BAGHDAD: Iraqi businessman Zaid Nazo has always been sure of his nation’s deep passion for food and wasn’t afraid to dream big when he transformed his small Baghdad coffee shop in 1999 into a casual dining and takeaway restaurant. Today, the 41-year-old father of two has opened four branches and his chain is one of the most popular in Iraq.
Many Iraqi entrepreneurs are finding restaurants and eateries a safe business bet, despite the country’s slumping economy, prevailing violence and an ongoing war with the Daesh group.
The food business is growing quickly. There are 40 per cent more restaurants in Baghdad today than there were in 2013 - when security and economic conditions in the country were much better - according to Shakir Al Zamili, the chairman of Baghdad Investment Commission.
It’s unexpected when the city still faces almost daily bombings, large swaths of the country are under control of the extremist Daesh group and Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi is embroiled in a political crisis over stalled reforms and allegations of rampant corruption.
It’s also a testament to Iraqis’ determination to triumph over violence.
Nazo and his business partner, his close friend Marwan Rassam, established their first eatery — Saj Al Reef or “Country Bread” in Arabic — in the upscale Baghdad neighbourhood of Karrada 18 years ago.
Then in 2007, they opened a second branch in Arbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, and a third in 2009, in the nearby town of Sulaimaniyah.
This February, he opened a new place in Baghdad’s upmarket Mansour neighbourhood.
“I bet on the mentality of Iraqis,” he told The Associated Press. “The Iraqi people love to live ... and they make the most of every day because they don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” he added.
The food boom has seen new establishments open all around Baghdad, from city rooftops to the banks of the Tigris River. Local businessmen are pouring millions of dollars into buying or renting property, bringing in foreign chefs and staff, competing with one another for the fanciest design, best decoration and most attractive cuisine.
And though suicide and car bombings regularly target large gatherings - including restaurants - the boom has not slowed.
Many Iraqi entrepreneurs are finding restaurants and eateries a safe business bet, despite the country’s slumping economy, prevailing violence and an ongoing war with the Daesh group.
The food business is growing quickly. There are 40 per cent more restaurants in Baghdad today than there were in 2013 - when security and economic conditions in the country were much better - according to Shakir Al Zamili, the chairman of Baghdad Investment Commission.
It’s unexpected when the city still faces almost daily bombings, large swaths of the country are under control of the extremist Daesh group and Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi is embroiled in a political crisis over stalled reforms and allegations of rampant corruption.
It’s also a testament to Iraqis’ determination to triumph over violence.
Nazo and his business partner, his close friend Marwan Rassam, established their first eatery — Saj Al Reef or “Country Bread” in Arabic — in the upscale Baghdad neighbourhood of Karrada 18 years ago.
Then in 2007, they opened a second branch in Arbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, and a third in 2009, in the nearby town of Sulaimaniyah.
This February, he opened a new place in Baghdad’s upmarket Mansour neighbourhood.
“I bet on the mentality of Iraqis,” he told The Associated Press. “The Iraqi people love to live ... and they make the most of every day because they don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” he added.
The food boom has seen new establishments open all around Baghdad, from city rooftops to the banks of the Tigris River. Local businessmen are pouring millions of dollars into buying or renting property, bringing in foreign chefs and staff, competing with one another for the fanciest design, best decoration and most attractive cuisine.
And though suicide and car bombings regularly target large gatherings - including restaurants - the boom has not slowed.
Associated Press
No comments:
Post a Comment