In the rapidly evolving food and beverage industry, where trends shift with seasons and customer expectations demand innovation, standing out requires more than quality—it demands soul. The industry is experiencing a renewed appetite for experiences that go beyond the plate, weaving memories, emotions, and authenticity into every dish served.
It is within this space of sentiment and substance that one executive has distinguished herself by championing a return to heartfelt tradition and meaningful service. Through a remarkable blend of operational precision, cultural preservation, and emotional connection, she has nurtured a brand that resonates deeply with its community. Her approach is not only revitalizing a nostalgic culinary narrative but also setting a benchmark for leadership rooted in empathy, consistency, and innovation.
Sara Katanani, General Manager, owner at Yawmiyat by Dalal, is steering this purpose-driven venture with unwavering commitment. Her passion for preserving and celebrating culinary heritage is crafting a powerful model of sustainable success in the hospitality landscape.
Explore how Sara Katanani leads Yawmiyat with purpose, passion, and a promise to serve more than just food—she serves memories!
Reviving Culinary Heritage with a Heartfelt Purpose
Sara Katanani has infused the spirit of this nostalgic culinary venture with the warmth of tradition and the richness of personal experience. Her journey has been deeply rooted in preserving cultural heritage, notably through the sharing of cherished family recipes that evoke a comforting sense of home. Under her leadership, Yawmiyat has become a gathering place for communities longing for the flavors and feelings of family celebrations. By blending traditional authenticity with dedicated passion, she has nurtured a brand that resonates with emotional depth and consistency, earning the trust and affection of its devoted customers.
Blending Culinary Tradition with Operational Excellence
As the General Manager at Yawmiyat, Sara Katanani begins each day addressing operational hurdles, managing her team, and overseeing quality control—all of which shape the momentum for the hours that follow. She firmly believes that a strong start is essential in the food industry, as the tone set early influences the entire day’s performance.
Following her hands-on involvement on the ground, she shifts her focus to the back office, where she carefully monitors financial activities. From tracking costs and reviewing invoices to managing payments, Sara ensures the financial health of the business remains intact. She understands that the nature of the food industry demands scrutiny—unmonitored, it can quickly incur unnoticed expenses. That’s why she insists on daily oversight to keep everything on course.
Her day then flows into the realm of marketing and customer care. Sara dedicates herself to creating meaningful connections with their clients, infusing every interaction with warmth and sincerity. Through thoughtful service and authentic hospitality, she ensures the comforting spirit of “mama’s food” is felt not only in the dishes served but in the way each guest is welcomed and cared for—throughout the entire day.
Guided by Trust, Rooted in Authenticity
Sara Katanani always leads with a philosophy centered on trust, authenticity, and a deep sense of belonging. She nurtures a work culture where the team feels like a family—an environment that naturally extends warmth and care to clients. This sense of connection is not just internal; it becomes a part of the client experience, which is vital to the company’s success.
Under her guidance, the team is thoughtfully selected for their passion, youthful energy, and shared appreciation for familial values. Many have been part of the journey for years, and with mutual trust firmly in place, they carry forward the company’s ethos with integrity and heart. While the market consistently looks for fresh ideas, Sara believes that what truly resonates with clients is sincerity and staying real—qualities that form the foundation of every interaction at Yawmiyat.
Preserving Heritage While Meeting Evolving Taste
For Sara Katanani, building a brand deeply rooted in childhood memories has been as emotionally resonant as it has been professionally demanding. Each dish offered carries a personal connection—be it a plate perfected by her grandmother, now faithfully recreated by her mother, or a childhood favorite that she once adored and now brings to the tables of her customers.
Sara shares, “Among the most difficult decisions I have faced is striking the right balance between tradition and innovation.” Adjusting a dish so steeped in familial nostalgia to meet current culinary preferences has proven to be a delicate endeavor. Staying faithful to cultural roots while still appealing to contemporary appetites challenges not only the taste but also the heart. “My journey has been about preserving the essence of home in every bite while making it resonate with today’s customers—an intricate, thoughtful process that demands both sensitivity and creativity,” she quoted.
