Ziad Kassabieh, CEO, Advanced Food Company
In tandem with Saudi Arabia’s economic buoyancy and opulent lifestyle, the country is undergoing a transformative boon toward establishing itself as a global player in the Hospitality and F&B industry. Amidst this rapidly evolving business landscape, where diversification and innovation remain at the heart of Saudi’s 2030 vision, the food and beverage (F&B) sector emerges as a vibrant arena for experimentation, merging traditional flavors with contemporary gastronomic trends. As we embrace this new era of culinary renaissance, we are privileged to introduce Mr. Ziad Kassabieh, the CEO of Advanced Food Company. A true gourmet enthusiast and business maverick, Ziad has been instrumental in the meteoric rise of Saudi’s F&B industry, emerging as a shining star in Riyadh’s most distinguished fine dining scene.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion
Ziad Kassabieh’s journey in the hospitality and F&B industry exemplifies his insatiable passion for exploring Saudi’s tantalizing flavors and a staunch determination to redefine its culinary practices. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality and F&B industry, Ziad has dedicated his career to transforming and enriching the culinary landscape of Saudi Arabia. By blending international trends with local preferences, he has elevated the Kingdom to one of the world’s most coveted gastronomy destinations. At the helm of a high-performing chain of restaurants, Ziad’s profound love for food and his desire to revolutionize culinary experiences hark back to his college days. “After studying hospitality management, I worked with global hospitality brands, which provided a strong foundation in the industry,” Ziad shares. This experience was the catalyst for his entrepreneurial ambitions, leading to the foundation of Advanced Food Co. in 2017.
Under Ziad’s leadership, Advanced Food Co. has launched a range of innovative and diverse food concepts, each resonating deeply with global diners. His expertise in launching restaurants, franchising, food concept innovation, and partnership development has allowed him to build a portfolio of renowned brands that stand as a testament to his strategic foresight and unwavering dedication to quality. Ziad’s vision was clear: to bring diverse, high-quality dining options to Saudi Arabia, aligning with the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030. Ziad’s leadership has been instrumental in setting Advanced Food Co. apart in the competitive F&B market, especially in Riyadh, where the company has set a new benchmark in crafting fine dining excellence.
Navigating Challenges with a Visionary Approach
Every challenge is a prelude to success; to achieve it, we must first visualize the process. The challenge intensifies as our dream gets bigger. For a visionary aspiring to expand beyond borders, Ziad had to go through a series of incumbrances. However, each obstacle became an opportunity for Ziad to innovate and lead. Ziad had to face numerous challenges in maintaining consistency in quality and adapting to diverse market dynamics. Expanding operations across multiple countries required navigating through varied environments, and understanding different consumer preferences. Yet, with strategic foresight and commitment to excellence, Ziad overcame every hurdle with grace and fortitude.
Ziad’s masterclass approach to food concept innovation has been a game-changer, turning every odd into opportunity. By regularly updating menus, introducing new concepts, and staying attuned to global food trends, Ziad ensures that Advanced Food Co. meets and exceeds diners’ expectations. His ability to blend tradition with innovation gives him a distinct edge over competitors, solidifying his position as a trendsetter in the Food and Hospitality industry.
Leadership: The Ziad Kassabieh Way
Ziad Kassabieh’s leadership style is as exceptional as his culinary creations. As the CEO of Advanced Food Co., Ziad blends collaboration with visionary thinking. He empowers his team by fostering an environment where ideas flow freely, creativity knows no bounds, and excellence is the standard, not an exception.
By setting clear goals and supporting his team in achieving them, Ziad has cultivated a culture of excellence that permeates every facet of Advanced Food Co. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality have not only earned him recognition in the industry but have also inspired his team to strive for greatness.
Balancing Success with Personal Well-being
Ziad’s personal philosophy is as singular as his professional ethos. Beyond his demanding role as the CEO, Ziad believes in balancing work with his personal life. He emphasizes the importance of time management, effective delegation, and maintaining a work-life balance as paramount in sustaining long-term success. In his pursuit of culinary excellence, Ziad remains energized and focused on his professional and personal front. He understands that true success comes not only from professional achievements but also from a well-rounded life that comes from maintaining harmony between professional and personal life. “Balancing the responsibilities of being a CEO with personal life is challenging but essential,” he says.
Having a supportive team and a clear organizational structure plays a crucial role in helping Ziad maintain this balance. By prioritizing personal interests and family, he brings fresh perspectives to his professional challenges, further fueling his innovative approach to leadership.
A Glimpse into the Future
Looking forward, Ziad’s vision is both ambitious and inspiring. In the next five to ten years, Ziad plans to expand the company’s footprint both locally and internationally. With new restaurants set to open across Saudi Arabia and in global markets like London, Ziad is poised to take Saudi cuisine to new heights. “Our future growth strategy focuses on innovation, diversification, and maintaining the high standards that have become synonymous with our brand,” Ziad asserts.
One of the significant milestones in their growth strategy includes launching a catering company for private and corporate events, leveraging the company’s esteemed reputation for quality. This move will further solidify the company’s position as a global leader in the F&B industry.
Awards and Recognitions
Ziad Kassabieh’s contributions to the F&B industry have not gone unnoticed. His place on the prestigious Caterer Middle East KSA Power List 2023 is just one of the many accolades he has earned. He has also been a featured speaker at notable events such as the Voco® Riyadh Hospitality 3.0 Conference, Restoworks Fast Food & Café Convention, Saudi Food Summit, and Saudi Retail Forum, among others. These recognitions are a testament to Ziad’s leadership, innovation, and impact on the industry.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ziad Kassabieh’s journey is a beacon for those aspiring to make their mark in the hospitality and F&B sector. His advice is simple yet profound: “Be passionate about your vision, meticulous in execution, and adaptable in a constantly changing market. Build a strong team, and never compromise on quality.” Ziad’s story transcends mere business success; it’s a clarion call for dreamers willing to turn their visions into reality.
As a trailblazer dedicated to preserving Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage, Ziad leads by example, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to rise, innovate, and leave a lasting impact.