Khaled Alrayes is known in the Doha social and influencer circles as Khaled Choice. He's a full-time entrepreneur and social media influencer. Born on 18 October 1989, Khaled started with his social media activities in late 2016 with a vision to guide people towards excellent food experiences. Moreover, he and his partners launched their first F&B concept in November 2020 – called ‘Go Home!’ which is a cosy new cafe in Msheireb Downtown and the perfect spot to chill and order some great food, or 'Grab and Go' from over 55 different options.

In an exclusive Q and A with Khaled, we got to know this down-to-earth foodie who loves all kinds of street food and has been making his mark in Qatar as a successful entrepreneur and influencer.

1. Why the name Khaled “Choice"?

Khaled: All the reviews I post or even the content reflects my own choices. Regarding food, I kept receiving many feedbacks about how my taste is different or maybe I’m exaggerating sometimes. This is where the name plays its part (Khaled Choice).

2. How did you become an influencer?

Khaled: This could take a while! So, the whole thing started with my love for travel to explore and experience food. I always say: you will learn more about the culture of the country you visit through the way people cook their food (not, in particular, visiting authentic places but all food cooked and served at that destination). Combining my travels with food tourism, everyone around me pushed me to open a public account- a platform that’s available for everyone to access and interact. This is when I decided to start Khaled Choice!

3. What is your educational qualification? What have your work experiences been?

Khaled: I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2013, then joined the Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC) in 2014 where I worked until 2019. I worked in the entrepreneurship field which was linked to my major and PASSION.

4. What is Go Home!? Can you give us a brief introduction about it?

Khaled: The ideation of Go Home! started back in 2018 with a vision to provide the BEST quality of food at an affordable price to everyone! The name Go Home! was chosen after we generated the concept and started developing the menu. It has 2 different meanings: come to us, where you will feel like your home or literally grab the food and go to your loved ones (at home) wherever that is!

5. Do you have any other businesses?

Khaled: I started few businesses in the past, but currently only focusing on Go Home!.

6. What do you consider to be your career highlight?

Khaled: Specialisation in F&B (food and beverage) and currently, GoHome!.

7. What's the best thing about what you do?

Khaled: The learning curve has been significantly surprising. And I’m my own boss!

8. What are you most passionate about?

Khaled: I’m a super enthusiast person, so I’m chasing many assumptions I have in mind to make them into reality. Therefore, I’m passionate about many things I have my hands on.

9. Tell us about your passion for food.

Khaled: My love for food started from a young age. Love to watch, cook and experiment with what I learnt through TV (back then). I became stronger after I moved to the UK and started to cook almost daily.

10. Who is your inspiration?

Khaled: In food, I love Chef Gordon Ramsay and I learned so much from watching his cooking shows.

11. What would you like to be remembered for?

Khaled: Being a kind and down-to-earth person.

12. When did you consider yourself a success?

Khaled: I’m still learning how to achieve success.

13. What do you think are the secrets behind getting to where you are?

Khaled: Don’t depend on thoughts and theories. Make them happen, validate, and pivot.

14. What are your future plans?

Khaled: Execute the GoHome! expansion plan.

15. What mistakes have you made along the way?

Khaled: So many! And the best thing is to acknowledge them and get the learning.

16. What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?

Khaled: Quitting my job in 2019 at QBIC, but it was the best decision.

17. If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?

Khaled: Maybe plan for the above more.

18. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Khaled: Motivated, hard worker, enthusiast, loving-life, respectful.

19. What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?

Khaled: You have to do your study, because it's not an easy market as many people would assume.

20. What should someone in your field have?

Khaled: Passion and multi-tasking skills.

21. What are your hobbies?

Khaled: Beach/travel/Netflix/outdoor activities.

22. What is your favourite travel destination?

Khaled: Bali – Indonesia.

23. What is your favourite cuisine?

Khaled: Asian food.

24. What’s the strangest thing you ever ate?

Khaled: Bat’s saliva before COVID-19 started. Lol.

25. Is there any message you’d like to give the people in Qatar?

Khaled: See you all on the 28th (of May); *yay*.

To find out more about Khaled Choice, check out his social media pages:

• Instagram: @khaled_choice
• Facebook: @khaled.choice

Cover image credit: Khaled Alrayes

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