The UAE’s food and beverage (f&b) sector is set to witness the first major consolidation move this year, with Atelier House Hospitality finalising a deal with Around the Block (ATB) Investments to take over latter’s popular Mediterranean restaurant in Dubai – FAT Uncle.
Under the deal, Atelier – the UAE-based high-end boutique restaurant group – will take over the operational management of the restaurant, and also will offer advisory services to the promoters.
Atelier Group President Panchali Mahendra confirmed to Arabian Business the takeover deal.
“We are excited to join hands with the ATB Group for this project,” Mahendra told Arabian Business.
Incidentally, the FAT Uncle deal will be one of the few takeover pacts by the Atelier Group, which is known for bringing several international f&b brands to the UAE and the region.
Mahendra said Atelier will be teaming up with ATB for a complete rebranding of the popular restaurant, besides to bring a fresh and exciting dining experience to the city.
“We plan to bring a pan-Asian concept to the restaurant,” said Mahendra, who has launched several Michelin-star f&b chains in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
FAT Uncle, located at Wasl Vita, made a stir among Dubai’s foodies when it introduced its cutting-edge Josper charcoal oven technology-based grilled cuisines.
The restaurant, launched by Emirati restaurateur and owner of Around the Block Ismail Al-Sharif last year, is also popular for its own Fat Bar, which offers crafted zero-proof menu featuring non-alcoholic champagne, beers and a botanical selection of spirits.
“The restaurant has garnered numerous accolades from critics in the hospitality industry, but as market demands change, the restaurant’s owners have decided to revamp the space and introduce a new concept with a new chef,” Mahendra said.
FAT Uncle: Revamp and rebranding
Mahendra said the restaurant space at FAT Uncle has enormous potential, and “we are working on an extremely immersive new concept for the rebranding”.
The rebranding will involve a facelift of the space and the introduction of a novel concept with a new chef.
“The aim is to provide a fresh and exciting dining experience that caters to the evolving palate of the diners,” Mahendra said.
“The new concept at FAT Uncle will be a game-changer, and it’s something that food lovers in Dubai won’t want to miss,” she said.
AHH is affiliated with the New York-based Altamarea Group and receives any culinary and support services needed, including access to global f&b relationships and trending concepts.
The group currently operates some of the popular fine dining restaurant chain brands such as Marea, 11 Woodfire, Mohalla – an ethnic Indian restaurant, RSVP – an authentic French ‘fun’ dining, Host, Asma and Tides Bar.
Atelier, which has a major presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, recently entered the Indian market with a Japanese restaurant – INJA – in Delhi.
Around the Block (ATB) Investment, the Dubai based investment and management hospitality group, operates multiple restaurant brands in the UAE.
Follow us on
