Black And White Hospitality launches international division

Black and White Hospitality has launched a new division that will focus on expanding its business globally.

The hospitality business, which was co-founded by Marco Pierre White and Nick Taplin, has now signed a deal with RMAL Hospitality to form Black and White International.

News on the deal will be closely followed by the opening of the new division’s first two venues both of which are in Abu Dhabi. This will include a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill at the end of 2018 and a New York Italian which is expected to open in March 2019.

Jihad Hazzan, chief operating officer of Al Fahim Hospitality and Elias Madbak, managing director of RMAL Hospitality, the restaurant arm of the Al Fahim group, will work with the newly formed business and the seven brands within its portfolio.

This includes Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, New York Italian, Bardolino Pizzeria Bellini & Espresso Bar, Wheelers of St James Oyster Bar & Grill Room, Marconi Coffee & Juice Bar, Mr White’s English Chophouse and the new Koffmann and Mr White’s English French Brasserie, which launched in Bath, UK in October 2018 with Pierre Koffmann.

Nick Taplin, chairman and CEO of Black and White Hospitality said: “It makes sense for us to expand our reach outside of the UK where the potential is almost limitless. To be at the start of a journey as exciting as this makes me very proud and gives me the opportunity to take the MPW franchise model onto a truly global platform.

“RMAL Hospitality has a strong track record within the restaurant and hospitality sector and we’re delighted to launch this exciting new division of Black and White Hospitality. With two venues already in the pipeline and Marco having just opened The English House in Singapore, we’ll be looking to build our international presence with hoteliers, owners and other hospitality management businesses.”

Jihad Hazzan, COO of Al Fahim Hospitality added: “I have known Marco Pierre White for years and he is widely regarded as the Godfather of Modern Cooking, is hugely respected and is one of the most globally recognised names in the catering sector. After our successful expansion into the UAE, we’re now looking forward to developing partnerships for other regions.”

Marco Pierre White added: “I like creating good food, great environments with good service. This is a hugely exciting opportunity and will allow us to extend our philosophy of selling a good night out right across the globe. It will certainly mean a lot more air travel for me in the future.”