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An inside look at resilience, community, and strategic hospitality.
In an industry where many restaurants chose to temporarily close their doors during one of Dubai’s most uncertain periods, LEÑA Dubai, the wood-fire restaurant by Grupo Dani García, made a different decision: stay open.
Until its scheduled annual summer closure in August, LEÑA continued welcoming guests, protecting its team, and proving that resilience in hospitality is built as much on community as it is on exceptional food.
Every summer, Dubai’s restaurant industry faces a natural slowdown as residents travel and visitor numbers decrease.
During periods of economic uncertainty, that seasonal dip becomes even more pronounced. Lower footfall, rising operational costs, and more cautious consumer spending create enormous pressure on restaurants, especially destination venues with large teams and significant operating expenses.
For a restaurant of LEÑA’s scale and ambition, remaining open was never simply a financial decision. It was a commitment to its people, its guests, and the group long-term vision.
Rather than relying solely on traditional marketing, LEÑA focused on the relationships it had built over the years.
The restaurant strengthened its connection with the Spanish community in the UAE, creating experiences that felt authentic and familiar for those looking for a taste of home. At the same time, loyal guests and people that stayed in Dubai became the restaurant’s greatest ambassadors. Returning diners were rewarded through carefully crafted offers, exclusive experiences, and accessible menus designed to make LEÑA available to more people during the quieter months.
The goal wasn’t to discount the brand, it was to reward loyalty while preserving its premium identity.
One of the restaurant’s strongest initiatives was expanding its presence through delivery.
LEÑA partnered with several third-party delivery platforms, launching its signature dishes for home dining while maintaining the quality and presentation that define the brand.
The team also took part in Dubai Summer Restaurant Week, offering specially curated menus that showcased the essence of LEÑA at an approachable price point. The campaign proved to be an outstanding success, generating strong demand and welcoming many first-time guests who later became returning customers.
Behind every successful service is a dedicated team, and preserving that team became one of LEÑA’s biggest priorities.
Instead of making significant workforce reductions, the restaurant collaborated with the wider Grupo Dani García family to temporarily relocate employees to sister restaurants across the world. Team members continued their careers in destinations including Ibiza, Bodrum, and Madrid, allowing them to remain employed while supporting other LEÑA operations during their peak season.
This approach minimized the impact on employees, retained valuable talent within the company, and demonstrated the strength of an international hospitality group working as one.
Another strategic decision was simplifying the menu without compromising quality.
By reducing the number of dishes and focusing on its most celebrated creations, LEÑA improved operational efficiency, reduced waste, and maintained the culinary standards guests have come to expect.
Following its annual summer break, LEÑA Dubai will reopen on 9th of September with a reduced crew, reflecting the careful and sustainable approach the restaurant has taken throughout this challenging period.
While the team returns leaner, it returns with optimism. As Dubai enters its vibrant winter season, LEÑA looks forward to welcoming back residents and international visitors, confident that the city’s hospitality industry will regain its momentum.
“This summer challenged every hospitality business in Dubai, but it also reminded us of the importance of people. Our guests, our community, and our team are the reason we chose to stay open. We adapted, supported one another across the Grupo Dani García family, and protected as many jobs as possible. We reopen on 9 Septmeber with hope, gratitude, and the excitement of beginning a new season stronger than ever.” — Alessio Colantuono, General Manager, LEÑA Dubai.
Through creativity, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to both guests and employees, LEÑA Dubai has shown that even during uncertain times, hospitality can continue to thrive when people remain at the heart of every decision.
Leña Dubai, located in the luxurious St. Regis Gardens on the Palm Jumeirah, combines tradition and innovation with the finest produce in a sophisticated space. Crafted by renowned Andalusian chef Dani García, Leña’s wood-fired cuisine is centred around the rich flavours of charcoal, smoke, and embers, where meat is the main star. Leña Dubai’s flame-inspired design and vibrant accents offer a distinctive and elegant atmosphere that evokes the warmth of an open fire. With unique preparation and presentation of each dish alongside signature cocktails, the Leña experience invites you to return again and again.
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