Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan Exclusive Interview with UAE Times Il Forno’s Journey to Success
Introduction:
At UAE Times, we take pride in highlighting the stories of industry leaders who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with the visionary behind Il Forno, a well-known Italian restaurant chain in the UAE. With 30 branches and a reputation for excellence, Il Forno has become a household name for Italian cuisine lovers. Join us as we explore the journey, challenges, and future plans of this remarkable brand.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan , Can you share key milestones and turning points in your journey as an industry leader or entrepreneur?
Il Forno: Looking back, several key milestones have shaped Il Forno’s journey. Starting in 2000 with a small restaurant was a defining moment—a leap of faith driven by my passion for Italian cuisine. In the early years, building trust with customers and ensuring consistency in quality were my top priorities.
One of the biggest turning points came when we expanded beyond a single location. Opening multiple branches meant overcoming new challenges—scaling operations, maintaining the authenticity of our dishes, and building a strong team. Each new branch was a milestone that reinforced our commitment to growth.
Reaching 30 branches today is a major achievement, but what truly matters to me is the loyalty and love of our customers. Every challenge and every milestone has been a step toward making Il Forno a household name in the UAE.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan , What inspired you to start your own company or venture in this industry?
Il Forno: My inspiration for starting Il Forno came from my deep love for Italian cuisine and my travels to Italy. In 2000, I saw an opportunity to bring authentic Italian flavors to the UAE. My vision was to create a brand that offers high-quality Italian dishes in a warm and welcoming setting. Over the years, Il Forno has grown into a well-established chain with 30 branches, becoming a beloved name in the UAE’s dining scene.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan , How do you foster innovation within your company? Can you provide an example of a successful innovation initiative?
Il Forno: One successful innovation initiative was the introduction of our Around the World menu. We wanted to offer something unique while staying true to our Italian roots. By infusing international flavors into classic Italian dishes, we created a menu that excited our customers and set us apart from competitors. It was a bold step, but the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Beyond the menu, we also innovate in our service and operations. We’ve invested in digital menus and POS systems to improve customer experience, order management, and delivery efficiency, ensuring a seamless experience for our customers.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan , How do you attract and retain top talent in your organization?
Il Forno: At Il Forno, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. Attracting and retaining top talent starts with creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to grow.
One of the key ways we attract talent is by offering a dynamic and supportive work environment. We look for individuals who share our passion for hospitality and excellence, and we provide them with the tools and training they need to succeed. From the kitchen to customer service, we emphasize teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan, How important has mentorship and networking been in your professional journey?
Il Forno: Mentorship and networking have played a crucial role in my journey as an entrepreneur. When I started Il Forno in 2000, I had a passion for Italian cuisine, but building a business required learning from those who had experience in the industry. I sought guidance from mentors—people who had successfully navigated the challenges of running a restaurant. Their advice on operations, customer service, and business strategy helped me make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan , How do you assess and mitigate risks in your business?
Il Forno: Risk is a natural part of running a business, but success comes from understanding, assessing, and mitigating those risks effectively. At Il Forno, we take a proactive approach by carefully analyzing potential challenges before making key decisions.
One of the biggest risks in the restaurant industry is consistency—ensuring that every dish meets our high standards across all branches. To mitigate this, we have strict quality control measures, continuous staff training, and a hands-on approach to operations.
UAE Times: How do you adapt your business strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities and industry shifts?
Il Forno: Adapting our business strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities and industry shifts has been a key factor in Il Forno’s continued growth. The food industry is dynamic, and staying relevant requires constant awareness of market trends and evolving customer needs.
One way we adapt is by closely monitoring customer behavior and preferences. For example, when we noticed an increasing demand for healthier options and diverse flavors, we launched menu innovations like our Around the World dishes, which blend international flavors with our Italian roots. This allowed us to tap into a new market segment while staying true to what Il Forno is known for.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan , What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs in this industry? What key lessons have you learned along the way?
Il Forno: For aspiring entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry, my biggest advice is to start with passion but build with strategy. Passion will give you the motivation to keep going, but strategy is what will sustain your business in the long run.
One key lesson I’ve learned is that quality and consistency are everything. Customers may try your restaurant once out of curiosity, but they will only return if you deliver a consistently great experience. Focus on perfecting your product, training your team, and maintaining high standards every single day.
UAE Times: Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan , What are your long-term goals for your company? How do you plan to remain competitive in the evolving business landscape?
Il Forno: My long-term vision for Il Forno is to continue expanding while maintaining the authenticity and quality that have made us a beloved brand in the UAE. Growth is important, but it must be sustainable. We aim to open more branches across the region, bringing our signature Italian flavors to even more communities. At the same time, we want to enhance our customer experience through innovation, whether it’s through technology, new menu offerings, or improved service.
Conclusion:
Il Forno’s success story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and strategic growth. From a single restaurant in 2000 to a thriving chain with 30 branches, their journey reflects resilience and commitment to quality. As Il Forno continues to expand and evolve, it remains a shining example for aspiring entrepreneurs in the F&B industry. UAE Times will continue to follow and celebrate such inspiring success stories that shape the business landscape in the region.