Over the past decade, GRIF (The Global Restaurant Investment Forum) has been a pivotal platform, bringing together over 1,000 restaurant operators, investors, and industry stakeholders. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, GRIF is poised to host a special event tailored for restaurant operators and investors from the GCC, offering them a distinct chance to explore the UK market. This intimate gathering aims to cultivate meaningful connections, facilitate strategic deals, and engage in crucial discussions about current industry trends, all geared towards advancing the global expansion of restaurant brands. This year, the dynamic city of Edinburgh will host this esteemed event from October 7 to 8 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
As a recognized hub for innovation and deal-making, GRIF has organized insightful briefings, conferences, and study tours in major global markets including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Amsterdam, London, and Nairobi. Under the guidance of Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, GRIF is now embarking on a new chapter, commemorating its 10th anniversary by uniting the operators and investors who have been pivotal to its success, along with emerging industry leaders. Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, the visionary behind The Global Restaurant Investment Forum, stated: “I initiated GRIF to link restaurants with the appropriate investors, and it has been remarkable to see its evolution over the past decade. Having supported numerous brands in their international expansion, our platform continues to welcome new brands and innovative investors, demonstrating our commitment to the industry's continuous growth. We eagerly anticipate continuing these dialogues in Edinburgh and warmly invite operators and investors with compelling concepts.”
GRIF will feature an outstanding roster of expert speakers over the two days, including Robin Rowland OBE, partner at Trispan; Michael Toxvaerd, executive director at Nightcap PLC; Harry Goss, partner at McWin Capital Partners; Grace Harding, CEO of Ocean Basket Holdings; Faisal Shaker, founder, board member & CEO at Modern Food Company (MFC) & Modern Elite Company; Lydia Forte, group director of food and beverage at Rocco Forte Hotels; Jillian MacLean MBE, founder and CEO at Drake & Morgan; Iain McPherson, owner of Panda & Sons; Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UK Hospitality; Simon Farrow, global business performance director at Tao Group Hospitality, and James Hacon, managing partner at Think Hospitality and chairman at I am Doner. The program also includes study tours and networking receptions, providing opportunities to reconnect with industry peers and gain fresh insights. Local site visits are curated to inspire attendees, featuring a welcome lunch at The Balmoral, a reception at The Alchemist—an experiential bar and restaurant known for its creativity—and tours of renowned venues such as Somewhere by Nico, Dean Banks' restaurants, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, W Edinburgh, Panda & Sons, The Tigerlily, The DogHouse by BrewDog, and Cardinal, among others.
For further details on GRIF and to stay informed about the latest events, please visit grif.com.