Crafting Connection Through Classic Cuisine
Sara Katanani ensures the brand remains true to its roots despite evolutions in the culinary world. At Yawmiyat, the commitment to authenticity stands firm, even as market trends continue to evolve. Sara believes that with this rapid evolution, people are disconnecting from classic, traditional flavors. While the team keeps a close eye on industry movements and adapts thoughtfully, their approach is always guided by a desire to deliver experiences that resonate on a deeper, emotional level.
Shaping Team Spirit Through Shared Values and Genuine Care
Yawmiyat is far more than a catering service—it offers a rich cultural experience. At the heart of this approach is Sara Katanani, who credits much of the team’s spirit and dedication to her mother, Dalal. Dalal has devoted considerable time to working closely with the team, passing down her deep understanding of service, heartfelt connection, and genuine customer care. She treats every team member as her own, nurturing a familial bond that has deeply influenced their attitudes and actions.
This sincere connection translates effortlessly to their clients. The team doesn’t approach their roles as tasks to fulfill; instead, they express authentic affection and joy in their interactions. They share in one another’s happiness and challenges, truly functioning as a family rather than just colleagues. This collective sense of belonging and purpose creates an atmosphere where values are not taught—they are lived.
A Remarkable Shift from Finance to Hospitality
Sara Katanani reflects on a defining chapter in her professional journey that stands as a source of deep pride. Transitioning from a long-standing career in banking to the food and beverage sector marked a monumental shift. In her mid-thirties, she made the bold decision to return to Saudi Arabia, stepping away from the financial world to support her parents, who had been managing the business on their own. Her father had invested immense effort into building the business and was ready to step back, making it the right time for Sara to step in.
With no prior experience in the industry, she took it upon herself to understand every aspect of the business—starting from the ground up. She embraced roles across various departments, including waitressing, cashiering, customer service, and finance, in order to gain firsthand insight and identify areas where she could add value. Her background in client service and public relations became a major contributor to elevating brand awareness, which ultimately led to a turning point in the company’s growth.
Sara shares that among her proudest achievements is receiving the “Best PR Manager of the Year Award”—a recognition that validated her decision to pivot careers and affirmed her dedication to revitalizing the family business.
Balancing Business with Personal Time in a Demanding Industry
Sara Katanani acknowledges the intense demands of the food industry, where the busiest days fall on weekends and festive occasions, times when most other industries slow down. To maintain balance, she has adapted by taking vacations during the off-season, ensuring her mind can truly detach from business responsibilities.
She credits the strength of the company’s leadership structure, which rests on the combined efforts of her mother, herself, and Chef George Chartouni. This trio has cultivated a level of mutual trust and coordination that allows any one of them to step away, knowing the others will manage operations seamlessly. Additionally, the reliability and dedication of the broader team contribute significantly, giving her the confidence to recharge when needed.
A Vision Rooted in Heart and Heritage
Sara Katanani envisions a future for Yawmiyat that blends meaningful innovation with sincere service, all while preserving the brand’s identity. Looking ahead to the next five years, she plans to introduce a range of thoughtfully curated concepts to the market, each one crafted to deepen emotional connections and maintain the authenticity that defines Yawmiyat.
At the core of this vision lies a legacy that is both personal and profound. Inspired by her mother, Dalal, whose warmth, generosity, hospitality, and remarkable culinary talent laid the very foundation of the brand, Sara is committed to ensuring that this essence remains at the heart of everything Yawmiyat offers. Her goal is to see this heartfelt spirit not only preserved but also carried forward, continuing to inspire and resonate across generations.
Guiding Principles for Aspiring Leaders to Build a Strong Brand
Sara shares valuable insights for emerging leaders aiming to build a meaningful and lasting brand from a heartfelt idea. She underscores the importance of staying true to oneself, encouraging a genuine and sincere approach in every aspect of leadership and brand development.
According to her, the foundation of a strong brand lies in truly loving what you do and passionately believing in your vision. However, passion alone is not enough—Sara firmly believes that consistent, active involvement is essential. She emphasizes the need to remain present in the day-to-day workings of the business, keeping a close watch on operations, decisions, and outcomes. This continuous engagement, she explains, is key to maintaining the brand’s identity and preventing missteps that could lead to setbacks.
Sara emphasizes, “Leadership is not about designation alone—it’s about showing up every day with clarity, commitment, and care for every detail that shapes the brand’s journey.”
