Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Al-Zaini displayed an early aptitude for technology and entrepreneurship. His academic journey led him to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he graduated in 2012 with a degree in electrical engineering. This educational foundation equipped him with the technical skills and analytical mindset essential for his future endeavors.
First Foray into Entrepreneurship
In February 2010, while still pursuing his studies, Al-Zaini co-founded Alwans, a startup focused on app development and investment opportunities for emerging businesses. This venture marked his initial step into the entrepreneurial world, allowing him to gain valuable experience in business development and innovation.
The Birth of Foodics
The idea for Foodics germinated during Al-Zaini’s frequent visits to local cafes during his student days. Noticing a lack of digitalization in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, particularly in the ordering process and menu management, he identified a significant gap in the market. Collaborating with co-founder Mosab Al-Othmani, they envisioned a solution that would revolutionize restaurant operations through technology.
Establishing Foodics
In 2014, Al-Zaini and Al-Othmani officially launched Foodics, aiming to provide a comprehensive, cloud-based Restaurant Management System (RMS) and Point of Sale (POS) solutions. Their mission was to empower restaurant owners to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth through innovative technology.
Innovative Solutions and Services
Foodics offers a robust ecosystem of hardware and software solutions tailored to meet the demands of the modern F&B landscape. The platform encompasses various features, including:
- Foodics Online: A commission-free online ordering system.
- Foodics Pay: A payment processing solution.
- Foodics Kiosk: A self-ordering and self-checkout system.
- Foodics Accounting: An integrated financial management tool.
These solutions are seamlessly integrated with the company’s POS system, catering to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence
The company also offers advanced tools like Foodics Business Intelligence (BI), powered by AI, which provides real-time data and strategic insights to optimize restaurant operations. This focus on innovation has enabled Foodics to enhance operational efficiency, reduce human error, improve accuracy, and elevate customer experiences, solidifying its position as a leader in the F&B tech space.
Leadership and Vision
Under Al-Zaini’s leadership, Foodics has experienced remarkable growth and recognition. He emphasizes that the company’s success stems from its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of restaurant owners and its curiosity for innovation. “Our mission has always been to empower F&B businesses by delivering end-to-end solutions that are not only user-friendly but also transformative in their impact. This localized insight and industry expertise give us a competitive advantage,” he says.
Awards and Recognitions
Al-Zaini’s contributions have been widely acknowledged. He was selected as a high-impact entrepreneur by Endeavor Global in 2018 and received the Forbes award for Entrepreneurs Shaping Saudi Arabia’s Future in 2015.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the F&B industry. However, under Al-Zaini’s guidance, Foodics adapted by accelerating digital transformation efforts. The company introduced Foodics Pay, an integrated point-of-sale payment solution, enabling restaurants to accept cards and digital payments securely. This innovation helped clients navigate the pandemic’s challenges and emerge stronger.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Foodics is also committed to inclusivity, ensuring that businesses of all types, from food trucks and cloud kitchens to fine dining establishments, can leverage its technology to thrive in a competitive market. By integrating features such as digital payments, delivery app integrations, and customer loyalty programs, Foodics empowers restaurants to meet the evolving demands of modern consumers while contributing to the digital economy.
Future Outlook
Looking to the future, Al-Zaini envisions a seamless integration of technology and tradition in the F&B industry. “While customers value the convenience of digital innovations such as QR codes, mobile payments, and AI-powered menu recommendations, the essence of hospitality and a personalized human touch will remain irreplaceable,” he explains. Foodics is actively developing advanced solutions like predictive analytics and AI-driven tools to empower restaurants in optimizing every aspect of their business.
Expansion Plans
Over the next five years, Foodics aims to expand into emerging markets and continue its mission to redefine the F&B ecosystem. Al-Zaini is particularly focused on fintech innovations, such as micro-lending tools, to ensure that even small businesses have the resources to compete and succeed.
Balancing Technology and Tradition
Al-Zaini and his team are shaping a future where technology and tradition coexist harmoniously, setting new standards for the F&B industry in the region and beyond. “The goal with Foodics is to strike a perfect balance between leveraging technology and preserving the heart and soul of dining,” he says. “By doing so, we can create a future where innovation and tradition complement each other, transforming the F&B industry for generations to come.”
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