For over 14 years, La Petite Maison has served as Dubai’s gateway to the Riviera, distinguished by its French-inspired cuisine, signature drinks, and the vibrant spirit of joie de vivre. This combination has solidified the establishment as a prominent player among the elite dining destinations in DIFC and throughout the emirate. Whether it's for business lunches, romantic dinners, special events, or post-work drinks, LPM maintains a lively atmosphere from midday until late evening. The restaurant enforces strict two-hour seating limits to ensure a steady flow of patrons and minimize wait times at this highly sought-after venue.
We recently sat down with Marco di Pietro, who assumed the role of General Manager at LPM Dubai two years ago, to uncover the secrets behind its enduring success and what lies ahead. Reflecting on the past, Di Pietro shared, ‘We have numerous exciting projects on the horizon and are celebrating over 14 years in the market. La Petite Maison Dubai opened its doors in 2010, and I am both pleased and honored to report that the restaurant has sustained its success over the years.’ This achievement is largely attributed to the progressive policies of the Dubai government, which fosters a thriving business environment through various initiatives throughout the year. Post-COVID, the city has witnessed a general upswing in growth trends, which extends beyond La Petite Maison.
The loyalty of their clientele is a cornerstone of LPM’s success. Many guests have been frequenting the restaurant for over a decade, a common occurrence at La Petite Maison Dubai. Similarly, the staff’s tenure is remarkable; numerous long-term employees have been with the restaurant since its inception. This continuity fosters a familial atmosphere, where long-term staff warmly welcome regulars, creating a sense of belonging for guests who consider LPM their second home. This sentiment is mirrored in the restaurant’s financial performance, with 2023 marking its most successful year to date, and expectations are high for an even better 2024.
The vision behind La Petite Maison is encapsulated in the phrase ‘honest hospitality.’ This ethos prioritizes food, beverages, and people, extending beyond guest service to include how staff and suppliers are treated. This commitment is quantified by high satisfaction rates: 90 percent for guests and 85 percent for employees. The focus is on simple, high-quality dishes, emphasizing consistency. For instance, if a key ingredient is unavailable, the dish is not served; French fries were recently removed from the menu due to potato shortages. This dedication to quality, service, consistency, and training, with a paramount focus on people, underpins the restaurant’s success.
LPM’s training program is a key component of its high standards. New employees undergo cross-exposure training, experiencing all departments before assuming their roles. This comprehensive approach, from CEO to junior staff, fosters humility and teamwork. Di Pietro himself spent his initial weeks behind the bar and in the kitchen to fully understand the business. Consistency is maintained through rigorous training that transmits the company culture and brand vision. Recognizing modern learning preferences, LPM utilizes a tailored training app. Employee well-being is also prioritized, offering a three-day weekend.
Looking ahead, LPM has expanded to 10 global venues, starting in London in 2007 and reaching Mykonos this summer. Plans for further European expansion are underway. The brand continuously seeks improvement, focusing on its pillars: food, beverages, and people. Future plans include enhancing employee well-being and guest satisfaction, ensuring each venue adds value to the guest experience.
