Dubai’s leading homegrown restaurant group,  Bull& Roo, have announced the opening of its second Common Grounds location as part of its broader expansion strategy for the group.

Situated in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the new Common Grounds outlet is expected to continue its tradition of serving highly creative, fresh and vibrant dishes that founder Tom Arnel has become famous for. The Common Grounds DIFC team is made up of a diverse and experienced mix with the core of the team coming from Tom Arnel’s Geelong home city. This includes Bull&Roo Operations Manager Matt Connell along with the support of fellow Australians Head Chef Liam Hamling and Restaurant Manager Taylor Kelly, delivering a casual-yet-professional Melbourne style café experience true to the Common Grounds ethos.

The Bull&Roo co-founder and managing director Tom Arnel, said; “Opening in DIFC has been an ambition of ours for some time, and we are delighted to bring the Common Grounds concept to life in what is a prime location. This is the first time that we have opened a second venue for one of our brands, so we are both excited and proud.” Arnel adds, “Our food program is always focused on quality ingredients with fresh takes on classic dishes, so I think the DIFC audience will enjoy what we bring to the table, especially our new amazing takeaway options. We have also designed our indoor and outdoor areas in a way that will offer a light and refreshing feel for our customers to sit back and enjoy, whether that’s simply for a coffee or for lunch.”

The new DIFC  outlet represents a hybrid concept that evolves the Common Grounds’ offering to now include a “take away” service where customers can browse and choose from a plentiful and innovative delicatessen-style spread. The location also incorporates amazingly bright dining spaces – both indoors and outdoors – where busy DIFC types can enjoy Tom Arnel’s creative a la carte menu and specialty coffee. A game changing addition of the specialty coffee program is the introduction of the cities’ first 5-cup robotic pour-over machine the ‘Poursteady’. Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy single origins from Bull&Roo’s own Encounter Coffee Roastery, while basking in the unprecedented speed and reliability of this serious piece of Insta-worthy barista equipment.

Those familiar with the original Common Grounds at Mall of Emirates, will know all about the popular breakfast signatures including healthy acai bowls and smashed avo toast. The lunch offering – available from 11.30am – includes popular options like the katsu chicken bowl and vegan burger which are sure to be a hit in DIFC as well. The Common Grounds DIFC kitchen uses Bull&Roo’s own Rise & Dawn Bakehouse bread and pastries, while salads, sandwiches and grab and go items are prepared fresh daily.

Bull&Roo’s expansion comes against a backdrop of growing popularity for independent players in the market as well as consumers’ desire to experience and explore original concepts. The Bull&Roo group have been at the forefront of Dubai’s recent explosion of homegrown concepts, thanks to their multi award-winning restaurants and cafes including Tom&Serg, The Sum of Us, Brunswick at Sheraton Mall of the Emirates and of course the original Common Grounds venue also located in Mall of the Emirates.