Destination MENA: 9 restaurant franchises with regional potential
As one exciting year for international franchising comes to an end and another begins, Farrah Rose, head of international development at The Franchising Centre, takes a globe-trotting look at some of the restaurant concepts causing a stir worldwide, from poke to Parisian pastries.
Franchise trends in 2023
Hospitality experts agree that the industry has changed drastically post Covid-19, and the franchising space is no exception. Jad Shamseddin, COO of Aleph Hospitality, outlines the franchise trends and challenges that are likely to define 2023.
Innovative franchise and manchise models
Franchising is a proven route to the successful international expansion of businesses in various sectors, from hotels and restaurants to high-end fashion and beauty. Babette Märzheuser-Wood, managing director of franchise advisory at Dentons, gives us the lowdown on the different solutions available for companies looking to explore franchising or manchising.
Hot franchises
We list several leading franchises in the region, with details on their owners by and where they can be found.
Maristo Hospitality signs master franchise agreement with German Doner Kebab
Maristo Hospitality has taken over the operations of German Doner Kebab (GDK), with plans to expand in the UAE and the Middle East. The official agreement was signed in December 2022 in the presence of Imran Sayeed, group CEO of GDK International, and Maristo Hospitality’s CEO, Gaurav Arora.
Pret A Manger opens its first shop in Kuwait with franchise partner One PM
British food and coffee giant Pret A Manger has partnered with Kuwait-based franchise group One PM Franchising to open a flagship shop in the heart of Kuwait City, at Al Hamra Tower. The launch marks a major milestone in the brand’s expansion in the Middle East.
Lebanese entrepreneurship at its best
The expansion of Lebanese brands into foreign markets should not be underestimated. Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, highlights the growth of this trend and which brands are taking the leap.
Concepts to watch in Lebanon
Lebanon’s F&B scene is brimming with opportunities for potential franchisees. Here’s a round-up of what’s available:
Arby’s to debut in the KSA later this year
This agreement marks the brand’s first venture in Saudi Arabia and the largest expansion into the Middle East to date.
How to build a strong franchise
Whether you are a franchisor or a franchisee, there are several important considerations to take into account before entering into a franchise agreement, as Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, points out.