Hospitality News 100: the ones to watch
1. AU BON PAIN Origin U.S. An American fast-casual bakery & café. aubonpain.com 2. BARZOTTO Origin U.S. Casual American bistro serving home-made hand-rolled pasta & a slim menu of mains. barzotto.com 3. BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE Origin U.S. A coffee roaster and retailer. A majority stake in the company was acquired by Nestlé. bluebottlecoffee.com 4. BOTTEGA LOUIE Origin U.S. Inspired by Laduree but with a more affordable check average. bottegalouie.com 5. BRUT BUTCHER Origin France Burgers in a butcher shop. brutbutcher.com 6. BUCA DI BEPPO Origin U.S. Italian American family-style restaurant. bucadibeppo.com 7. CAFÉ GODOT Origin Spain Stylish café with exposed brick walls, simple wooden tables & low lighting. cafegodot.com 8. CAFÉ PANS Origin Spain Spain's leading chain in the fast food industry, which bases sales on the traditional sandwich. pansandcompany.com 9. CALA Origin U.S. The flavors of California & Mexico. calarestaurant.com 10. CANAS Y TAPAS Origin Spain A Spanish authentic gastronomy experience. canasytapas.es 11. CAVA Origin U.S. Fast casual Mediterranean. cava.com 12. COCO CUBANO Origin Australia A fast-casual Cuban inspired coffee, food & drinks franchise. cococubano.com 13. COOLGREENS Origin U.S. An innovator in healthy-to-you foods, from salads, sandwiches, flatbreads & grain bowls. franchise.coolgreens.com 14. CHUBBY CATTLE Origin U.S. First restaurant to provide refrigerated conveyor-belt-based hotpot meals. chubbycattle.com 15. CREATOR Origin U.K. Creator is the first restaurant to automate the preparation of burgers from start to finish. Its two machines cook and assemble up to 350 gourmet burgers an hour. creator.rest 16. DEGANI CAFÉ Origin Australia Espresso coffee in a contemporary café. degani.com.au 17. EATSA Origin U.S. A fast casual restaurant chain which sells bowls of quinoa using an automat-style selfserve ordering process. eatsa.com 18. EVOS Origin U.S. An all-american burger cafe, except the ingredients are much healthier and natural. evos.com 19. EXTREME PITA Origin Canada Serving more than 175 serving sandwiches, salads and pizza-style "flat-baked" pitas. extremepita.com 20. FOOQ’S Origin U.S. The farm-to-table fare ranges from French, Italian & Persian varieties. fooqsmiami.com 21. FUCINA Origin U.K. Posh Italian spot with organic, seasonal produce, wood-fired pizza, roasted meats. fucina.co.uk 22. GOLDEN CHICK Origin U.S. Originator of the Chicken Tender (Original Golden Tenders™). goldenchick.com 23. GRK Origin U.S. Fast casual Greek food. grkfresh.com 24. HAIDILAO Origin U.S. Hai Di Lao (meaning fortune in Sichuan) is a chain of hotpot restaurants ,with a 12,000 square footer coming to New York. haidilao.com 25. JUNZI Origin U.S. Bing, a burrito-style wrapper is spreading like wildfire, while Junzi uses house-made chun bings (Chinese flatbreads made of wheat). junzi.kitchen 26. LA BOUCHERIE Origin France Traditional French bistro-style food, specializing in meat-based cuisine. la-boucherie.fr 27. LE COUCOU Origin U.S. A gracious modern nod to fine European gastronomy. lecoucou.com 28. L’ETOILE DU NORD Origin France Brasserie, wine bar and bakery headed by Chef Thierry Marx. letoiledenord.fr 29. MAD FOR GARLIC Origin South Korea One of a kind and one of the most successful garlic-themed restaurants in the world. madforgarlic.com.sg 30. MR.SUB Origin Canada Hand-crafted fresh subs from coast to coast and internationally, delivering its long standing tradition of offering healthier, innovative subs. mrsub.ca
31. MALA PROJECT Origin U.S. Cozy, hip spot featuring Chinese dry pot with a choice of spice level. malaproject.nyc 32. MAROUSH Origin U.K. The first Maroush restaurant opened in London in 1981 serving authentic Lebanese food - it now has 16 & a bold expansion plan. maroush.com 33. MOMOFUKU Origin U.S. A culinary brand established by Chef David Chang, in 2004 with the opening of Momofuku Noodle Bar now with a bakery, a bar & a quarterly magazine. momofuku.com 34. N/NAKA Origin U.S. An interpretation of kaiseki, the culinary art of taking the freshest seasonal ingredients and presenting them in their most natural states. n-naka.com 35. NOOCH ASIAN KITCHEN Origin Switzerland A fast casual pan-asian brand with focus on Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese & Chinese cuisine. nooch.ch 36. OPORTO Origin Australia Flame-grilled chicken - Portuguese style with an Australian attitude. oporto.com.au 37. O’VER Origin U.K. Uses the unique ingredient of Pure Sea Water, which is extracted from the Mediterranean. overuk.com 38. PASTELARIA-PADARIA SAO ROQUE Origin Portugal Freshly baked bread, pastries & strong bicas (espressos using robusta arabica