In a major and strategic expansion, the UAE-based F&B retail company, Gourmet Gulf Company, has announced ambitous expansion plans across the Middle East region targeting to open 100 new outlets in the next five years at an initial investment of US$ 40 million. The company currently operates two YO! Sushi outlets in Dubai, the first overseas franchise of the very successful conveyor belt Sushi concept.
Announcing the company’s decision to expand its footprints across various markets of the Middle East, with focus on UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar in 2006, Mr. Sami Daud, Managing Director, Gourmet Gulf Company said, “The byouant economic growth of the region has led to rise in spend on food and beverages, presenting an excellent opportunity for Gourmet Gulf to expand its reach and deepen its presence. The expansion plan of the company in 2007 will include Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt.”
Gourmet Gulf Company will drive its expansion and growth through its strategic partnerships with internationally renowned franchises that it has acquired to bring in the best in the gourmet world to the regional market.
Gourmet Gulf Company has merged its operations of the Yo! Sushi outlets previously under management of YO! Sushi Emirates. The new company has also signed franchise agreements with Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) the UK winner of the “best burgers in London” for the past two years and the fresh Italian ice cream brand Morellis Gelato with its flagship in Harrods, London. The company also plans to develop their own brand that will be a Pizzeria concept. For this they have tied up with a world renouned Chef to develop this idea. These four flagship brands will be launched across the region through the 100 outlets in a phased manner.
In the UAE, to start with the company will have outlets in Bur Juman, Dubai Festival City, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) while in Kuwait, at the Marina Mall where all four concepts are under construction and due to open in April and in Al Aali Mall in Bahrain to name a few.
Commenting further, Mr. Sami Daud, said: “Our expansion plan has been prompted by the tremendous untapped potential in the regional market with demand for quality food at an affordable price- value for money. The growth in the economies of the region have led to an increase in the spending power of the regional consumer and we are confident to tap this unprecedented opportunity to leverage more business.””The regional consumer is very discerning and sophiticated and Gourmet Gulf’s partnerships with the worlds leading names in the food industry will add more value to the regional market,” he said, adding that the company will open 18 outlets in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar by the end of this year.
“Gourmet Gulf Company, has over 80 years of combined mangement experience and are very passionate about food and we believe that second best is never good enough. That is why we are committed to delivering the best with outstanding service and high profile franchise brands” Mr. Daud said.
“Our expansion will be rolled out from Dubai, the most cosmopolitan and vibrant market in the region. In course of time we will also add more brands into our F&B chain bringing in more diversity to our offerings. Gourmet Gulf Company has the ingredients to be one of the best F&B chains in the region.” he added.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen has won the ‘Best Burger’ in London award for the last two years. GBK is the leader in themed burger concepts. Morellis Gelato the Italian fresh ice cream outlet with its flagship in Harrods, London, has over 20 flavours of ice-cream made fresh daily on the premises. YO! Sushi is the world’s largest conveyor belt Sushi concept. Fast, Fun, Fresh food prepared by chefs right in front of the diner in the open plan kitchen and displayed on the restaurant’s trade mark conveyor belt. The Pizzeria will be inspired by an internationally renowned Chef from London. The menu is being evolved around a traditional wood fired stone oven. The ultimate eating experience for those who appreciate excellent quality food coupled with unrivalled service.
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