Asuccessful cafe chain that has set a new benchmarks in the F&B industry, Papparoti is a brand that specializes in unique, mouth-watering coffee- coated butter buns served alongside a variety of beverage complements. Led by Rasha AL Danhani, Papparoti is renowned for its aroma, freshness, and textures of Papparoti offerings have captivated audiences all around the globe with over 410 cafe. The brand has its wings spread across Malaysia, Qatar, South Korea, Pakistan, India, Canada, and many more countries. Graduated in General Business with Honours from Dubai Women’s college, Papparoti Founder & CEO Rasha AL Danhani immediately dived into the business world equipped by her strong determination to succeed. She took on leadership roles with blue-chip organizations including Emaar Properties, Dubai Development, and more, through which, she gained great knowledge and experience in establishing and managing successful businesses. Rasha created the café concept from scratch in the mid of the global economic crisis in 2009 at Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the MENA region. Under her leadership, Papparoti Café expanded to more than 68 branches under her master franchise to cover MENA, CIS countries, Asia and Europe. Check out the small snippet from the interaction we had with Rasha to know more about her journey of being leading business women in the F&B industry.

Describe your early educational journey. Also, highlight some key aspects of your business leadership experience.

I obtained my business management degree from Dubai Women's College, post which I also completed a number of courses including programs in ‘Performance Management, Team Leading’, and other Entrepreneurship programs. I began my journey working with major firms like Emaar Properties, the  Dubai Development and Investment Authority, and other well-known businesses. As a proactive leader, I have always come up with a solution when there is an issue, while I also encourage input from my team. When times are tough in the business, I take the reins and make difficult choices, such as closing some under performing locations to make room for more productive ones, or terminating franchise agreements when we find that the brand is not being promoted by our standards and guidelines. So, when I think we've tried enough and something needs to be done, I make sure I act upto my responsibilities. Tell us about the concept behind Papparoti Café and some of its most distinctive features. Also, describe you  role as managing director, and what are your current priority areas. I always knew that I am a business-minded person and wanted to start my own business, I just couldn’t find the right product or concept to start with. So, I used to keep an eye out for any interesting concepts, particularly in F&B because I think nothing makes people happy as food does.

When I was on vacation with my kids back in 2008, I came over a small kiosk near the train station. I was curious and wanted to try it since the aroma was so tempting. As soon as I tried it, I knew what UAE had been missing. I immediately got in touch with the owners and negotiated to get the brand in the Middle East. One of the most important features is, it doesn’t relate to any particular cuisine or doesn’t fall into any country’s snack, it appeals to all, and everyone loves it. I am  responsible to oversee all departments, and from time to time, we have meetings focused on specific departments to overcome any challenges they may be facing. My main focus area right now is making Papparoti a well-known brand all over the world, so I work closely with my Franchise development manager and filter the right people that can take the brand to new heights in their markets.

What are the most critical challenges you face as a business leader in the F&B industry? What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks? Also, tell us about the other business ventures launched under your guidance.

When I first started an F&B business, I had a lot of obstacles to overcome, such as obtaining all the necessary certificates, approvals, and training. I initially found it to be very challenging, but through time I learned and grew knowledgeable in practically all facets of the business. As soon as we began franchising, logistics started to become a problem because of various country-specific regulations, taxes, and shipment delays. I discovered that we needed to make better, more thorough plans and to have a backup plan in place in case plan A didn't work.

Today, I own an investment company called Al Rasha investments, a creative agency called Brandnoise, a ladies salon called The 1978 Suite, and a non-profit organization called Big Heart and Papparoti.

What has been the driving force behind your success as a business leader? Also, share the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey.

I think for me the driving force is when I meet young teenagers and they tell me how I’ve inspired them, it makes me want to do more and make an impact. I adore seeing young people with goals and a vision of their future in the world of business. Additionally, hearing from my children that they are pleased with me, inspires me to do and accomplish more. I want to be a good role model for them.

I still remember that time when I wasn't sure if Papparoti would flourish in the UAE market when I first launched it back in 2009. However, after customers sampled the papparoti bun, they fell head over heels in love with it much so that HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai was a fan of the product and his office often ordered it from our Dubai Mall outlet so that was an assurance that I was going down the right path. My biggest milestone was when I received

two awards at SME awards in 2012 and I was presented the awards by the ruler of Dubai himself. The first was for small and medium businesses and the second was for best businesswomen.

“When times are tough in the business, I take the reins and make difficult choices, such as closing some underperforming locations to make room for more productive ones, or terminating franchise agreements when we find that the brand is not being promoted by our standards & guidelines”

What are your thoughts on the current state of UAE’s F&B industry? Which industry trends will be the most impactful? Also, what would your advice be to young girls who also aspire to become entrepreneurs like you?

I believe the UAE's F&B industry is now on the rise after suffering a severe blow from the pandemic for more than a year. I see a lot of new concepts from all over the world starting here. Since Dubai has a multicultural environment and people here are more welcoming to new brands & concepts I believe F&B concepts started here definitely flourish and make a mark for themselves provided they’re backed with the right kind of marketing approach.

My advice would be to dream big, if you aim for the moon you may just reach the stars. Secondly, research and read as much as you can about what you want to do, and try to check if it has worked in the past, if not, why? Get an insight into the world of business; maybe even take an entrepreneurship course or business management course. Lastly, start small scale, the risks are low, the investment is low and so will the loss if any.

Rasha Al Danhani Is The Chairperson Of Papparoti. Owner And Founder Of Brandnoise Creative Agency, Al Rasha Investments, And The 1978 Suite. Rasha Graduated In General Business With Honours From Dubai Women’s College And Immediately Dived Into The Business World Equipped With Her Strong Determination To Succeed. Rasha Created The Café Concept From Scratch In The Mid Of The Global Economic Crisis In 200. Under Her Leadership, Papparoti Café Expanded To More Than 68 Outlets And Gained A Master Franchise That Covered The Mena, Cis Countries, Asia, And Europe.