The world’s leading tech-powered, multi-brand restaurant, acquired the leading F&B group, in one of the largest F&B transactions of the GCC region.
- AWJ was founded in 2014 and operates iconic brands such as Operation Falafel, Catch 22, and Awani amongst others
- The leading F&B group spans the UAE and KSA, with franchises in New York and London
- Kitopi operates over 100 brands across over 200 locations across the GCC region
- Formerly a cloud kitchen, Kitopi today operates in the delivery and dine-in space
- In 2021, Kitopi became the first UAE-headquartered company to get funded by the Softbank Vision Fund 2, marking its milestone as a unicorn
Dubai, UAE, March 1st, 2023 - A highly successful Dubai-founded F&B group, AWJ is the holding company behind hugely popular delivery and dine-in brands such as Operation Falafel, Catch 22, Awani, Sushi Do and more. AWJ’s concepts were created and developed by Co-Founding Director Manhal Naser, who acted as the group’s CEO since incorporation, and Co-Founding Director Tamer Bazzari, who chaired the corporate vehicle of the fund and was the Investment Manager.
The group opened its first outlet in Dubai in 2014 and has since expanded its portfolio to more than 10 brands (delivery and dine-in), and 32+ outlets across the UAE and KSA. Today, Operation Falafel serves over 2 million customers globally per year.
AWJ also has franchises in New York and London, and is headquartered in Dubai, UAE with over 1300+ employees.
The acquisition announcement comes as part of Kitopi’s ongoing strategy to invest in and grow much-loved regional brands and take them global, as it continues to dominate the F&B space. Primarily known as a cloud kitchen, today Kitopi defines itself as a tech-powered, multi-brand restaurant with over 100 brands, operating in 200+ locations across 5 markets.
The deal, which occurred for an undisclosed amount, will see the AWJ group of brands eye expansion in new markets where Kitopi has a solidified presence and a vast network of locations, unlocking new opportunities and access to more customers.
AWJ will also benefit from Kitopi’s pioneering tech SKOS (Smart Kitchen Operating System), one of the founding factors for the company’s early success.
On the acquisition, Manhal Naser, former Group CEO and Co-founding Director said, “It has been an honour to establish, lead and work so closely with the AWJ team whom I consider as family. We have built on our core fundamentals, raising the bar and setting the business up for a sustainable future - thanks to our 1300+ team champions, our supporting shareholders, the unique brands we have created, and the millions of consumers we serve. It is now time for a new chapter and has worked closely with Kitopi and Mohamed Ballout, the co-founder and CEO, I believe they are best positioned to take AWJ to the next level.”
Mohamad Ballout, CEO and Co-founder of Kitopi commented, “With a purpose to satisfy the world’s appetite to create joy, we always strive to bring the best to our customers. To this end, we are incredibly proud to have acquired AWJ and its portfolio of brands. The co-founders and leaders of AWJ have done a remarkable job in building its iconic brands and growing them across borders - and it is going to be a privilege to continue to innovate, elevate and expand its success.”
While AWJ will welcome a new CEO, AWJ will retain its original team that led to its success and operate as a separate vertical to Kitopi’s on-demand business.
Founded in Dubai, UAE, in January 2018, Kitopi has 5000+ employees and has offices in KSA, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. It also operates its engineering hub in Krakow, Poland, its global customer experience center in Dubai, UAE, and its Robotics Hub in Odense, Denmark.
About Kitopi
Founded in Dubai, UAE, in January 2018, Kitopi’s mission is to satisfy the world’s appetite. As a leading tech-powered multi-brand restaurant, Kitopi operates a portfolio of both owned and franchised F&B brands, serving as enablers in the food market by helping brands to grow and scale - both in the delivery and dine-in space.
With over 5,000 employees, Kitopi currently operates 200+ outlets (delivery and dine-in) across the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, and runs its engineering hub in Krakow, Poland, its global customer experience center in Dubai, UAE, and its robotics hub in Odense, Denmark.
About AWJ Investments
AWJ Investments is a fast-growing Food & Beverage Holding Group that owns and grows home-grown Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and international dining concepts. Exploring global opportunities, AWJ recognizes the potential of a rapidly evolving Food & Beverage market, with the aim of acquiring and growing brands that are internationally recognized and loved. Founded and headquartered in Dubai; AWJ set out on its culinary journey with five unique concepts – all strategically located across popular tourist and dining destinations in Dubai and have now expanded into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through owned and franchised locations. AWJ now plans to continue to travel and explore Markets across Europe, North Africa and the USA, experimenting with new tastes and old, and infusing traditional flavors with a fusion of traditions.
