Belgium-Headquartered Deliverect Acquires UAE-Based ChatFood To Unlock Growth For The Restaurant Industry "The acquisition of ChatFood is an important step for Deliverect in MENA in particular, given the company's notable presence and success in the region," said Naji Haddad, General Manager of MENA for Deliverect.

Deliverect, a Belgium-headquartered global software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that integrates online orders from food delivery channels, has acquired ChatFood, a UAE-based omni-channel ordering and data-driven marketing platform provider for hospitality brands, in a bid to create a unified solution that could enable profitable growth in the restaurant industry.

Together, Deliverect and ChatFood serve over 43,000 restaurants and food service businesses around the world, and power over 300 million orders in 42 markets. With the addition of ChatFood, Deliverect will offer customers a one-stop digital platform that eliminates complexity and drives value for both in-restaurant dining and online delivery experiences.

In a statement, Zhong Xu, co-founder and CEO of Deliverect, said, "We are thrilled to welcome ChatFood to the Deliverect team. With ChatFood, we now provide a 360-degree solution inspired by the challenges our customers face, supporting them both with in-restaurant dining and online food delivery. This milestone is significant for our company, because each day we strive to simplify the lives of restaurant owners, and help them thrive in the digital age."

Meanwhile, Ben Mouflard, co-founder and CEO of ChatFood, said, "We've had an opportunity to observe Deliverect's values and dedication to their customers through our existing integration and long-standing partnership. We recognized that their approach aligned with our own. We are so excited by this next chapter in our journey, and bringing our solutions to restaurants around the world."

Naji Haddad, General Manager of MENA for Deliverect, added, "The acquisition of ChatFood is an important step for Deliverect in MENA in particular, given the company's notable presence and success in the region. We are delighted to invest further in the Middle East, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to our customers here, as well as to the wider community."

With more than 3,000 food service locations in the GCC relying on its technology, ChatFood solutions have resulted in 35% higher average spend from customers, three times more tips, and 25% more labor efficiency. Following its acquisition of ChatFood, Deliverect will now offer new solutions like social media ordering, which allows restaurants' customers to order from their social media accounts, as well as order and pay, which creates custom QR codes for menus, ordering, bill management, and payment.

Haddad added that there has been a growing trend of global solutions being localized for the UAE's restaurants industry which allows for the incorporation of cultural and regional elements, customization of menus to cater to local tastes, and implementation of local marketing strategies. "However, it's important to strike a balance between localization and preserving the essence of the global concept," he said. "While adapting a solution to suit the local market is crucial, it's essential to ensure that the unique qualities and strengths of the original concept are not compromized. Successful localization involves understanding the local culture, consumer preferences, and market dynamics while staying true to the core values and principles that made the global solution successful in the first place."

THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Naji Haddad, General Manager of MENA for Deliverect, shares his tips for restaurant owners in the UAE

Given that the UAE's restaurant landscape is extremely competitive, Naji Haddad, General Manager of MENA for Deliverect advised restaurant owners to follow these four steps in order to stand out from the crowd:

1. Have a unique concept "Differentiate your restaurant by offering a unique concept or theme that sets you apart from competitors. Whether it's a specific cuisine, a fusion of flavors, or a novel dining experience, having a distinct identity can attract customers looking for something new and exciting."

2. Focus on quality and consistency "Maintain high standards of food quality, service, and overall dining experience. Consistency is key to building a loyal customer base and generating positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Focus on delivering exceptional food, using fresh ingredients, and providing excellent customer service."

3. Invest in menu innovation "Regularly update and innovate your menu to keep customers engaged and intrigued. Introduce seasonal dishes, specials, and chef's recommendations to provide variety and freshness. Consider incorporating local ingredients or adapting global trends to cater to local tastes."

4. Say yes to tech "Embrace technology to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. Offer online ordering, delivery services, and reservation systems to meet the evolving needs and preferences of customers. Utilize social media platforms and online marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and engage with customers."

Related: The How-To: Building An Eatery Brand In The Middle East