JCCI opens restaurant and coffee shop contest

The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) has launched a contest to select the best restaurant and coffee shop of 2012, to help promote the city's hospitality industry.
JCCI General Secretary Adnan bin Husain Mandoura said at a press conference earlier this week that the top three winners will be selected at the end of March and honored on May 27 at the Sheikh Ismael Abu Dawoud Hall at the JCCI.
He said 300 restaurants and coffee shops are participating. Renad Arabia Agency is organizing the contest.
Speaking after signing the contest agreement, Khaled Naqro, Renad’s director general, said the contest is based on criteria including exterior and interior design, menu, preparation of meals, quality of service, value, management and creativity.
The panel of judges will include tourism and hospitality specialists. A committee of judges will visit restaurants and measure their stated standards.
Adel Makki, a member of the JCCI’s hospitality committee, said the contest will be held every year to enhance competitiveness in the sector. He said the committee will also discuss a proposal to introduce a classification system for restaurants and coffee shops.
Makki said the committee is in constant contact with owners of these establishments to find solutions for various problems.
Muhiddin Hakami, assistant secretary general of the JCCI, said the hospitality sector is booming in the Kingdom. There was strong competition and an increasing demand for high-level services.
He said universities should offer more courses related to the hospitality industry because there are many jobs available.
Mandoura said a classification system will be beneficial in terms of measuring the advancement and development of Jeddah’s restaurants and coffee shops.
He said the JCCI launched the contest as part of its aim to encourage the services and tourism industries in the Kingdom. Jeddah wants to become a favored destination for tourists in the Gulf region, he said.