Interview with Ziyad Saadeh, Vice President | FBH Group

Seamless Xtra’s Micah Edwards interviews Ziyad Saadeh, Vice President of FBH Group.

Ziyad Saadeh brings over 15 years of comprehensive experience in the F&B industry. With a strong background in operations management, strategic planning, and business development, Ziyad plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and ensuring operational excellence.

 

Interview theme: Mastering the art of retail branding and localization 

How can international and local brands have a true understanding of their target consumer?  

In an esoteric and highly saturated market, it’s imperative that international brands engage in comprehensive market research to understand customer needs. This involves gathering insight into the cultural norms of the target customer and staying abreast of the latest trends that appeal to the brand’s target profile. What follows is a bespoke and highly targeted strategy that catches the customer’s attention.

Gaining a true understanding also hinges on tracking behavioral patterns through data analytics and qualitative metrics to understand how certain services affect consumer behavior. This empirical data can be used to shift the target consumer’s perspective in a given product or service.

What are your top operational strategies to succeed in the restaurant industry?   

To succeed in the restaurant industry, several key operational strategies are essential. First and foremost, maintaining consistent quality in both food and service is crucial; this builds customer loyalty and encourages positive word-of-mouth. Investing in staff training ensures that employees deliver exceptional service and operate efficiently, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.

Taking significant strides in “menu engineering” plays a significant role; regularly updating the menu based on customer feedback and seasonal ingredients keeps offerings fresh and exciting. Streamlining the supply chain can further enhance operations by reducing costs and improving inventory management, ensuring that fresh ingredients are always available. Lastly, leveraging technology such as Digitize sops, AI Solutions online reservations, ordering systems, and payment solutions can enhance the overall customer experience and improve operational efficiency. Together, these strategies create a strong foundation for success in the competitive restaurant landscape.

How can brands find the perfect balance of blending the finest international practices with local market acumen?

Brands can find the perfect balance between international best practices and local market acumen by fostering a flexible brand strategy that adapts core principles to regional nuances. This involves collaborating with local teams who possess cultural insights and can tailor offerings to resonate with the community. Establishing strong feedback loops allows brands to gather real-time insights from consumers, enabling quick adjustments based on local preferences. Additionally, pilot programs can test new concepts in specific markets before broader implementation, ensuring relevance and acceptance. By integrating local culture into marketing efforts while maintaining a cohesive global identity, brands can effectively navigate diverse markets and build meaningful connections with consumers.

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