DUBAI: As a follow-up to an overwhelming response to Little Manila, the first authentic Filipino-themed restaurant in the region, Al Ahli Group is now bringing the well-received concept to Satwa and Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural branch of Little Manila in Muraqqabat Deira receives 1,000 daily foot traffic with some coming from as far as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates of the UAE, Parvez Naqvi, International Business Development Head for Al Ahli Holding Group, was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.
Little Manila offers multiple top Filipino food brands under one roof including Binalot, Jay-J’s, Fruitas Group, Mochi Crème, Zagu, Fiftea, along with its in-house brands Kwekie Bites and Breadshop, the report said.
In line with this upbeat demand, the company is now ramping up Little Manila’s expansion. The Satwa branch is set to be completed in the second half of 2016, to be followed by the opening of the Abu Dhabi branch, it added.
“We are excited for the upcoming new Little Manila branches, which will offer the same flavourful concepts that Filipinos and many other nationalities like. Filipinos are fun- and food-loving people and they do go out with families and friends a lot,” Naqvi reportedly said.
“We have about 1,000 customers per day which speaks of the great reception to this unique concept and good quality of food and service,” he added.
A themed restaurant, Little Manila pioneered in bringing the iconic Philippine jeepney as a symbol of Filipinos’ presence in the UAE, said the Dubai-based news portal.
Its walls are also festooned with snapshots of local traditions showcasing the country’s rich colourful history and multinational influence that dates back to the colonial Spanish period, it said.
