Fatburger eyes massive growth in MENA region

Devina Divecha, April 23rd, 2015

All-American international burger chain Fatburger is investing in the Middle East, with more restaurants planned for development across the GCC in the coming months.

Fatburger global CEO Andy Wiederhorn said, during a visit to Dubai: “The chain is committed to its sustained investment plan in the Middle East and North Africa and will be opening four more restaurants in the next few months, taking the total number of Fatburger restaurants open in the Middle East to 25.

“Since Fatburger first opened in Dubai in 2008, the response has been tremendous. I see a great deal of potential for further growth for our franchise model, especially in developed markets such as the UAE. The positive business climate here encourages us to push forward with our expansion in the Middle East and increase our market share through our franchise model.”

Worldwide, Fatburger manages 200 restaurants in 32 countries, with another 300 in the development stage.

In the UAE, Fatburger restaurants are operated by Vetra Investments, with locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Sharjah. Fatburger already operates 22 restaurants throughout the Gulf in the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Iraq and Tunisia (with over 550 employees in its team).

Additionally, Fatburger will open four new restaurants in Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia and Iraq in the coming weeks.

Wiederhorn said: “We are very excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to develop our brand presence further in the region."

All of its products in the Middle East are made with 100% halal lean meat individually cooked-to-order, catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Wiederhorn said that, contrary to the popular belief, Fatburger actually offers a variety of options for health-conscious consumers.

“We use 100% lean beef and 100% cholesterol-free oil to make our burgers and are very conscious of what we are feeding our customers. The roots are traditional but the interpretation is relevant to the present day taste and demands,” he said.