Foodics, the MENA region’s leading restaurant technology and payments platform, hosted its inaugural UAE event – The F&B Circle – in partnership with the Fast Food & Cafe Convention (FFCC). Held at Warehouse Four in Al Quoz, the event brought together top F&B minds under the theme ‘The Control Room’, spotlighting how data, leadership, and technology can fuel scalable growth in the food service sector.
The event also marked the official launch of ‘Foodics BI’, a next-generation AI-powered business intelligence tool designed to simplify data-driven decision-making for restaurant operators.
A Gathering of Industry Leaders
The F&B Circle is an invite-only platform that unites influential founders, investors, and innovators to exchange ideas and address challenges shaping the future of the region’s food and beverage ecosystem. This first edition focused on operational scalability, brand consistency, and the evolving role of data in achieving success in the food and beverage (F&B) sector.
Opening the session, Belal Zahran, International Managing Director at Foodics (Egypt & UAE), said:
“We’re proud to launch The F&B Circle in collaboration with FFCC. The goal is to foster authentic conversations and real solutions by connecting impactful voices from across the industry.”
Scaling with Systems, Passion, and People
The panel discussion featured key industry figures, including:
- Saleh Al Samadi, Owner, Al Samadi Group
- Santosh D’Souza, International Director of Development, Tigrus Restaurant Holding
- Karim Chaanine, CMO, PJP Investment Group (UAE, KSA, Jordan)
Moderated by Akhilesh Bahl, CEO, Malt & Salt Hospitality, the session explored how successful brands maintain agility, authenticity, and operational strength during rapid expansion.
Insights from the panel included:
- Karim highlighted the pressure of scaling without compromising on quality or customer experience.
- Saleh highlighted the logistical challenges of operating kiosks in high-traffic areas.
- Santosh emphasized structure and consistency as cornerstones of sustainable growth.
Introducing Foodics BI: Smart Decisions Made Simple
A major highlight was the live demo of Foodics BI, led by George Henin, Head of Foodics BI. The AI-enabled analytics platform transforms raw POS and inventory data into real-time, actionable insights — without requiring advanced data expertise.
Key features include:
- AI-powered sales and inventory forecasting
- Real-time dashboards and alerts
- Natural language data queries
- Seamless access via desktop and mobile
“With Foodics BI, we’re handing restaurateurs a control panel for their business — intuitive, powerful, and purpose-built to help them grow smarter, not just faster,” said George.
Fireside Chat and Candid Advice
The event wrapped up with a fireside chat featuring Chef Ali Yazdi, Founder of Aleez Hospitality, and Hayder Nashie, CEO of Dash Hospitality Group. Moderated by Belal Zahran, the discussion offered candid insights into entrepreneurial grit and the realities behind successful restaurant concepts.
Key advice for aspiring restaurateurs:
- Hayder: “Be patient. Building something real takes time.”
- Chef Ali Yazdi: “You don’t need to be first — but you can be the best. Consistency wins.”
Karim Chaanine also noted the impact of AI on customer engagement:
“At Papa Johns, AI helps us personalise the delivery experience. It’s not just about tech — it’s about creating more meaningful, human interactions.”
Looking Ahead
Foodics plans to expand The F&B Circle with future editions across the region, continuing its mission to empower the F&B community through knowledge-sharing, innovative technology, and collaborative innovation. With the debut of Foodics BI, the company reaffirms its commitment to enabling smarter, data-led operations for restaurants and F&B stakeholders throughout the UAE and beyond.
