Wafi Gourmet secures outlet space in Bahrain City Centre

Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2008, Bahrain City Centre is sure to become a landmark development for Bahrain and will feature over 330 retail units, spread out over a total lease able area of 150,000-square-metres. A total of 317 units have been taken up since marketing efforts began two years ago, with tenants ranging from the world's most recognizable brands to popular local retailers, catering to all tastes and budgets.

Wafi Gourmet's first outlet in Bahrain will bring a wide range and variety of sweets, pastries, chocolates, nougats and olives etc, besides traditional groceries, to the discerning Bahrain customer.

With a total store space of 1,400 square meters, it will also offer a choice of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meat and seafood as well as fresh juices, coffee and ice cream.

Wafi Gourmet Manama is directly managed by Al Siddiqi Int'l Group (S.I.G), a well known Qatari Food and Beverage operator, who plan to open their first Wafi Gourmet in Doha by 2008.

"We have already earned ourselves a well-deserved reputation in Dubai over the last 7 years and coming to Bahrain is natural fallout of that popularity," said Wafi Gourmet Business Development Manager Kay Wolfel.

"Catering to a wide variety of guests through dining in and carry out facilities for all day time segments, we are sure the customer in Bahrain will find the whole idea quite irresistible."

He said Wafi Gourmet is based on offering popular Arabic/Lebanese delicatessen for carry out spanning over 500 products and offering all day dining with a selection of over 200 menu items. "We are highly recognized by resident families and individuals as well as tourists and business travelers and we serve hundreds of customers a day as well as deliver our products throughout the region."

He said with the Wafi concept now spreading to Bahrain from Dubai, they consider it the ideal kick off point for the rest of the region. "Bahrain is taking off in a big way with the recent developments and we consider it fortunate to be part of that development."

The centre has all the elements of entertainment and liesure alongside all the quality services that one may desire from the 20 screen cinema which is considered to be the largest of its kind in the region to the biggest and wildest indoor/outdoor water park along with a family entertainment centre and a wide variety of food and beverages outlets

Mr. Wolfel continued saying that Bahrain is increasingly becoming known as a destination for tourists from all over the world and has emerged as a key market for several well-know world brands. "It is equally well-known among Arab expats, GCC nationals and other nationalities. In Bahrain we intend to continue with that even more. He said along with the outlet, there will also be an extensive and popular restaurant area for all day dining. "The menu includes mezze, kebabs,shawarma, lamb, fresh seafood, grills, salads, prepared meals as well as continental cuisine."

He said they are also looking at the design of the outlet and the ambiance. "Dining out is not just about food. It is also about the experience that brings out a whole lot of joie de vivre. Wafi Gourmet has truly earned as well as deserved the reputation as a leading Lebanese restaurant offering fine dining and an unparalleled ambiance."

He said like every great restaurant, Wafi Gourmet too will have a distinct ambiance. "The atmosphere will be cheerful and lively; patrons will be encouraged to relax and be themselves and enjoy the fabulous selection of fresh delicious food efficiently delivered to the table by the friendly staff."

He said as good as the indoor dining experience is, the restaurant would also boat a rooftop area/terrace where the setting is perfect to enjoy memorable meals with friends and family.

"Wafi Gourmet is an exceptional addition to Bahrain City Centre and to the Bahraini market as a whole. This new culinary experience will provide all food lovers in general and Lebanese food lovers especially with the chance to try one of the best Lebanese specialty outlets available" said MAF Investments - Bahrain Vice President Maher Al Shaer.

Bahrain City Centre has the largest concentration of food outlets and restaurants in the Kingdom with a total of 54 restaurants and cafes catering to every culinary taste and extending over 9,700 square meters. The food outlets will include 13 restaurants, 21 food court units, 11 coffee shops and 9 smaller Food &Beverage outlets catering for juice & ice cream, Mr. Al Shaer added.