Last year, the turnover of Levant Restaurant Group in the UK was US $25 million (AED92 million) Last year, the turnover of Levant Restaurant Group in the UK was US $25 million (AED92 million)

London-born Lebanese restaurant brand Comptoir Libanais is aiming for expansion into the Middle East, according to a report by The Times.

Comptoir Libanais operates under Levant Restaurants Group in the UK, founded by Algerian national Tony Kitous, who moved to the UK in 1988.

Levant Restaurant Group has now signed a franchise deal with transport catering company HMSHost, which could see the restaurant group opening up across the Middle East.

Next year, the group will open its first Middle East outlet, a branch of flagship concept Comptoir Libanais, located in Abu Dhabi airport.

Speaking to The Times, Kitous said he had “lots of enquiries” from across the Middle East, including Tunisia and Algeria, adding that the group were “being cautious” for now.

Kitous started his first restaurant in the UK in 1993. Since then Levant Restaurant Group has a total of 15 restaurants across the UK, including 11 outlets of Comptoir Libanais (a Lebanese inspired canteen-style eatery), two branches of Shawa (a Middle Eastern street food venue), plus one each of additional concepts, Levant and Kenza.

This year, Levant Restaurant Group in the UK amassed a turnover of US $25 million (£17.7 million). Shares in the company will began trading on AIM on June 21.

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