Back in October 2009, we have reported that celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver intended to bring his latest dining concept, Jamie's Italian, into the Asian market together with Tranic Franchising.

The plan was to establish Hong Kong as the Asian development hub to provide all licensing, real estate, training, logistical and operational support and the first restaurant was scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2010.

However new developments show that Jamie has been talking to Dubai's Al Futtaim group and 4Hoteliers has received the following statement from Phil Evans, Director of Commercial & Retail Leasing, Al Futtaim Group Real Estate today on the progress of the restaurant:

"We like to confirm that Jamie Oliver's flagship restaurant at Festival Centre, the award winning retail precinct of Dubai Festival City, will open in a few weeks time (January 2011). The restaurant fit-out has been completed and infrastructure support is ready.

Confirmation of the 290-seater restaurant opening has also been reiterated by Faisal Jawad, Chairman, Jawad Business Group, master franchisee for Jamie Oliver restaurants in the Gulf region. Simon Blagden, managing director of Jamie's Italian International has also reconfirmed his commitment to the date and is indeed happy with the readiness of infrastructure support for the famous restaurant."

It is speculated that the Hong Kong development is moved to a later date.

Photo courtesy of www.jamieoliver.com