In a food retail sector dominated by international brands, the opportunities for home-grown UAE companies to tap into the country’s hunger for quick-service food appears slim.
But Dubai-based Hotbrands International, which began as single outlet in the Bur Juman in 1992, is leading the way for local food-service firms and plans to more than double its presence by the end of the year to more than 100 outlets around the world.
The company currently runs more than 40 quick service restaurants (QSR) under the brand names Shamiana, Sala Thai, Sugoi, Santino’s and Magic Wok in Gulf countries Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and the UAE and, more recently, in India and South Africa.
Company chiefs say they are on the verge of breaking into the Saudi Arabian restaurant sector and are eyeing possible franchise agreements with retail firms in Europe and Asia.
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