ABOUT US
THE STORY
The Freshpoints story began back in 2000, when the current owners were completing their studies in business management at Denver University, USA. Eating out most days gave them an appreciation of a variety of foods, which led them to want to know more about worldwide cuisines and recipes. This curiosity quickly turned into a passion for the food industry, and they vowed to one day have their own restaurant.
After graduating and returning home, they acquired a single restaurant called Burger Co in 2008, and worked hard to improve and grow the business ever since. Saj Co was incorporated into the company in 2010, allowing a greater variety of products to be offered to consumers, including saj sandwiches and authentic shawarma, as well as a range of grilled meat and chicken options. 2013 saw the introduction of a coffee shop concept, The White Kitchen Cafe, offering hot and cold beverages along with a selection of cakes and deli-style sandwiches. This increased diversification has laid a foundation for future expansion both locally and internationally. FreshPoints currently operates 4 stores and a large central kitchen to support all of its operations including a large catering business.
THE TEAM
BADER H. AL SHAYA
Chairman /
Partner
Bader completed his studies at Denver University. He then came back to Kuwait and establish Al Shaya Marine. Being from a family whose well-known for their aggressive business activities in many sectors, Bader managed to grow his own business to be one of the leaders in the market. He soon ventured into different market sectors and was successful in making his presence noticeable. His pure business vision and unique management style are what keeps FreshPoints group on a constant growth.
NASER W. AL SHARHAN
Managing
Partner
After graduating from Denver University, Naser returned to Kuwait and worked with his father on growing Al Safat Investment Group. Having held a few board member positions within the group, Naser was exposed to many details in different sectors in the market. He then held the position of Deputy General Manager of Al Safat Dhiafa, the food company under Al Safat Group. Managing over 800 employees in 6 different food concepts, Naser gained the operational and financial experience to move on and grow FreshPoints Group.
ED
DOYLE
Food and Beverage Expert
Ed graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked in some of Boston's finest kitchens. While Director of Culinary Operations at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Centre, the hotel's restaurant Aura was named one of the Best New Restaurants in the U.S. While Ed's culinary skills give him an advantage in the kitchen, his deep understanding of systems development, P&L management, cost controls, and team development are a great asset to the FreshPoints team.
MARWAN
M. EL KHOURY
Director of
Operations
Marwan has over 20 years of experience in food business mainly in Operations and Business Development of Quick Service Restaurants. He occupied the role of Operations Manager in McDonald's Kuwait and contributed in the successful opening of 42 restaurants. In 2005 Marwan moved to McDonald's Lebanon as Assistant GM to lead the Operations and grow the number of restaurants from 9 to 26. He established and managed a professional call center for inbound and outbound calls services in Beirut. Marwan joined FreshPoints team in 2013 to establish basic operational standards, and build a strong foundation that could best support the company's progressive expansion plans and future business vision.
RICHARD
GOMEZ
Operations Manager
Richard brings over 23 years of experience in operations and sales in the food and beverage service sector. Prior to becoming an integral part of the strategic think tank at FreshPoints Richard has held various senior positions such as District Manager, Restaurant General Manager and worked as a Chef in Food Production Departments. He is self-starter and quick learner with versatile skill set and experience in operations, strategic planning and tactical decision making. Richard has strong business acumen, and an excellent interpersonal and team-management skill, with a proven track record in building and developing businesses, managing customer relations and ensuring business profitability.
BIJU MATHAI
Catering Manager
Biju is one of the Pioneers of Burger Co since it opened its doors in 2006. He occupied several key roles in FreshPoints and currently he is in charge of the catering sector in the company. His Hotel Management studies and previous experience in five stars hotels in India complemented with few years of work in McDonald's KSA helped him to become instrumental in managing the catering part of the business.
ARNEL
HABOC
Central Kitchen Manager
Arnel is a Bachelor degree holder in Chemistry with an extensive experience in food business. He has over 15 years experience in restaurant management in McDonald's KSA and Kuwait, then he moved to the casual dine in sector to work for Fuddruckers for couple of years and to contribute in the opening of a new South American food concept in Kuwait. Arnel recently joined Freshpoints as commissary Manager to manage and coordinate food production process according to the company's food safety standards, and food handling procedures.