It might get windy at times but the weather in general is very calm, pleasant and cool right now. Don’t you think heading into a pitch-dark movie theatre has somehow lost its appeal to the breezy charm of a screening under the stars? It has for us. So now, you can grab a picnic blanket, oh wait – that’s also available, invite some friends along, and check out what Graze has to offer at one of your favourite places in Doha. We were there last night and believe it when we say it – it was all fabulous.
Nowadays since the weather is good and the trend of heading out is changing and increasing, people these days are seen spending their evenings with families in the open air to enjoy the breezy weather. It won’t be erroneous to say that although Doha has a lot of attractive and peaceful places to be but there is no match for the sense of serenity and peace of mind sitting outside in front of your favourite restaurants, having a Latte, warm soup or healthy food whilst enjoying the picturesque Pearl.
Graze is one such place where you can not only enjoy the tranquillity of the Pearl in the evening but you can also watch a movie in the open with your family every last Saturday of the month. It is an extraordinary opportunity for families to enjoy a movie in the open while having the freshly prepared food by Graze.
The restaurant, owned by Qatari Rashid al-Mansoori recently organised its first movie night. The organisers presented Chef, a 2014 hit movie telling the success story of a struggling chef. The families were seen siting on cushions in the open and enjoying the movie with the food of their choice.
Fajer Hayat, Business Development Director at Prep-Line, is currently working with Graze. She is from Kuwait. A young and dynamic person working to make the concept of grab and go a success in Qatar. On the occasion of the first movie night, Hayat spoke to Community about the idea of having an open air theatre outside the restaurant and its connection with eating habits.
“I work with an advisory investment company that has offices in all the Gulf countries. We also have our projects in Europe and we mainly deal in Food and Beverages. We do branding, interior and kitchen designs. We started working with Graze to develop the restaurant from the scratch,” said Hayat.
She added, “As part of our project with Graze we intend bringing Qatar community together. We are trying to sell a lifestyle to Doha. So basically Graze is a grab and go concept that has freshly made meals, snacks, froyo, and specialises in coffee. Everyone seems to be on the run now a days especially our generation. So, we are introducing grab and go concept. As part of this campaign we’re all set to introduce different events. One of them is outdoor movie nights. We thought this is the perfect season for it. We have decided that every last Saturday of the month we’ll organise an outdoor movie night.”
Talking about why an outdoor movie night, she said, “We knew that it was going to be something new to Doha. Even this life style – Graze – is new to Doha. You can see people in Doha have started going out more and more. We reached out to the community through social media about the movie night and as we wanted to have an intimate casual event, everyone came in their sports shoes and with their blankets for the movie.”
Talking about the response, Hayat said, “Actually, the response has so far been great. We reached out to lots of people. It is our first event and we expect more people for future movie nights. Chef is family movie that is related to food and cooking. We also want to collaborate with local directors and filmmakers. So, we can show some short movies as well before the main movie.”
About the scope of business in the food industry, the expert said, “I feel there is a huge potential in the industry right now. People are receptive to and absorbing all the new concepts and they want more original and creative concepts. If your concept is original and the food is good, then people will definitely come. Graze wants to be your best friend. People in the Gulf countries want to have the best. It is in our culture. Especially in Doha, you have to pay attention to details. First impressions are important in Doha. The country is a young market and is very open to new opportunities.”
Eid al-Otaili was present enjoying the movie night. He said, “I started coming to Graze after just two weeks of its opening. I have become their regular visitor. Here, I get healthy and tasty food. I also enjoy the variety of food available here. I think the idea of having an outdoor movie is going to work gradually for the restaurant.”
Original: u201cIf your concept is original and the food is good, then people will definitely come.u201d says Fajer Hayat, Business Development Director at Prep-Line.
