My name is Gregory Lawrence Black, and I have been in the F&B industry for fourty plus years, of which twenty seven of them, since 1995, in the GCC. I am originally from Texas, where at the age of eight I began exploring my passion for food. I was intrigued by watching my Father and all his Red-Neck buddies argue over what we call today Texas BBQ. I began cooking steaks and BBQ in my Fathers backyard kitchen at the age of nine, and I have not looked back since. My first restaurant job was with world renown Executive Chef Rudi Lechner in Houston, Texas where I was an apprentice Chef learning about the traditional European standards in French, German, Austrian and Italian cuisines, all before the age of eighteen. My F&B experience also includes Mexican, Steakhouses, Seafood, BBQ, Indian, Gourmet Burgers, Lebanese, Mediterranean, Bakery, Gourmet and Deli Sandwiches, Coffee and Gourmet Pizza. I have vast experience from QSR through Upscale Premium brands, Five Star Hotels, Private Clubs, Night Clubs, Country Clubs, Live Entertainment, Events and Catering.

I have been in Riyadh, KSA since 2010, which at this time I was the CEO of WRC, the franchisee of Outback Steakhouse in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. I started my career in the Middle East in 1995 developing the international brands Fuddruckers, Chili’s Grill & Bar, and Carino’s Italian Kitchen throughout the GCC. I have also developed in the GCC the following brands; Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Cinnamonster, Starbucks, Montreal Bread Company, Café Ceramique, Margherita, Burger Eight, Saj Express, Saj Mediterranean, Roberto Cavalli Café, Vogue Café, The Yellow Chilli, Los Angeles Chocolate Bar, and Revington Grill. I have also concept created the following F&B brands in Dubai; Urbano, an upscale Italian eatery for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Osteria, Loca and The Harbour Club.

I attribute my successes in my career on building award winning Teams focused on the highest standards. Awards won over the years to include Franchisee of the Year, Operational Excellence Awards, numerous sales breaking accomplishments, and numerous Service awards. I also focus on continuous on-going Training and Development, not only for the Management Teams, corporate office personnel, but more importantly on the Team Members who are always engaged with our guests, providing career growth opportunities. Over the years, I have earned several International Training Store status, and International Training Teams. I am an Executive, but more importantly I am an Operator, Developer, Mentor and Coach.

My experience also includes full accountability in Finance & Accounting, HR & Recruiting, Marketing & Social Media, Project Management, Design and Construction, and Real Estate. Furthermore, I have been importing globally, to include equipments, FF&E, but also Foodstuffs, Beef and Seafood, and supplies. I know and have worked with most of the better food distributors in the GCC. I also work with several of the Embassies in Riyadh with FMCG products.

The financial success over the years has always been my focus on Top Line Sales, Teamwork, Goal Setting and lean operations by employing and developing the right people to achieve their financial successes as well.

Over my Middle East career and the last twelve years, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I focus on the market, what the market is doing, following the changes and trends, but by also working through focus groups, Incubators knowing and understanding what the local market wants and expects.

My reputation in the GCC market is solid. I have extensive relationships with International corporate F&B corporations and private companies. My legacy in the GCC market is still ongoing living through former teammates and management who are still in the region developing their careers.

As I always say, “we are in the people business, we just sell food and beverages to make money!”