UAE-based cloud kitchen Kitopi acquires meals and beverage group AWJ Investments

UAE-based cloud kitchen operator Kitopi has acquired Dubai-founded meals and beverage (F&B) group AWJ at unknown quantity.

F&B group, AWJ is the holding firm behind vastly widespread supply and dine-in manufacturers equivalent to Operation Falafel, Catch 22, Awani, Sushi Do and extra. AWJ’s ideas have been created and developed by Co-Founding Director Manhal Naser, who acted because the group’s CEO since incorporation, and Co-Founding Director Tamer Bazzari, who chaired the company car of the fund and was the Funding Supervisor.

The group opened its first outlet in Dubai in 2014, and has since expanded its portfolio to greater than 10 manufacturers (supply and dine-in), and 32+ retailers throughout the UAE and KSA. At this time, Operation Falafel serves over 2 million prospects globally per yr.

AWJ additionally has franchises in New York and London, and is headquartered in Dubai, UAE with over 1300+ workers.

The acquisition announcement comes as a part of Kitopi’s ongoing technique to put money into and develop much-loved regional manufacturers and take them world, because it continues to dominate the F&B area. Primarily often known as a cloud kitchen, right now Kitopi defines itself as a tech-powered, multi-brand restaurant with over 100 manufacturers, working in 200+ areas throughout 5 markets.

The deal, which occurred for an undisclosed quantity, will see the AWJ group of manufacturers eye growth in new markets the place Kitopi has a solidified presence and an enormous community of areas, unlocking new alternatives and entry to extra prospects.

AWJ will even profit from Kitopi’s pioneering tech SKOS (Good Kitchen Working System), one of many founding components for the corporate’s early success.

On the acquisition, Manhal Naser, former Group CEO and Cofounding Director stated, “It has been an honour to ascertain, lead and work so carefully with the AWJ group whom I think about as household. Now we have constructed on our core fundamentals, elevating the bar and setting the enterprise up for a sustainable future – because of our 1300+ group champions, our supporting shareholders, the distinctive manufacturers we have now created, and the tens of millions of shoppers we serve. It’s now time for a brand new chapter and having labored carefully with Kitopi and Mohamed Ballout, the co-founder and CEO, I consider they’re finest positioned to take AWJ to the subsequent stage.”

Mohamad Ballout, CEO and Co-founder of Kitopi commented, “With a goal to fulfill the world’s urge for food to create pleasure, we all the time try to deliver one of the best to our prospects. To this finish, we’re extremely proud to have acquired AWJ and its portfolio of manufacturers. The co-founders and leaders of AWJ have executed a exceptional job in constructing its iconic manufacturers and rising them throughout borders – and it will be a privilege to proceed to innovate, elevate and broaden its success.”

Whereas AWJ will welcome a brand new CEO, AWJ will retain their authentic group that led to its success and function as a separate vertical to Kitopi’s on-demand enterprise.

Based in Dubai, UAE, in January 2018, Kitopi has 5000+ workers, and has workplaces in KSA, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. It additionally operates its engineering hub in Krakow, Poland, its world buyer expertise middle in Dubai, UAE, and its Robotics Hub in Odense, Denmark.

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