Satellite kitchen major Kitopi laps up popular f&b group AWJ

The size of the acquisition is not disclosed, but Kitopi said the deal is one of the largest transactions in the f&b sector in the GCC region.

The Dubai-based AWJ is the holding company behind popular delivery and dine-in brands such as Operation Falafel, Catch 22, Awani, Sushi Do and more.

The group, which opened its first outlet in Dubai in 2014, currently has a portfolio of more than 10 brands – both delivery and dine-in – and 32 outlets across the UAE and KSA, besides franchises in New York and London.

Kitopi acquires AWJ to expand its portfolio

Mohamad Ballout, CEO and co-founder of Kitopi, said: “We we always strive to bring the best to our customers. To this end, we are proud to have acquired AWJ and its portfolio of brands.”

He said the co-founders and leaders of AWJ have done a remarkable job in building its iconic brands and growing them across borders.

“It is going to be a privilege to continue to innovate, elevate and expand its success,” Ballout said.

Post-acquisition, while AWJ will welcome a new CEO, it will retain its original team that led to its success and operate as a separate vertical to Kitopi’s on-demand business.

Kitopi, a startup unicorn, said the acquisition is part of its ongoing strategy to invest in and grow much-loved regional brands and take them global.

Primarily known as a cloud kitchen, Kitopi defines itself as a tech-powered, multi-brand restaurant with over 100 brands, operating in more than 200 locations across 5 markets.

Post-acquisition, AWJ group will see expansion of its brands in new markets where Kitopi has a solidified presence and a vast network of locations.

AWJ’s concepts were created and developed by co-founding director Manhal Naser, who also has also been group’s CEO since incorporation, and co-founding director Tamer Bazzari, who handled the group’s corporate vehicle and fund management.

Naser said: “It is now time for a new chapter, and having worked closely with Kitopi and Mohamed Ballout, I believe they are best positioned to take AWJ to the next level.”

He said it has been an honour to establish, lead and work so closely with the AWJ team.

“We have built on our core fundamentals, raising the bar and setting the business up for a sustainable future – thanks to our over 1300-team champions, our supporting shareholders, the unique brands we have created, and the millions of consumers we serve,” Naser said.

Operation Falafel, the leading AWJ brand, currently serves over two million customers globally.

AWJ is expected to benefit from Kitopi’s pioneering tech SKOS (Smart Kitchen Operating System), one of the founding factors for the company’s early success.

Founded in Dubai in January 2018, Kitopi has over 5000 employees, and has offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

It also operates its engineering hub in Krakow, Poland, its global customer experience center in Dubai, and its Robotics Hub in Odense, Denmark.