UAE’s homegrown hospitality firm JRG hires new MD

Ayers assumes the role after amassing three decades of senior-level food and beverage sector experience at the UAE’s Bateel International, Le Pain Quotidien and AlShaya Group International, as well as various positions in the UK.

“As a seasoned business leader, Spencer’s pivotal roles within the hospitality industry in both the UK and the UAE have delivered a wealth of international experience to usher JRG Dubai into a new and exciting era,” said Nabil Ramadhan, CEO of Dubai Retail, an arm of Dubai Holding which counts JRG Dubai among its assets.

Ayers added: “We have wonderful concepts that appeal to tourists or to residents, but we must endeavour to be even more attractive to domestic diners. To achieve that, we need agile and accessible concepts to safeguard our longevity and grow our resonance with the consumers we serve. Concepts that connect to our consumers will boost loyalty. When married with our operational experience and value offering, this enhanced loyalty will ensure our long-term financial sustainability.

“I understand the GCC and Dubai in particular, but it’s vital we also understand what is happening across the global dining market – from London to New York – and assess how habits are changing. Dubai is not insulated from global challenges, so we must use innovation and adaptability to remain at the top of our game.”

JRG Dubai currently operates 17 restaurants including casual dining concepts, The Noodle House, Pierchic, Pai Thai and Segreto but Ayers believes future additions to the portfolio are inevitable.

“Most of our concepts are homegrown brands and we can be very proud of the contribution many of these iconic JRG Dubai-managed concepts have made in shaping the country’s wonderfully complex and diverse F&B landscape,” he said. “We’re fortunate that all of our brands have loyal followings and feature aspects of differentiation in a crowded sector.”