LoyaltyPlant at UAE Restaurant Community Gathering

Last Tuesday, Vas Diachenko shared his vision and practical insights on how restaurant brands can boost direct online ordering during the UAE Restaurant Community meeting – an outstanding industry event that brings together some of the region’s most established restaurant groups alongside ambitious and fast-growing restaurateurs.

During the session, Vas explored the evolving landscape of digital ordering and customer engagement in the restaurant industry, highlighting global trends that are reshaping how brands interact with their guests. A major focus of the discussion was the growing importance of building and strengthening direct ordering channels instead of relying entirely on third-party aggregators.

The presentation covered a wide range of strategies and tools that restaurant brands can use to transition online orders from marketplaces and delivery platforms into their own ecosystem — including branded mobile apps, loyalty programs, personalized marketing automation, gamification mechanics, CRM-driven campaigns, and digital engagement strategies designed to increase repeat purchases and customer retention.

Vas also shared real-life examples and market observations from different regions worldwide, demonstrating how direct ordering can positively impact restaurant profitability, customer lifetime value, and long-term brand independence. Particular attention was given to the role of loyalty and personalized communication in creating stronger emotional connections between restaurants and their guests.

We were incredibly thankful for the level of engagement, participation, and thoughtful discussion throughout the session. It was great to exchange ideas with so many passionate hospitality professionals and industry leaders, and we truly hope attendees found the conversation valuable and inspiring.

The recording of the presentation and event highlights will be shared soon – stay tuned!