for booking flights is pretty good and Evernote for all those random notes you take – especially since it geotags for when you can remember the country but not the name of that awesome bar you stumbled upon. Must have travel item? USB power pack. I love my portable charge station. It fits in my pocket, can charge my phone, tablet and the phone of the person I’m usually with who’s run out of batteries. Favourite airport to land at? Changi airport in Singapore. That place is more like a resort than an airport. Top travel tips? Secret cash stash. Whenever I’m somewhere a little dodgy I always hide a portion of my cash in case I get into a sticky situation. Nothing like showing an empty wallet. It works equally as well when you’re buying trinkets at the market or when you are hustled by an Egyptian Pyramid guide.