Dubai, UAE, (July 7, 2010): Sarpino’s Pizzeria, an international Italian food chain, has opened its first ever restaurant at Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa in Dubai. The property is part of the large Planet Group, a conglomerate of 11 established companies with business interests in hospitality, travel, aviation, freight forwarding, cargo, hotel, real estate, entertainment, food & beverage, exhibitions, logistics and trading.
Sarpino's Pizzeria was created in response to consumer demand for greater freshness, quality, authenticity and most of all variety in fast food alternatives. During a holiday in Europe in 1999, while touring the Italian countryside, its founder Gerry Koutougos discovered a small, secluded family restaurant run by an elderly local woman named Sarpina. Gerry was so overwhelmed by how wonderful Sarpina’s food tasted, that he volunteered to spend 2 weeks working for free as an assistant in Sarpina’s kitchen.
There he learnt the secrets of authentic Italian cooking, which are used in Sarpino’s Pizzeria to this day. Sarpino's understands the needs of today's busy families and individuals. Whether you are working late at the office or in-between dropping kids off at sports practice, you should always have the choice of a variety of fresh, healthy, and authentic dishes delivered right to your home or office. At its outlet in Arabian Courtyard, Sarpino's Pizzeria features the freshest ingredients, in time tested authentic recipes, presented in a modern Italian décor for a truly ‘Italian experience’ with an unbeatable taste!
Gerry Koutougos, Global President and CEO, Sarpino’s Pizzeria, said: “We are extremely pleased with our partnership with Planet Hospitality. We hope to have many more Sarpino’s outlets open in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah this year and the other Emirates over the next few years. Our association with Planet will help us reach a wider public in the UAE and thus help us in brand building in this potential market. The UAE is one of the fastest-growing markets in the region from the income and revenue standpoint. So we will be targeting many new outlets this year in the UAE which will also create many new jobs in the country as well.”
Habib Khan, CEO Hospitality Division of Planet Group, said: “We hope this partnership will go a long way and serve the interests of both the parties. Sarpino’s Pizzeria is not just a pizza restaurant it also offers a selection of Italian delicacies, pastas, salads, desserts and more. It’s located in the most prominent Tourist Spot in Dubai, situated on the ground floor of Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa premises right across the road from Dubai Museum for passersby to take a quick bite. It also offers delivery of fresh pizza to the many businesses and residents in the surrounding area.”
Habib concluded that as the informal, eating-out industry in the UAE is becoming more popular coz of value for money, the market is expected to grow further and that the opening of such affordable food outlets will always be an attractive option for UAE’s growing middle class.
For further information call Marie on 04-5087511 or e-mail at: Sarpinos@arabiancourtyard.com