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Nisma Rafiq
Saudi Gazette
A red carpet, flowers, lights greeted guests at the opening of the Kingdom’s second Ocean Basket in Khaladiya district last Wednesday.
Senior executives from Ocean Basket, TARFEEH, and SEDCO, as well as several consul generals and representatives from corporate and government sectors attended the open of the South African seafood chain in Jeddah.
“There are no dominant international seafood chains in Saudi Arabia and hence there is a great opportunity in this segment”, the chairman of TARFEEH, Waleed Bin Mahfouz, said.
“The Company has an aggressive plan to grow and add more strong brands under its portfolio. Acquiring franchising rights for Ocean Basket is another great step in this direction”, TARFEEH CEO, Ahmed Marashde, said.
The opening ceremony began with a ribbon cutting that was followed by cake and complimentary dinner.
Ocean Basket’s vice president of global operations, Dale Audagnotti, said: “it is very difficult to put the feelings in words, it is thrilling and we are very excited for being part of the community”
“At Ocean Basket, we are very family oriented. We believe in sharing and family being together on a table and that make us different” Audagnotti said.
Marashde said TARFEEH were pleased with customers’ reactions to their restaurants.
“We are in an advantageous position today due to our well diversified portfolio where we can accommodate consumer’s demands at different stages. We intend to continue to be aggressive in our approach driven by consumer acceptance and proving outstanding experience to our guests,” he said.
According to the executives, they plan on providing job opportunities to young Saudis, and sourcing 70 percent of ingredients locally.
The first Ocean Basket in Menlyn Park Centre, Pretoria, South Africa, and had only six tables.
The chain has since grown to have over 180 restaurants around the globe.
