MBC Group, in a major collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has launched “Million Riyal Menu,” a new reality television program designed to find and fund the next wave of F&B entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. The show, a Saudi adaptation of the successful British format “Million Pound Menu,” puts culinary innovators in a high-stakes competition for a chance to secure up to SAR 1 million in investment.
Quick Facts
- Initiative: Million Riyal Menu reality show
- Investment on Offer: Up to SAR 1 million per concept
- Focus: Saudi F&B and hospitality startups
- Airs On: MBC1, MBC Iraq, and Shahid
A Vision 2030 Recipe for F&B Growth
The program taps directly into the rapid transformation of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and restaurant sector, a key pillar of the Vision 2030 agenda. By spotlighting local talent and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, “Million Riyal Menu” aims to discover and empower entrepreneurs with concepts that can scale. The show’s first season features 24 contestants competing across eight episodes.
A panel of seasoned investors will challenge the participants to prove their ideas can fill a genuine market gap. The winning concepts will need to demonstrate viability, whether through a focus on healthy dining, sustainability, or an innovative fusion of local flavors with modern culinary techniques. The ultimate goal is to convince the investors to back their vision for a new restaurant in Riyadh.
More Than a Menu: Investors Hunt for Sustainable Business Models
Investors on the show are making it clear that while culinary skill is essential, it is not enough. The program is structured to test each participant’s business acumen and operational readiness. The evaluation begins the moment a contestant walks in, with investors scrutinizing their personality, composure, and leadership potential under pressure.
This rigorous process acknowledges a critical industry truth: a great chef doesn’t always make a great restaurateur. Contestants are judged not just on the quality of their dishes but on their ability to build a sustainable and profitable business model. The show also provides valuable insights for the audience, with investors sharing practical advice and flagging common “warning signs” they look for when evaluating an early-stage venture.
About Million Riyal Menu
“Million Riyal Menu” is a Saudi reality television program produced by MBC Group in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority. It is the official Saudi version of the British show “Million Pound Menu.” The show features aspiring F&B entrepreneurs competing to win up to SAR 1 million in investment to launch their restaurant concepts. It airs weekly on MBC1, MBC Iraq, and the streaming platform Shahid.
Source: Beirutcom
