11-13 May 2025
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
Introduction
The GRIF brand is a platform which provides, knowledge, connections and inspiration for the restaurant investment industry globally. It has a strong sense of community and passionate advocates.
Founded in 2015, GRIF has been a 3-day conference held in Dubai and Amsterdam. For 2024 we will incorporate GRIF at FHS Saudi Arabia, running it parallel to the hotel investment-focused content.
GRIF Audience
The GRIF audience is made up of high-level industry executives seeking insight into best practices, trends, and innovations who are looking to network and meet new connections to grow. The GRIF audience includes:
- Investors who want to meet owners of restaurant concepts, operators & franchisors looking for growth, equity, or partners.
- Hotel operators and owners looking for F&B partners, concepts, and operators.
- Restaurant owners/concept owners/ franchisors seeking to meet investors and potential operators to facilitate their growth.
- Service providers who want to meet operators and investors.
- Developers & Real Estate brokers looking for concepts to fill their sites and drive footfall.
Culinary Tour to Via Riyadh
Wednesday, 1 May (14:00 - 17:00)
Join industry peers on our curated culinary tour to Via Riyadh, offering an immersive exploration of local flavours and culinary traditions.
The experience offers an exploration of the Via Riyadh complex visiting 5 restaurants:
- Scott’s
- Spago
- Raoul’s
- chi SPACCA
- Gymkhana
Walking from one restaurant to another, the tour includes a complete 5 course meal with one meal being served per restaurant.
F&B Workshops
Enhance your knowledge with hands-on F&B workshops led by industry leaders, focusing on innovative techniques and the latest trends in the F&B world.
Networking Dinner
Connect closely at our exclusive networking dinners at remarkable venues for an invaluable social experience.
GRIF Saudi Arabia 2024 Speakers
Layla Abuzaid
Chief Executive Officer
WK Holding
Hashim Al-Attas
Chief Executive Officer
Leylaty Group
Sinan Al Saady
Founder & Group CEO
Cool Inc
Abdulaziz Alkhudair
Managing Director
Majd Alaamal Group
Benjamin Calleja
Founder
Livit Design & Fast Fine Restaurant Group
Kathrin Cockhill
Commercial Director
HotStats
Gustavo de Hostos
Founder & Managing Partner
Foresite Creative
Michael Flanagan
Chief Business Development Officer
Al Khozama
Mohammed Jawa
Founder & Chairman
MJS Holding
Rizwan Kassim
Founder & CEO
RIKAS Hospitality Group
Uday Mukundan
Chief Executive Officer
The Food District Company
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines
Advisor
The Bench
Martin Raymond
Co-Founder
The Future Laboratory
Ada Renedo
Regional CEO, Middle East
Together Group
Roaya Saleh
Founder
Villa Mamas
Christopher Sanderson
Co-Founder
The Future Laboratory
Faisal Shaker
Founder, Board Member & CEO
Modern Food Company (MFC) & Modern Elite Company
Henrik Winther
Founder
Tigrus Holding
GRIF Saudi Arabia 2023 Speakers
Bobby Chinn
Chef and Judge
MBC Top Chef
Chris Miller
Founder & CEO
White Rabbit Projects
Deem Albassam
Co-founder & Managing Director
The Independent Food Company
Emma Banks
Vice President, F&B Strategy and Development EMEA
Hilton Worldwide
Eng. Tariq Al Tuwaijry
Group CEO
TROFI
James Hacon
Founding Partner
Think Hospitality
Michael Flanagan
Chief Business Development Officer
Al Khozama
Mohammed Jawa
Founder & Chairman
MJS Holding
Nicolas Budzynski
Chief Executive Officer
LPM Restaurants & Bar
Olivier Eynard
CEO & Co-Founder
Meraki Restaurants
Rizwan Kassim
Founder & CEO
RIKAS Hospitality Group
Stephen Flawith
Founder & CEO
Pickl & Yolk Brands
Tom Aikens
Michelin Star Chef & International Restaurateur
Owner / Director; Cawston Limited
Uday Mukundan
Chief Executive Officer
The Food District Company
