Frankie Dettori was in Dubai recently to open the latest, and first Middle East-based, branch of Frankie’s Italian Bar & Grill. Dettori is a sleeping partner in the franchise – he lends his name and face but has very little to do with the running of the restaurants.
With the number of franchise restaurants taking off in the region, Caterer took this opportunity to go along and find out what concerns the franchise partners in this type of venture.
Dettori says that he had wanted to have a restaurant all his life, but it was only when he “stumbled into” Marco Pierre White around four years ago that he was able to make his dream a reality. Both White and Dettori agreed from the outset that they wanted their restaurant to be family-oriented and to serve quality Italian food. “We wanted to serve Italian food that did not cost obscene amounts of money, and that was not Pizza Express – we wanted something upmarket.
Dettori consulted on the type of food that would be served at the restaurant, and helped to design the concept, but admits that he had very little to do with the final decisions on things such as décor. But he does have definite ideas about not lending his name to anything and everything. “I work in Dubai, so this made sense,” said Dettori. “We have no plans to open a certain number [of restaurants], this one was a good idea in a good location, it’s more successful that way.
Dettori added that he feels local partners can do the best job of running a franchise, as they know the area and have the expertise. “You can’t control a big empire and keep the same standard,” he said.
When asked if he is concerned that the Frankie’s restaurants in London get mixed reviews, Dettori shrugs. “I’m very happy with my restaurants, I never see anything wrong them.
Follow us on
