Dubai’s “Maine” Man And Debonair Gastropreneur: Getting To Know Joey Ghazal
“You are only as good as the people that you are surrounded by” top restauranteur Joey Ghazal says as he epitomizes on the true essence of confidence and genuine bona fides.
Joey Ghazal’s success comes as no surprise to anyone, especially when you’ve worked your way from the ground-up in the restaurant business as he has. The dashing Lebanese Canadian started off as a waiter while in university and went through the entire heirarchy of the fine dining industry. After developing several F&B concepts, it was ony evident that his accomplishments would lead him to opening one of the most highly reputable bistros in the region, The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill. Gazetta gets to know the man who is revolutionizing Dubai’s dining scene……
How do you feel this year, although challenging for many, has turned out for you?
This year has been by far the most challenging, but I am grateful for all the support we have received from our clients who have embraced our newest outpost of The MAINE in Business Bay over the past few months. We feel very fortunate that we have such loyal and dedicated followers that have stuck with us throughout these past five years.
Can you tell us how the lockdown has affected your business and what you’ve learned from it?
We had to close our restaurants for almost three months, which was a huge financial burden on our company, but we managed to reopen all three of our venues, including a new one straight out of lockdown, with all of our original team. I’m not sure what the lesson was in all of this, I just know that we’re all in this together, I am sure that it will pass and its very important for me to keep the MAINE family intact.
What do you think has been the secret of your success with “The Maine”?
I often get asked this question, but the truth is there is no secret. I spent a lot of time observing people, trying to understand what they need and thinking of ways to give people what they want. The MAINE resonates with people simply because it makes them feel good and because they feel like they are transported somehow.
How do you keep ahead of the game when things change so quickly in today’s society?
Research and Innovation are key drivers in our business. It’s easy to get complacent and to think that things are working so why change things. It’s my job to stay ahead of the curve. I love to travel and like to make it a point to visit as many restaurants and hotels as possible. I think of myself as a collector of inspiration and I love to combine elements together.
What would you say your future business plans are five years from now?
The MAINE is a brand ‘with legs’, which means that it can travel pretty much anywhere. It’s equally high street as it is neighborhood. Our goal is to open our first international MAINE in 2021, which will become the platform for the international expansion of the brand. I hope to have at least four international locations in the next five years.
Business challenges and competition, how would you say you’ve dealt with that?
I’ve never paid much attention to be honest. We were able to carve out a niche for ourselves in Dubai – mass premium brasserie is really a category we created and there are virtually no other competitors in this genre of restaurant. I don’t like to get distracted by what others are doing, I prefer to keep my head down and focus on our brand.
Is “The Maine” your biggest achievement so far? What else would fall in that category for you?
Every restaurant I’ve opened over the last 15 years felt like the biggest achievement at the time. The MAINE is a culmination of the last 20 years of experienced focused into one restaurant. It is really the best parts of all my previous concepts combined into one.
How do you manage to get a good work/life balance?
The restaurant business is a very demanding industry, both mentally and emotionally. You cannot sustain the levels of energy and enthusiasm needed to stay at the top of your game without staying physically fit and without taking time for yourself to recharge. I love to travel and explore foodie cities. Being on a plane is the only time I can truly unplug and switch off.
You were raised in the UAE and spent many years in North America –tell us how this has impacted your upbringing?
I grew up in Dubai in the 80s and 90s, so Dubai always felt like home. My work experience in Montreal shaped me, shaped my career and gave me the confidence I needed when I started opening my own restaurants. There’s something about Dubai that makes you dream bigger, aim higher and feel limitless.
As an entrepreneur, it all falls down to having the right team, would you say that’s important and what do you ideally look for when it comes to your team members?
You are only as good as the people that you are surrounded by. We look for the qualities that we believe the MAINE exemplifies – authenticity, confidence and a love for the finer things in life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
To take my time before making big decisions. I’ve always been quite instinctual and impulsive in my decision making – always acting from my gut first. You still have to listen to your gut, but there are many other factors to consider and time gives you that perspective you often need. Never react from anger or from fear, always maintain a steady hand and an clear head.
Follow The Maine on instagram (@themainedxb) to learn more about their exciting journey!
