Arabica, the restaurant, retail and wholesale group, has strengthened its senior team ahead of a brand revamp and expansion push.
The James Walters-led group has appointed David Jones as executive chef, most recently group executive chef at Comptoir Group, who will be developing and relaunching the menu at flagship restaurant Arabica Bar & Kitchen, as well as product development across the Arabica Food & Spice Company.
Jones joins Luciano Gonazga who joined as operations director last July, while Master of Wine Sarah Abbott has been brought in to work on a wine list from the Levant, Caucasus and Veneto.
Walters said: “I’m really excited about Arabica’s next chapter. I met David a few years ago, and since meeting we’ve always flirted with idea of one day working together. David and I share a playful and passionate approach to the flavours of the East, as well as a love of quality ingredients with real provenance. David brings a wealth of Middle Eastern culinary experience and, coupled with Luciano’s operations background, we feel it’s time to broaden our horizons. We’re eager to find new sites and expand the businesses reach.”
Arabica was established in 1999 and has grown from a market stall, to a multi-dimensional business operating across several sites.
The businesses include Arabica Bar and Kitchen, an 80-cover restaurant in Borough market; Arabica Wholesale, serving retailers including Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason and Marks & Spencer’s; Arabica Retail, with a concession in Selfridges Food Hall; Arabica Market Stalls in Borough Market and Southbank Market; Arabica Catering for pop ups and events; and Arabica cooking classes due to launch in May.
