Thornton appointed GM of Gourmet Gulf

Thornton, (43), joins the UAE-headquartered company after a 25 year food and beverage career in the UK, including managerial positions with industry leaders Grand Metropolitan, Allied Domeque and SFI Group.

"We are looking to Robin to spearhead our five-year expansion blueprint which aims to operate 100 stores of four leading international brands in the Middle East," explained Sami Daud, Managing Director, Gourmet Gulf.

During his career Thornton, has launched new F&B brands, managed development of web based on-line booking and markets, established quality service and cleanliness assurance programmes and driven new menu implementation over a variety of cuisine types across the casual dining industry.

Thornton's appointment comes as Gourmet Gulf, which has already launched the YO! Sushi conveyor sushi restaurant concept into Dubai, gears up to move into Dubai Festival City and Dubai International Finance Centre, as well beginning the first phase of a GCC-wide expansion initiative which will begin in Kuwait - a US $4-5 million investment which will 10 outlets operational in the country by February 2007.