A restaurateur’s biggest satisfaction is having customers thoroughly enjoy their dining experience. And a customer’s biggest satisfaction is being able to relive that same experience over and over again even in another country, Riccardo Lorefice, managing director of RR Company Limited, says.

From that new Asian place to an exotic curry or a fusion whimsy, we do like to experiment with food. But the real treat is when we eat out at our favourite restaurant. The menu whets our curiosity, the wine list is a well chosen accompaniment, and the service is familiar yet still makes us feel that little bit special. It’s a perfect combination. In fact, we enjoy it so much that when we travel, we would like to enjoy the same experience.

That is key to restaurant franchising: replicating a great dining experience.

For the past two years, Riccardo Lorefice has been building the Lore & Fitch franchise. Actually, that’s not entirely correct. Lorefice has been perfecting his plans ever since he was a young boy growing up in Sicily where his mother’s talent in the kitchen inspired his passion for food.

Together with his brother, he opened the family restaurant, Tana del Lupo in Paceville, followed by the launch of I Monelli Food Experience, right across the street. Then a few years ago, Lorefice took the bold decision of taking over Ristorante Dolce Vita in Spinola Bay. The successful transformation and revival of Dolce Vita encouraged Lorefice to embark on the ambitious project and long time dream of launching his own franchise, Lore & Fitch Steaks, which is located on the lower level of the same building in Spinola Bay.

“As the name indicates, Lore & Fitch builds on my family’s tradition,” he says. “However, it’s also fuelled by my passion to create a boutique steak experience.”

Riccardo Lorefice and chef Erica Fernandez.

Naturally, a boutique steak experience depends on the quality of the meat. And at Lore & Fitch, this quality is second to none: from the rib eye and the cowboy cut rib steak to the legendary Fiorentina and the New York striploin steak, the meat is exceptional.

We have recreated the Lore & Fitch experience in Cologne down to the last detail

“We work with one meat supplier with whom we have nurtured a close working relationship and who is able to provide us with cuts that are exclusive to Lore & Fitch. Moreover, the supplier uses the latest skin packaging technology, which maintains the freshness and taste of the meat,” Lorefice says.

This meat is showcased in the handsome design of Lore & Fitch which was expertly drawn up by Lorefice himself: cue a relaxing palette of colours, lush seating and an elegant bar, all set against the beautiful view of Spinola Bay. The attention to detail is also outstanding: the balsamic vinegar is by Modena Due Vittorie while the olive oil is bottled by Frantoi Cutrera exclusively for Lore & Fitch. The knives are like a beautiful dinner companion – designed by Coltellerie Berti, they are also exclusive to Lore & Fitch.

Lore & Fitch Steaks.

“We collaborate with people who are great at what they do. That helps us enrich the dining experience at Lore & Fitch,” Lorefice says.

It is this experience with which one diner, Maxim Orekhov, fell in love. Lorefice recounts how in fact, he had approached him and they started discussing how to replicate the Lore & Fitch experience in another country. Fast-forward to today and apart from the restaurant in Spinola Bay, Lore & Fitch Steaks is also open in Cologne, Germany.

“We have recreated the Lore & Fitch experience in Cologne down to the last detail. Even the menu is largely the same as in Malta while the wine list also features Maltese wines,” Lorefice says. “That means that we are also using Lore & Fitch to showcase Maltese products in Germany.

“Replicating an experience isn’t easy and the logistics of franchising are very demanding. Our staff work on a rotation basis and our executive chef in Malta also trains the chefs in Cologne. Moreover, we export everything from Malta – thanks to a very efficient cargo service, we can deliver food in the best conditions.

“By perfecting our logistics and respecting our tradition, we have been able to recreate the Lore & Fitch experience in Cologne. And that gives us the experience and encouragement to open other Lore & Fitch restaurants in other countries.”

For more information visit www.loreandfitch.com.