The franchise dining sector flees Lebanon and expands into the GCC

Al Diyar newspaper published last Sunday a report about the expansion and migration of Lebanese dining franchises into the GCC because of safe environment for investments and given the worsening security situation in Lebanon.  Commenting on the issue, the general secretary of the Syndicate of restaurants and coffee shops in Lebanon, Tony Ramy, noted that a number of renown Lebanese restaurants with a famous brand have moved outside Lebanon.  He added that 60 to 70% of large trademarked and franchised institutions are now open in GCC countries such as KSA, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.  Furthermore, Ramy stressed that this expansion is positive as it secures additional income to Lebanese restaurants which will allow them to overcome the difficult domestic circumstances and will also help to market Lebanon outside.
In another vein, Ramy spoke about the problems that the sector is facing, notably in terms of food safety.  He regretted what the media has been spreading in terms of generalizations.  He also said that it is important that the directorate of consumers’ safety at the Ministry of Economy investigates the truth about any reports related to safety rather than leaving this matter to the media.  He added that some restaurants in Lebanon should be congratulated for their concern with food safety and should not be held responsible for the mistakes of others.
Source: Al-Diyar 20 October 2014