EatX is pressing ahead with expansion plans across the UAE, with Founder and Brand Chef Tom Arnel saying years spent refining the company’s concepts have created the confidence to keep investing despite a tougher operating climate.
The home-grown hospitality group, known for building casual dining brands designed for repeat visits rather than one-off occasions, is preparing several openings in Abu Dhabi in early Q3. Arnel said the company’s current momentum was rooted in long-term preparation rather than aggressive short-term growth.
“Abu Dhabi is a natural and important next step,” Arnel said. “It’s a market that’s evolving with intent and there’s strong demand for well-executed, everyday concepts.”
He added that the company’s confidence to keep investing comes from years of groundwork rather than rapid expansion for its own sake.
“My parents and I spent 13 years building and refining our concepts, so we’re not starting from scratch,” he said. “We’re scaling brands that already have strong foundations and a loyal customer base.”
EatX has built a portfolio of recognisable UAE-born dining concepts and Arnel said sustainable growth remains the company’s priority. Its brands include a mix of established UAE-born hospitality concepts, including Tom & Serg, Common Grounds, The Sum of Us, The Guild and Hawkerboi.