beans). panifsroque.pt 39. PEPPERCORN KITCHEN Origin U.K. A fast casual restaurant serving Sichuan flavors. peppercornkitchen.nyc 40. PETROSSIAN RESTAURANT & BOUTIQUE Origin France Established in 1920 with fine spices, caviar and smoked fish-based products. petrossianrestaurants.com 41. PI PIZZERIA Origin U.S. Award-winning deep and thin pizza. pi-pizza.com 42. PROJECT PIE Origin U.S. Fast casual, artisan pizza- one size & price. projectpie.com 43. SOULKITCHEN Origin Austria A combination of three concepts in one – the wellness-food and sushi formula, a craft beer restaurant & coffee bar. soulkitchen.world 44. STEAK ‘N SHAKE Origin U.S. Signature Steakburger is certified organic with no preservatives, hormones or antibiotics. steaknshake.com 45. SPYCE Origin U.S. A robotic-powered restaurant from star chef Daniel Boulud, with food filled in front of customers by induction, wok-like drums, in three minutes or less. 46. SWEETGREEN
Origin U.S. Simple, seasonal, healthy salads & grain bowls, made in house, from scratch. sweetgreen.com 47. THAI EXPRESS Origin Canada The leading quick casual brand serving Thai cuisine. thaiexpress.ca 48. THE LITTLE BEET TABLE Origin U.S. The formal offspring of a fast-casual chain serving healthy, vegetable-dominant food. thelittlebeettable.com 49. THE SIMPLE GREEK Origin U.S. Combines high quality ingredients, open kitchens & Greek atmosphere. thesimplegreek.com 50. TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Origin U.S. Oprah Winfrey recently made an equity investment in the healthy eating concept. truefoodkitchen.com 51. VEDGE Origin U.S. 'Vegetable-forward' restaurant. vedgerestaurant.com 52. VESPERTINE Origin U.S. Molecular cuisine for millennials. vespertine.la 53. WINERY HOTEL Origin Sweden A combined urban winery, boutique hotel and restaurant in one, where guests follow the entire wine-making process. thewineryhotel.se 54. ZUME PIZZA Origin U.S. An automated pizza delivery restaurant that uses robotics and AI to make pizza. zumepizza.com
Biggest achievements in 2018? • Opening of three new Abd el Wahab branches successfully: Abd el wahab Qatar, Abd el Wahab UK, Abd el Wahab Egypt New for 2019? • Targeting other markets to open new franchises • Menu development introducing new trends for Lebanese cuisine Type Lebanese restaurant Founding date 1999 Number of outlets 4 locally, 12 abroad Owner Jean Claude Ghosn of Ghia Holding Contact Jeanclaude@ ghiaholding.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • World recognition for interior design, branding and food New for 2019? • Pertinent facelifts to keep up with the latest trends Type Fine dining and lounge Founding date December 2017 Number of outlets 1 Owner Selim Ghanem Contact selim.ghanem@ standalone-group.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Carefully assessing a development in Saudi Arabia that should see the light in 2019 and cover several locations in Riyadh, then Jeddah New for 2019? • The “express” concept Type Lebanese Brasserie Founding date 1976 Number of outlets 1 Type of franchise Area franchise agreement/country franchise agreement Initial franchise fee Depending on market size and plan Royalty fee 5% of turnover Franchise owner Boubouffe International / Michel Aramouni Contact info@boubouffe-intl. com, m.aramouni@boubouffeintl.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Opening Babel Dubai • Opening four Bebabel (Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, Kuwait) New for 2019? • Opening Babel in KSA • Opening Bebabel in KSA • Opening two Ahwet Zeitouna (Kuwait & Dubai) Type Lebanese fine dining and casual dining Type of franchise Business format franchise Number of outlets 6 Babel, 6 Bebabel, 5 Ahwet Zeitouna Franchise owner Afkar Holding Babel / Bebabel Contact jadmounzer@ afkarholding.co Biggest achievements in 2018? • Opened five units, with a recent store in ABC Mall Achrafieh • Successfully launching a new coffee shop prototype: Black Coffee (by Café Younes) New for 2019? • Our new in-store roastery model formats will continue to serve as the foundation for all future Café Younes locations • New roastery-inspired beverage innovation, with a renewed focus and investment on new hot and cold coffee-based category beverages. Further innovate and expand the food menu, with new and thoughtful products across all-day parts • Opening our first unit in the UAE and continue our expansion plan in Lebanon Type Café and bistro Founding date 1935 Number of outlets 12 Initial franchise fee The franchisee should financially be able to provide the initial CAPEX investment (a minimum of USD 200,000) Franchise fees and royalties Depending on the country potential and on the deal type Owner Cafe Younes SAL Contact franchise@ cafeyounes.