Pakistani restaurant BundooKhan to expand in UAE

The CEO of Global Hotels Management has announced expansion plans for the traditional Pakistani restaurant, BundooKhan, with an AED 25 million (US $6.8 million) investment over two years.

Masood Hashim has revealed that, among others, sites have been planned for Ras Al Khaimah in February, folowed by one in Global Village, Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi and another in Juba, South Sudan.

Khan told Caterer: “The first outlet we opened in Dubai cost us AED 3 million (US $817000) because it was our first one and we learnt a lot from it. On the next ones we are spending AED 2.5 million (US $680000) each, and opening 10 in two years.

“In five years we have ambitious plans to expand outside of the GCC, into Europe and the US. We already have interest from a major UK supermarket who wants to stock our products too. There are a lot of people coming here from overseas and making enquiries about the restaurant.

“It’s an interesting restaurant platform. BundooKhan has been going in Pakistan for more than 60 years. I remember it from my childhood, and so does my father.

“I think there’s definitely a gap in the UAE market for fine dining Pakistani food. There’s a lot of Pakistani food around here, but not fine dining.

“BundooKhan is not expensive for people to come and eat here. It started as street food.”

Masood Hashim set up Global Hotels Management with the vision to diversify into products and services. The original Dubai BundooKhan is situated in Clover Creek Hotel Apartment, Deira.