Business

Foodics, the leading restaurant management and payment solutions provider in the Middle East and North Africa, successfully hosted its first UAE event titled “The F&B Circle”, under the theme “The Control Room”, in collaboration with the Fast Food and Cafes Conference (FFCC). Held on June 25, 2025, at Warehouse Four in Al Quoz, the exclusive, invite-only forum brought together top leaders from the F&B industry to explore business growth strategies, share real-world insights, and unveil the company’s latest innovation: Foodics BI, an advanced, AI-powered business intelligence solution.

Empowering F&B Professionals with Data-Driven Innovation

The event focused on the critical role of data, systems, and leadership in building sustainable and scalable F&B brands across the region. The centerpiece was the official launch of Foodics BI, designed to empower restaurant operators with real-time data insights for faster, smarter decision-making.

Bilal Zahran, General Manager of Foodics for Egypt and UAE, opened the forum:

“We are delighted to debut ‘The F&B Circle’ in Dubai in collaboration with FFCC. Our goal was to create a space where F&B leaders can connect, share experiences, and leverage the power of technology to grow. With Foodics BI, we aim to support the UAE’s vibrant restaurant ecosystem with innovative tools that drive operational efficiency and smart growth.”

Industry Leaders Share Insights on Scaling with Purpose

A panel of prominent experts led a deep dive discussion into the realities of scaling F&B businesses while retaining quality and brand integrity. Panelists included:

• Santosh D'Souza – International Development Director, Tigros Restaurant Holding

• Saleh Al Samadi – Owner, Al Samadi Group

• Karim Shaanin – Head of Marketing, BJP Investment Group (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan)

• Moderated by Akhilesh Pal – Founder & CEO, Malt & Salt Hospitality

Key topics included overcoming operational challenges, maintaining customer satisfaction, and the importance of consistency and passion in brand building.

Live Demo of Foodics BI: Transforming Restaurant Operations with AI

Attendees were treated to a live demonstration of Foodics BI, presented by George Hanin, Head of Foodics BI. The platform leverages AI to convert POS and inventory data into actionable insights. Features include:

• AI-powered inventory and sales forecasting

• Advanced data analytics

• Interactive dashboards

• Real-time alerts

• Web and mobile accessibility

“Foodics BI doesn’t require specialized data science expertise,” said George. “It’s designed to help any restaurateur access their data, interpret it easily, and use it to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance profitability.”

Inspirational Talks and Entrepreneurial Advice

The event concluded with an engaging conversation featuring:

• Chef Ali Yazdi – Founder, Alize Hospitality

• Haider Nashi – CEO, Dash Hospitality Group

• Moderated by Bilal Zahran

The discussion offered candid insights into the realities of building a business from scratch, the unpredictability of new ventures, and the value of consistency and patience.

Chef Ali advised:

“You don’t have to be the first, but you can be the best. Never sacrifice quality for quantity.”

Haider added:

“Patience is key to long-term success in the F&B world.”

Technology and Personalization: The Future of Dining

Karim Shaanin from the BJP Investment Group reflected on the increasing role of technology in customer experience:

“At Papa John’s, AI allows us to personalize the ordering journey by analyzing past preferences. Today, it's not just about using tech – it’s about making it meaningful and valuable for customers.”

Looking Ahead

Foodics plans to host additional editions of The F&B Circle across the region to further drive thought leadership and digital transformation in the F&B sector. With the launch of Foodics BI, the company reaffirms its mission to support restaurateurs and F&B entrepreneurs in the UAE and MENA region with smart, data-driven solutions that unlock sustainable growth.

• Tags
• #Business
• #Magazine
• #Lifestyle