Navigating Turbulent Weather: UAE Restaurants Adapt to Unpredictable Conditions

Restaurants in the UAE are adjusting their strategies to cope with unpredictable weather conditions. With the climate presenting challenges, establishments are implementing innovative solutions to maintain operations and cater to customer needs. This adaptability reflects the resilience and proactive approach of the restaurant industry in navigating changing environmental circumstances.

Industry leaders open up on how their establishments coped with the effects of the storm

Following a bout of unprecedented weather conditions in the UAE, the local restaurant scene finds itself grappling with a period of reflection and recuperation. The aftermath of the recent storms has left an indelible mark, with waterfront establishments submerged and supply chains disrupted, showcasing a spectrum of impacts across the region.

In conversations with industry insiders affected by the inclement weather, we delved into their experiences navigating the immediate aftermath of the storm, their strategies for ensuring the safety of their staff and premises, and their plans, if any, to bolster resilience against future meteorological adversities.

Lisa Knight, the visionary behind Café Isan, recounted how their rooftop bars in JLT and the JVC Mall premises endured minor damages from water seepage. "Two of the team had to spend the night at the outlet. With transportation options severely limited and nearby hotels at capacity, our staff embraced the impromptu overnight stay as an adventure," Knight remarked. "Moving forward, we'll make sure to secure accommodations nearby in advance to mitigate such challenges."

Preet Vasudev, co-founder of Varak, has revealed the challenges his establishment faced during the recent weather turmoil in Business Bay. Structural damage to their building led to a ceiling leak, resulting in losses absorbed by the company. To preempt such incidents, Vasudev emphasized the importance of securing shop insurance, a precaution they took before the last rainfall.

During the storm, team members found themselves stranded at the store, prompting Varak to mobilize delivery vans to transport them to the nearest metro station for safety. Vasudev recounted the resilience of his staff, noting that despite the shutdown of metros, many made the arduous journey from Business Bay to Al Karama on foot, with the company offering reimbursement for transportation expenses incurred.

In response to the adverse conditions, some restaurants made the decision to temporarily close their dine-in services and focus solely on delivery operations, prioritizing the safety of riders and workers from third-party platforms.

Eti Bhasin, owner of Dhaba Lane, highlighted the proactive safety measures implemented at their outlets. Vigilant monitoring of windows sealings and exhaust systems was undertaken to mitigate risks associated with power outages, a common concern during severe weather events. Although faced with a pipe leakage at their Nahda outlet, swift action and support from the building management allowed them to contain the situation promptly. Bhasin emphasized the importance of staying indoors and taking necessary precautions during such adverse conditions.

Vasudev further revealed that, prioritizing staff safety, Varak's Business Bay outlet made the decision to suspend operations for the day, promptly notifying customers of the closure. "Fortunately, our patrons were understanding of the situation. As a precautionary measure, we have opted to keep the outlet closed today to avert any potential complications."

Meanwhile, other establishments have reported a decline in sales attributed to the adverse weather conditions. Jugal Parekh, managing partner at Yummy Dosa, disclosed that their Sharjah branch experienced a downturn due to flooding, albeit not of significant magnitude. Parekh reassured that all staff members were unharmed, citing the brand's practice of providing accommodation within a five-minute radius of all its restaurants. Despite implementing measures such as rugs and cartons at the restaurant entrance, they proved ineffective against the deluge.

Source: Caterermiddleeast‍