Ahmed Ezzat
F&B Operations Director
Dubai
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Operations Director with a proven track record in building and growing brands in the F&B industry. Expertise in concept development, menu design, and opening multiple successful outlets across various brands. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Passionate about creating impactful brand identities and expanding market reach, including launching high-performing events divisions. Strong ability to execute both strategic and tactical initiatives that drive revenue, improve operational performance, and exceed growth targets.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
2011
2011
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
F&B Operations Director
Al Khayyat Investments
06.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded the development and launch of Back to Roots Cafe, from concept creation to brand establishment.
- Developed the brand’s identity and curated a unique, market-leading menu that reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability
- Managed the opening of multiple outlets, ensuring alignment with brand vision, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
- Oversaw all aspects of operations across locations, including staffing, training, supply chain, inventory management, and day-to-day operations.
- Established and executed an events division, focusing on seasonal activations, corporate partnerships, and high-profile events (e.g., MOTB, Winter City at Expo, Hai Ramadan).
- Achieved consistent growth in sales, surpassing targets and outpacing year-over-year performance across all locations.
- Led a team of diverse professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment to maintain high standards and operational excellence.
- Pioneered the development of a mobile unit, expanding the brand’s reach and increasing visibility at prominent local events.
Operations Manager
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Concept Store
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Supporting Growth of the organization by ensuring strategic goals are met, setting operational policies, creating and maintaining budgets, managing employees, and more
- Ensuring individual departments, segments, or stores are effective in achieving their goals
- Overseeing operations and opening multiple locations (3 in prime locations over 6months) as well as developing company policy, SOPS for human resources, procurement, communications, marketing, social media, retail and finance departments
- Being an expert communicator with a strong ability to delegate responsibilities and collaborate across a wide range of departments
- Driven by the desire to lead a team toward maximum productivity and efficiency
- Develop strategic plans for optimized productivity
- Review and improve organizational effectiveness by developing processes, overseeing employees, establishing a highly motivated work environment, and creating innovative approaches for improvement
- Uphold standards of excellence and soaring quality
- Seek out opportunities for expansion and growth by developing new business relationships
Restaurant Operations manager (Fouquet's & Museum Café)
Groupe Barriere
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Led the successful opening of the first Middle Eastern branch of Fouquet’s, ensuring alignment with brand standards and operational excellence.
- Managed operations for Museum Cafe, Grab and Go, and the Rooftop Art Lounge at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, overseeing catering and functions.
- Responsible for pre-opening activities, including equipment planning, staffing, recruitment, and conducting interviews.
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations and maintain consistent quality across all outlets.
- Fostered strong client relationships, ensuring a high level of service and satisfaction through project management and development.
- Held accountability for the smooth, cost-effective operation of the entire area, focusing on product turnover, quality control, and maximizing guest satisfaction.
- Monitored unit revenues and costs weekly, analyzing against budget or forecast, and taking corrective actions to stay on track with financial targets.
Restaurant Operations manager
Royal Catering
03.2019 - 12.2019
- Managing the Museum Cafe, Grab and go and the roof top Art Lounge overseeing the catering and functions in the Louvre- Abu Dhabi under Royal Catering
- Pre-Planning equipment, staffing, Recruitment and interviews
- Developing SOPs for the operation in the outlets
- Refurbishment of Roof top Lounge and Bar, execution and Project management
- Accountable for the overall smooth and economical running of the entire area with a direct responsibility for products turnover and high quality achieving maximum guest satisfaction
Area Operations manager
Bateel International
01.2017 - 03.2019
- Managed monthly sales reports, COGS, and P&L analysis.
- Oversaw daily operations, including staff management and team performance.
- Reported to the Director of Operations, handling confidential information and communication with sensitivity.
- Led daily activities for sales and operations teams, ensuring alignment with monthly targets.
- Conducted staff meetings to address concerns and track progress.
- Motivated teams to drive sales and operational efficiency.
- Managed stock levels and made decisions on stock control.
- Coordinated marketing initiatives and brand awareness strategies.
- Analyzed sales data, forecasted volumes, and maximized profits.
- Liaised with suppliers for timely deliveries.
- Led recruitment for all levels, from cleaners to management.
- Conducted regular store visits, ensuring operational excellence.
- Managed new store openings, including equipment, furniture, and POS systems.
Café manager
Bateel International
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Managed front & back of house restaurant operations
- Handled the training and performance evaluation for all the team
- Handled weekly and monthly inventory to ensure adding value for the restaurant
- Hold P&L accountability
- Managed sales analysis, forecasting and reporting activities
- Quickly identified problem situations and skilfully resolved incidents to the satisfaction of involved parties
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime
- Achieved max 27% food cost on monthly basis across all outlets that I have managed
- Proof sales record in several locations such as Media city, Mirdiff city centre and Dubai mall, increasing stores sales, Profit, and decrease the Wastage's for all branches
Restaurant Assistant manager
Pascucci Café
06.2009 - 12.2013
- Developed, implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales
- Created fun team building activities to engage staff in upselling to meet revenue targets
- Handled all the opening purchasing
- Managed front\ back house restaurant operations
- Handled the training and performance evaluation for all the staff
- Prepared and tracked sales budgets
- Ensured that restaurant operations through excellence in customer relations
- Managed all day shifts with the assistants and scheduling a full working staff
Education
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Cairo
Skills
- Financial oversight (P&L, Budgeting, Forecasting)
- Process Improvement and Optimization
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Leadership and Team Management
- Change Management
- Proven cost-control expert
- Operational excellence
- Customer Relationship Management
- Standard operating procedures
Accomplishments
- Opened 4 new cafes in UAE and Oman for Bateel International.
- Reopened Museum Café with Groupe Barrière in 2020.
- Launched the first Fouquet’s in the Middle East with Groupe Barrière.
- Opened 3 outlets for The Lighthouse, contributing to brand expansion.
- Launched Back to Roots, successfully opening multiple locations.
- Awarded “Best Café” at the What’s On Awards 2015 for Café Bateel, Dubai Mall.
- Won “Favorite European Restaurant” at the What’s On Awards 2022 for The Lighthouse.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 07/08/88
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Marital Status: Married
- Visa Status: UAE Golden Visa
Timeline
F&B Operations Director
Al Khayyat Investments
06.2023 - Current
Operations Manager
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Concept Store
09.2021 - 05.2023
Restaurant Operations manager (Fouquet's & Museum Café)
Groupe Barriere
01.2020 - 08.2021
Restaurant Operations manager
Royal Catering
03.2019 - 12.2019
Area Operations manager
Bateel International
01.2017 - 03.2019
Café manager
Bateel International
01.2014 - 01.2017
Restaurant Assistant manager
Pascucci Café
06.2009 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Cairo
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