Louay Ghandour appointed Deputy CEO of Cravia
Cravia, a name that is fast becoming synonymous with good taste and world class hospitality in the region, has announced the appointment of Louay Ghandour as its new Deputy CEO. Mr. Ghandour, who has more than 10 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry in the region and beyond, will add a new dimension to the operations of the parent company of numerous well-loved franchises including Cinnabon®, Seattle’s Best Coffee®, Zaatar W Zeit® and the soon to be launched Roadster diner®.
Mr. Ghandour’s illustrious career began in the USA in 1992, which gave him the ideal foundation for his stint at the multinational Pizza Hut in Kuwait. His highly responsible position in Kuwait involved managing a large team, direct control of sales, key business expansion moves and extensive feasibility studies. His stellar career in the USA and the Middle East includes numerous achievements. “We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Ghandour to the Cravia family” said Mr. Walid Hajj, CEO of Cravia. “He has a track record that speaks for itself, and his varied experience in handling different themed restaurants will come in handy when dealing with Cravia’s diverse franchise portfolio. We have big plans for the region in the near future, and Mr. Ghandour will be an integral part of those plans” he added.
Formerly known as United Restaurant Development, Cravia is the parent company of 30 stores across the UAE, including fifteen Cinnabon®; eight Seattle’s Best Coffee® and seven Zaatar W Zeit® outlets. Among its ambitious plans for the future is the launch of the Roadster diner®, the American style restaurant that will serve up mouth watering burgers, homemade desserts and lots more. Cravia also plans to unveil a further 19 outlets in 2008, which will significantly increase its reach across the UAE. Plans are afoot to bring a new franchisee into the UAE before mid 2009, and ambitions to go public or align with a strategic partner are also on the table.
With so many plans in the pipeline, a vision that does not seem to have boundaries and an ever increasing loyal clientele, it seems like Mr. Louay Ghandour will have his hands full at Cravia. If his track record is anything to go by, it seems like he will relish the challenge of taking the Cravia brand to new heights.