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Oman: F&M 1 new branch in Al Khuwair, KSA: KAEC C&G new branch, Lagos: branch relocation, Qatar: a new branch opening Merqab Mall, Lebanon: Caspresso branch opening in ABC Verdun, Lebanon: Panpotconcept and brand creation New for 2019? • Working on: Larnaca, Johannesburg. “Company owned”; Egypt: 10 branches along with first one- Alexandria; Syria: to open 2 stores at al Malki area- Damascus; Erbil: launching; Oman: 5 Falafel & More: Founding date 1996 Initial franchise fee Depending on the concept Royalty fee 5% -7% Number of outlets 42 operations Franchise owner Xenia International Limited Contact r.maroun@ antventures.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • New line of burger size, new gourmet burgers • Adding more technologies to enhance our customer experience New for 2019? • Penetrating two more Asian markets • Adding more options for ordering channels • Blending our service with the latest available technologies Type American fast casual Founding date April 1, 2010 Number of outlets 35 Initial franchise fee USD 50,000 Royalty fee 5% Owner Ministry Of Food SAL Contact franchise@cbj.me
Biggest achievements in 2018? • Launch of Couqley Broumana • Couqley Dubai winning multiple awards including best restaurant and bar as voted by the JLT Dining awards New for 2019? • 10th anniversary year • New branches both locally and internationally Type Traditional French bistro Founding date October 2009 Royalty fee: 5% Number of outlets 4 (3 Lebanon and 1 UAE) Franchise owner Couqley LTD Contact paddy@thealleyway.org Biggest achievements in 2018? • Signing a franchise agreement for Nigeria • Signing a franchise agreement for Kurdistan, Iraq New for 2019? • More innovation and novelties in F&B • First Crepaway outlet in Lagos, Nigeria and the first outlet in Suleimaniya, Iraq • Expansion within Lebanon Type International casual dining Founding date 1984 Number of outlets 15 local outlets and 1 outlet in Qatar Owner Crepaway Holding Contact development@ crepaway.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Created a buzz with its prime location, authentic walk-in experience and tasty food. New for 2019? • Opening with new delivery and hygiene solutions • Brand awareness. Type Lebanese street food Founding date April 2018 Number of outlets 1; launching franchise in 6 months Owner 7Management Contact info@7management.me Biggest achievements in 2018? • Em Sherif Restaurant will soon open its doors in Egypt, Bahrain, Syria & Baghdad, Iraq • Em Sherif Café will soon be opening in London, Riyadh, Kuwait, Cairo with agreements signed for Qatar, Baghdad, Syria, Bahrain & Iran New for 2019? • Start franchising "Em Sherif Sea Café" abroad Type Em Sherif (Lebanese fine dining restaurant), Em Sherif Café (elegant Lebanese café), Em Sherif Sea Café (modern seafood café) Founding date 2012 Initial franchise fee Em Sherif (Restaurant + Sea Café): USD 800.000; Em Sherif Café: USD 400,000 for the first outlet / USD 300,000 for the 2nd outlet / USD 200,000 for the third outlet Royalty fee 5-6% Number of outlets 6 (Em Sherif Restaurant, Em Sherif Café, Em Sherif Sea Café, Parrilla (Winter & Summer outlets), Numerosix; Em Sherif Restaurant opening soon: Damascus, Bahrain, Egypt, Baghdad, Abu Dhabi; potential expansion: London, Paris, Turkey, Riyadh, Dammam, Monaco; Em Sherif Café opening soon: Riyadh, Kuwait, Cairo Agreements Signed Qatar, Baghdad, Syria, London, Bahrain & Iran Franchise owner S.G.R Offshore Contact info@sgr-offshore.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Signed franchise agreements with new franchisees in AlKhobar & Bahrain for Enab Beirut • Decision to open fourth branch in Egypt mid-2019 • Franchise expansion to Baghdad Iraq and Libya New for 2019? • Plans to expand the brand to the USA, Canada and Europe Type Lebanese restaurant Founding date February 2012 Initial franchise fee Starting USD 250,000 Royalty fee Starting 5% Number of outlets 9 Owner Food Palace Ltd Contact franchise@ handfulmanagement.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Opening in Achrafieh St Nicolas outdoor and indoor • Summer season outlets in Jounieh, Broumana, Rayfoun New for 2019? • Summer outlet in Jbeil • Another year-long location under study Type Tex-mex bar restaurant Type of franchise Franchise with co-management Founding date 2015 Number of outlets 6 Initial franchise fee USD 150,000 Royalty fee 5% Franchise owner MEC Contact mec@mec-concepts.