El Estez: Redefining Lebanese Shawarma for a Global Audience

Introduction

El Estez is more than a shawarma brand. It is a celebration of Lebanese tradition, quality, and bold flavors.

Since its founding in Beirut in 2017, El Estez has become synonymous with premium shawarma, specialty sandwiches, and a commitment to authenticity. Born from a desire to elevate the everyday street food experience, the brand has grown steadily from a single Beirut outlet into an internationally expanding concept with a clear vision and a proven model.

Now, in partnership with Gulf Franchise Group, El Estez is ready to bring the spirit of Beirut’s shawarma culture to key markets across the region and beyond.

A Modern Take on Tradition

Shawarma is one of the most beloved foods in the Arab world, but El Estez saw an opportunity to do more than serve it - to master it.

The brand combines time-honoured Lebanese recipes with modern techniques, using only the finest ingredients. Each outlet reflects a dedication to craftsmanship, ensuring every bite delivers the true taste of Beirut. Premium meats, fresh ingredients, bold spice profiles, and a distinctive brand identity distinguish El Estez from the crowded shawarma segment.

This is not fast food. It is precision food, brought to you at pace.

From Beirut to the World

El Estez opened its first outlet in Beirut in 2017. In the years that followed, the brand refined its offering, built its identity, and laid the foundations for international growth.

Today, El Estez operates five outlets in Lebanon and six international locations across Kuwait and Iraq - eleven outlets in total, with more in active development. The brand’s expansion into the Gulf has demonstrated strong consumer demand for its authentic, quality-driven product in markets where both Lebanese cuisine and premium quick service are well established.

As Serge Khoury, Managing Director, explains:

“El Estez was built on the idea of mastering the craft of authentic Lebanese street food. As we grow beyond Beirut, we’re excited to partner with experienced operators who share our passion for quality and bring the El Estez experience to new markets around the world.”

The El Estez Experience

El Estez is not just about food; it is about creating a memorable experience. The brand’s distinctive identity - from its visual language to its in-store environment - communicates mastery and pride in every detail.

Every element of the El Estez offering has been carefully considered:

• Premium meats marinated and prepared to a precise standard
• Fresh ingredients sourced for quality and consistency
• Specialty sandwiches that go beyond the traditional shawarma format
• A bold brand identity that stands out in any market

The result is a brand that commands loyalty. Customers return not just for the food, but for the confidence that every visit will meet the same high standard.

Why El Estez Works in the Gulf

Several factors make El Estez particularly well suited to Gulf and wider regional markets:

1. Cultural resonance - Lebanese cuisine is deeply embedded in the food culture of the GCC, making El Estez an immediately familiar and trusted proposition.
2. Premium positioning - Consumers in the region increasingly seek quality and consistency in the quick service segment. El Estez delivers both.
3. Proven international model - The brand’s successful entry into Kuwait and Iraq provides a blueprint for further regional expansion.
4. Scalable format - The El Estez concept is designed to operate efficiently across a range of location types, from high street to mall food court.

Target Markets and Franchise Opportunity

El Estez is now seeking experienced franchise partners in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt and Jordan.

The brand is looking for operators and entrepreneurs who understand F&B, share its commitment to quality, and have the ambition and capability to build a successful multi-unit business. El Estez offers franchisees a brand with a clear identity, a refined operating system, and the support of Gulf Franchise Group’s regional expertise.

Franchise partners can expect:

• Full brand and operational onboarding
• Ongoing product and quality support
• Access to proven systems developed across 11 outlets
• A brand identity with strong consumer recognition in regional markets

A Brand Built to Last

El Estez represents a unique opportunity for franchise partners to bring a taste of Beirut to new markets. With a proven model, a clear vision, and a growing international footprint, the brand is ready to grow with operators who are committed to excellence.

The Lebanese shawarma tradition has endured for generations because it is rooted in something real: quality ingredients, honest craft, and food that brings people together. El Estez carries that tradition forward, with the ambition and identity to make it resonate globally.

Conclusion

El Estez is a brand with a story, a soul, and a strategy. With its heritage in Beirut and its eyes on the world, it offers a rare chance to franchise something both deeply authentic and globally scalable.

For franchise enquiries, visit gulffranchise.com/el-estez-lebanese.html or contact Gulf Franchise Group directly.