GFG Franchise Articles
Fuwamai: Redefining Fast-Casual Bakery with Japanese Craftsmanship and AI-Driven Scale
Born in Malta in 2024, Fuwamai brings Japanese souffle pancakes, homemade sandos, and fresh viennoiseries to compact urban outlets - backed by AI-driven operations and a centralized production model built for rapid Gulf expansion.
Maison Mathis: A European Lifestyle Brand Redefining All-Day Dining
Founded in Dubai in 2012, Maison Mathis blends European cafe culture with all-day dining - bakery, wood-fired pizza, open kitchen, and community programming - now expanding internationally with GFG.
Belgian Beer Cafe: A Heritage Brand Celebrating Belgium's Brewing Legacy
Developed with AB InBev and operating since 1992, Belgian Beer Cafe brings UNESCO-recognized Belgian beer culture and gourmet brasserie dining to 20+ locations across 13 countries - and counting.
Hermanos Burgers: A Bold Fast-Casual Concept from Malta Expanding Internationally
Founded in Malta in 2020, Hermanos has built its reputation on high-quality semi smash burgers, a bold visual identity, and a fast-casual model designed for scale.
El Estez: Redefining Lebanese Shawarma for a Global Audience
Born in Beirut in 2017, El Estez brings authentic Lebanese shawarma and specialty dishes to the world, with a commitment to mastery, premium ingredients, and bold flavors.
C House Café Milano: Italian Tradition and Design Meet Global Ambition
C House Café Milano is more than a café. It is a symbol of Italian sophistication, where design, flavor, and social experience come together to create something truly special.
BO&MIE: From Parisian Innovation to Global Bakery Ambition
BO&MIE has carved a distinct identity as a new-generation Parisian bakery. Since opening its first store in 2017, the brand has rapidly evolved into one of France's most talked-about bakery concepts - and is now expanding across the globe with a clear international strategy.
L'Artigiano Gelato: Where Italian Heritage Meets Global Innovation
We proudly introduce an experience that is as vibrant as it is authentic: serving true Italian gelato, Made in Italy, from a vintage Fiat 500 - in partnership with FIAT.
Dough Club: Manchester’s Pizza Phenomenon Goes Global
With Detroit-style pizza served by the slice, Dough Club has become a social media sensation—and is now expanding to Qatar, UAE, and Morocco through GFG.
Big Licks: The UK Dessert Brand Making Global Noise
From gelato to gourmet burgers, Big Licks is redefining indulgence—and now going international with Gulf Franchise Group.
Afrikana: A Bold New Chapter in African Dining Comes to the GCC
At the heart of Afrikana is a commitment to authenticity and expression. The menu showcases African-inspired grilled meats, peri-peri chicken, jollof rice, and more
Mowchi: How a Minimalist Café Concept from East London is Brewing Global Opportunity
Mowchi is not just a café; it's a curated experience. Every design detail - from serene interiors to the gentle branding - supports the brand's mission to offer guests a relaxing retreat from the rush of daily life.
Phat Buns: The UK Smash Burger Sensation Ready to Take Over the Gulf
Phat Buns is setting its sights on the Middle East and key international markets through a new partnership with GFG.
CATCH Fish and Chips: Modern British Fare with Global Ambition
CATCH Fish and Chips is a standout brand from Glasgow now ready to expand across the Middle East with support from GFG.
Doner Shack: A Revolution in Quick-Service Kebab Street Food
Doner Shack brings Mediterranean street food favourites to life with a fresh, modern approach.
Bonchon: Expanding a Global Icon of Korean Cuisine into the Middle East
Bonchon partners with GFG to expand across the Middle East and North Africa, as the brand continues to solidify its status as a pioneer of Korean cuisine worldwide.
The Coffee Club: Expanding a Premier Café Experience into the MENA Region
With nearly 400 stores across 13 countries, the brand is now poised to expand into the MENA region, bringing its unique blend of "Good Food, Great Service, and Excellent Coffee" to new markets.
Thai Express: Expanding the Global Reach of Modern Thai Cuisine
Thai Express is ready to jump-start its growth trajectory and expand its contemporary Thai dining experience to more locations in the Middle East, India and Africa.
Oodles: A Journey of Excellence and Ambitious Expansion into the Middle East
Oodles is setting its sights on the Middle East, aiming to bring its unique culinary fusion to a new and discerning audience.
Carluccio's: A Culinary Journey from Neal Street to National Renown
Carluccio's is more than just a name; it is a symbol of Italian culinary excellence brought to British shores...
GFG’s extensive international brand knowledge, intelligence, and evaluation process provides the investor with an informed buying position in relation to the target segment.
News and Updates from Gulf Franchise Group
Qatar International Food Festival 2025: A report
March 2025: We are incredibly proud to share that HEKMA Consulting W.L.L and Gulf Franchise Group played a key role in this year's QIFF.
More on QIFF25 >
International Franchise Developments in the MENA Region
Oct 2024: Explore key trends and investments in the MENA region's F&B franchise market, with a focus on international and local franchise growth.
Franchise Developments in MENA >
Top 18 franchise news sites with a focus on MENA
Oct 2024: Looking for news about the franchise F&B sector in the MENA region? Here's a handy list of some of the best sources of news for the sector.
Top 18 franchise news sites >
Sealing the Deal: The Journey to a Master Franchise Agreement
Sept 2023: Celebrating a milestone in the world of franchising! Last year, Hassan Jawad's journey with Allo Beirut began with a simple connection on LinkedIn with Pauline, a beacon of women's leadership in the F&B sector.
Master Franchise Deal >
South Korea Visit Expands Gulf Franchise Group's Global Horizons
Oct 2023: International Franchise Show, Korea. From October 4th to 7th, 2023, Hassan Jawad had the privilege of visiting South Korea. The visit was the result of an initial contact made by KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) through LinkedIn in late August.
Franchise Show Korea >
Revolutionizing the Food Franchise Industry
Feb 2024: The Qatar International Food Festival saw a significant shift in how franchises are presented and perceived, moving away from the conventional B2B model to an immersive consumer experience.
See how it exceeded expectations for consumers and franchisors alike >