MANDILICIOUS CONTINUES ITS GLOBAL EXPANSION

Mandilicious, the world’s first international quick service restaurant chain to serve authentic Mandi (a Yemeni rice and meat dish) and the traditional cuisine of Arabia, has announced a new partnership with The Franchizery, a franchise consulting firm based in Abu Dhabi. Following the agreement, the latter was able to mentor Mandilicious in a deal closing with Profit Group, an investment group in Qatar. The brand is then expected to boost its presence in that market. Fayez Al Nusari, CEO of Mandilicious said that they are planning a two-phase expansion plan for Qatar. It involves developing four outlets in two years, with a USD 6 million investment. The second development phase will add an additional two outlets.

Since its inception in 2013, Dubaibased Mandilicious has witnessed rapid expansion throughout the GCC, with the aim for an equal growth throughout the Middle East and Africa. The brand is eyeing expansion into countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia. According to Yendy Khayat, founder and managing director of The Franchizery, Mandilicious will likely turn into the region’s fastest growing brand, thanks to its concept of serving traditional, slow-cooked, cuisine of Arabia in a food court setting. Fatburger has announced a major international agreement to expand its presence in Egypt. Omar Shalaby, CEO of House of Coffee LLC, a prominent food and beverage company, has acquired rights to develop ten new locations in the Egyptian market. The first two outlets are projected to open at the beginning of 2016. “Building a global presence has remained a top priority of ours since opening our first international location years ago in Canada,” said Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of Fatburger. “By partnering with a well-established brand such as House of Coffee LLC, we will be able to fully immerse and grow our brand in the Egyptian market.” Catering to local taste preferences, Fatburger’s menu will offer halal meat, in addition to classic selections, including juicy burgers, creamy shakes, and hand-battered onion rings.