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • New three outlets opened in Dubai; Kababji UK licensee initiated the UK development plan by selecting two prime locations in London; Fine-tuned and modernized the Kababji model; Fit out completed for the first Kababji outlet in Wimbledon, London to open in February 2019 New for 2019? • Developed two new exciting food products that will be introduced in January 2019 Type Lebanese fast casual restaurant chain Founding date September 1993 Royalty fee 6% Number of outlets 23 Franchise owner Kababji Contact info@kababji.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Sold franchise to Kuwait and signed memorandums of understanding with two other GCC countries; total of 9 new outlets • Introduced a new eating trend of Kharouf to the Lebanese market New for 2019? • New items on menu • New franchise opportunities • The start of delivery Type Lebanese fast casual Founding date July 2017 Number of outlets 2 Initial franchise fee Depending on country Royalty fee 5% Franchise owner Gino Khoueiry & Sharbel Akiki Contact gino.khoueiry@ disruptiveeg.com
Biggest achievements in 2018? • Opening of two new outlets in Kuwait, at Levels and Al Kout Mall and the preparation of an expansion plan for Riyadh • Management of all marketing and social media headed in Beirut's corporate office • Renovation of Mirdif branch in Dubai adopting Leila’s new image New for 2019? •The revamp of at least four outlets and the opening of three new locations in Saudi Arabia Type Lebanese casual dining Type of franchise Business format franchise Founding date June 2006 Initial franchise and royalty fee Depending on the country Number of outlets 4 branches locally and 12 branches abroad Franchise owner Dory Daccache, Joe Abrass and Joe Njeim Contact chadi.a@ leilarestaurant.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Opening Lina’s Verdun • Opening Lina’s Kfrhbab New for 2019? • New furniture • Revisited menu • New identity color Type French café and casual dining Founding date 2001 Initial franchise fee € 100,000 Royalty fee 5% Number of outlets 14 Franchise owner Catertainment sal Contact info@linaslb.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Bahrain and the UAE are now on the development plan • Opening at Cascada Mall and signing in Centro Mall • New openings in Australia New for 2019? • New menu to be introduced and rolled out in eight countries • Opening new branches • Introducing a new experience Type American casual dining Type of franchise Casual diner/ sports bar Founding date 2007 Initial franchise fee Depending on country Royalty fee 5% Number of outlets 7 locally and 17 abroad Franchise owner Concepts-m Inc. Contact franchising@ lordofthewings.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • International franchise: Egypt and Qatar • New outlets in Lebanon: Bekfaya and Rayfoun New for 2019? • First quick service restaurant to acquire ISO 22000:2018 Type Quick service tawouk restaurant chain Founding date 1996 Number of outlets 40 Owner Joseph and Alain Saade Contact Joseph Ajoury; Joseph. ajoury@malakaltawouk.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Mayrig opened its doors in downtown Yerevan • For the second year at the Four Seasons Hotel in Laanda Maldives, Mayrig expanded the restaurant and its menu New for 2019? • Mayrig is working on branding, introducing a new face after 15 years of success • Always on the lookout for new opportunities and looking for further countries to expand the business Type Armenian fine dining and casual dining Founding date 2003 Initial franchise fee According to the country Royalty fee 7% Number of outlets 4 (Beirut, Riyadh, Yerevan, Maldives) Owner Aline Kamakian Contact info@figholding.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Relocated to Mar Mikhael • Changed the perception of eating seafood to a more casual, healthy & hip meal New for 2019? • New items on the menu • New franchise opportunities • New location in Mar Mikhael Type Casual full service Founding date 2014 Number of outlets 1 Owner Gino Khoueiry Contact gino.khoueiry@ disruptiveeg.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Design update of concept soon to be applied to all outlets • Three new franchises, two in Lebanon and one in the Democratic Republic of Congo New for 2019? • A new gelateria corner will be added to the existing stand-alone outlets • Introducing new look in the existing outlets Type Café Founding date 2006 Number of outlets 5 local, 22 abroad Type of franchise Master franchise, franchise and subfranchise agreements applicable Franchise owner Walid El Hachem Contact franchise2@ mokaandmore.com Biggest achievements in 2018? • Signing a franchise agreement for Kurdistan, Iraq New for 2019? • More innovation and novelties in F&B • The opening of the first Nasma outlet in Suleimaniya, Iraq • Expansion within Lebanon Type Lebanese restaurant Founding date 2011 Number of outlets 3 local Owner R&B Holding Contact development@ nasmabeyrouth.com