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CELEBRITY CHEF Jamie Oliver, one of Britain's most famous exports and best-loved television personalities, will be opening a signature Italian restaurant in Bahrain next year.
After several high level meetings and facing stiff competition from rival companies, the Jawad Business Group (JBG) has secured the rights to bring the 'Naked Chef's' successful eating out venue, Jamie's Italian, to the region.
Inspired by his passion for Italy, Jamie has already opened 15 of his 'neighbourhood' restaurants offering authentic, affordable and great quality Italian food on the high streets in the UK.
He said: "I've not been to Bahrain for a couple of years but I remember it as being a vibrant place full of friendly people.
"I am very excited to be working with Jawad Business Group on this project. Jamie's Italian has been a huge success in the UK, so it's time to launch internationally and I can't think of better places than Dubai and Bahrain to start.
"People can expect great food and brilliant service but at affordable prices, which really makes Jamie's Italian stand out from the crowd. Fresh pasta is made in the restaurant every day and I know the local fish is going to be one of the big hits. Expect a warm welcome and delicious food."
The 35-year-old culinary genius lives in London and Essex with his wife, Jools and three daughters, Poppy, Daisy and Petal.
Three Jamie's Italian restaurants will open in the Gulf, two in Dubai in January followed shortly afterwards by the one in Bahrain. Its proposed location is being kept under wraps at the moment.
Jamie added: "I should have been Italian. There is such diversity in lifestyles, cooking traditions and dialects. This is why as a chef I find this country so exciting and what inspired me to create Jamie's Italian."
Born James Trevor Oliver in May 1975, he became known as 'The Naked Chef' following a TV series and his expressive use of slang words like 'pucker' for quality.
He is known for his food-focused television shows, cookbooks and, more recently, his role campaigning against the use of processed foods in schools, and his campaign to change unhealthy diets and poor cooking habits for the better across the UK and the US.
Since the 1950s, Bahrain-based JBG has come a long way from its humble beginnings and is now recognised regionally and internationally as a leading business enterprise. Today it operates various outlets throughout the GCC and India, covering a diverse range of products and services.
Tapan Vaidya, general manager of its restaurant division, said: "The group is always on the look-out for new restaurant opportunities. When we noticed how successful and popular Jamie's Italian was in the UK we decided to approach him about coming to the Middle East.
"Jamie alone is a big name and we as a group had to prove our worth and show how we could take his restaurants to the next level in the region.
"We spent a good deal of time with Jamie to discuss the venture. We then discovered that there were other groups in the region trying to bring him in as well. However, Jamie chose us because we have proven capabilities and we know what it takes to develop Jamie's Italian in the GCC.
"We do not have a location in Bahrain as of yet, but are actively looking for a good spot as Jamie will have nothing but the best.
"The reason we wanted Jamie aside from his success is due to his philosophy, personality and principals - plain and simple. He is very interesting and down-to-earth.
"Jamie's restaurant is unique and we wanted to develop something of that calibre in Bahrain.
"All of his restaurants in England are booming and the customers love dining there. We want that feel here - where people want to go out and be comfortable."
Jamie's Italian will be designed by celebrated Swedish designer Martin Brudinzki, who is known for his inspiring restaurants, hotels and residential projects all over the world. He will be designing all three restaurants in the region. They will all carry different elements but will be linked by a similar artistic theme.
Mr. Vaidya said: "Jamie is all about keeping natural elements - from the design of his restaurants to the quality of the food. If I were to categorise his restaurant I would say it is high-end in quality but affordable in cost.
"Also, it will be very fashionable with unique furniture to reflect Jamie's style. Jamie loves chandeliers and he is involved in selecting the best ones to get a different ambience and feel in each restaurant.
"Jamie has a strict ethos on what can be served in his restaurants. The food must be fresh, sourced from certain locations and poultry must be free range.
"We must also be able to trace back the cattle's history, for example, and the same goes for game and other types of meat. There is a big natural scheme for this.
"We will develop Jamie's vision to the 'letter'. Who will want to come to Jamie's Italian? Everyone and anyone!"
