El Chico Triumphs at the Middle East Hozpitality Excellence Awards 2016

El Chico had much to celebrate as the year ended with a successful run at the Middle East Hozpitality Excellence Awards 2016. Held on the 12th of December at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai, the ceremony witnessed the Mexican restaurant, which is part of the Saleh Bin Lahej Group – “Hospitality division”, receive the Award for the best Mexican Restaurant of the year 2016. The Hozpitality Excellence Awards 2016 are presented to recognize top industry organizations which have shown skills, creativity, ingenuity and success in the Middle East & North Africa’s growing hospitality industry.

Commenting on the win, Mr. Mohammed Al Delail, Chief Executive Officer of SBLG ‘Hospitality Division’ said, “We are thrilled to have won this esteemed award and it inspires us to become even better in the future and to keep this positive reputation intact. We believe that we have won this award because of the authenticity, overall experience and service we offer at El Chico. Dining at El Chico is like stepping into Mexico and at our vibrant restaurant you are treated to an entire, genuine Mexican experience, right from the food to the decor and hospitality.”

Saleh Bin Lahej Group “Hospitality Division” is the Franchisee of the brand in UAE and Egypt. The company has over the years improved in its service delivery in line with the continually changing demand both from the point of view of the clients and the industry’s as well. This is evident from the recent addition and as part of the Group’s drive denoted by the E's; Excellent Service, Extraordinary people and Exceptional food; that's what makes El Chico competitive in the industry. The restaurant aims to be the market leader as a Mexican Cuisine in the UAE while continually maintaining its service, quality and value.

About Saleh Bin Lahej Group- Hospitality Division

Saleh Bin Lahej Group-Hospitality Division has been operating from its humble beginning in 1997, opening the first Chili’s Restaurant in The United Arab Emirates at Al Garhoud, Dubai on the 24th of May. Since then, the Hospitality Division has continuously grown with agreements in place with 5 major International Franchisors across the United States of America. Today, the Hospitality Division is operating 6 Casual Dining Restaurant Brands, namely Chili’s, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, El Chico, Cantina Laredo, Joe’s Crab Shack and Olives & Tomatoes. With a Total of 50 Branches around the GCC, the Hospitality Division has been nurturing more than 1,700 Employees. Saleh Bin Lahej Group-Hospitality Division continues to grow. As we understand the value that our brands play in developing sustainable growth, we continue to develop an aggressively comprehensive portfolio that allows us to connect with a diverse range of consumers across a broad spectrum of cuisine offerings.

About El Chico

Founded by “Mama” Adelaida Cuellar, the uniqueness of El Chico is carved in the scrupulous passing on of Cuellar’s family recipe of Mexican favorites. Today, Cuellar’s recipes, work ethics and determination can still be found at the kitchen of El Chico. In 2008, the first El Chico Restaurant in Dubai was opened at The Walk in Jumairah Beach Residence in celebration of the most colorful and joyous holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo. And In 2016, the first El Chico Restaurant in Cairo was opened at Cairo Festival City Mall in Tagamoa Al Khamis in 2nd of Aug 2016.