Foodics launches Table Talks, a discussion series bringing together restaurateurs and industry leaders to share insights on building successful food businesses.
New Hospitality Forum in Dubai Explores What It Really Takes to Grow a Restaurant
Dubai’s restaurant scene is one of the most competitive in the region, with new concepts opening regularly and diners seeking ever-evolving culinary experiences. A new initiative aims to give hospitality professionals a closer look at what happens behind the scenes of successful restaurant businesses.
Foodics has launched Table Talks, a forum designed to bring together restaurant founders, operators and hospitality professionals for discussions on growing and managing food businesses.
Unlike traditional conferences or panel events, the series is being held as small, invite-only dinners where guests can hear first-hand accounts from restaurateurs about the challenges and opportunities involved in building successful brands.
Spotlight on a home-grown success story
The inaugural edition took place at Alserkal Avenue, hosted at Lila Molino, and featured chef and entrepreneur Shaw Lash.
During the discussion, Lash reflected on the growth of her restaurant group, which began with Lila Taqueria in 2023 before expanding to Lila Molino and Tacos Caminos over the following two years.
The event also explored how operational data and technology have supported the group’s expansion, helping the business manage more than 85,000 customer orders across five locations while tracking customer preferences and menu performance.
Technology behind the dining experience
While diners often judge a restaurant by its food and service, modern hospitality businesses increasingly rely on technology to manage daily operations.
At the event, Foodics shared examples of how data can help restaurant owners understand customer behaviour, identify popular menu items and make informed decisions as they grow. According to the company, one of the group’s restaurants recorded a 98% increase in orders year-on-year, illustrating how operational systems can support expansion alongside creative culinary concepts.
Supporting the region’s hospitality industry
With the UAE’s dining scene continuing to evolve, initiatives such as Table Talks reflect a growing focus on knowledge sharing within the hospitality sector.
The organisers say the forum will continue as a recurring series, bringing together restaurant founders and industry professionals every few months to discuss the realities of running and scaling food businesses.
For diners, the conversations offer a reminder that successful restaurants are built not only on memorable menus, but also on careful planning, operational efficiency and a willingness to adapt in an increasingly competitive market.
