Mubasher: AWJ Investments announced a new expansion in Saudi Arabia through five restaurants that will be launched in mid-2020. This follows the successful opening of its three brands; Operation Falafel, Catch 22, and Awani.

AWJ Investments is collaborating with local franchisees in the Eastern province to expand the most popular Falafel concept in Dammam and Dhahran, according to a press release on Sunday.  

Due in February 2020, Catch22 is set to be the company’s first investment in Jeddah, to be followed by Operation Falafel in early April and Awani later that year.

Moreover, the investment company will “develop Operation: Falafel chain offerings at Ajdan Walk, Al Khobar and Alia Plaza” in the second quarter of 2020.

Through the expansion, AWJ Investments was able to meet the fast-growing food and beverage market in the kingdom.   

Commenting on this, the CEO of AWJ Investments, Manhal Naser, said, “In KSA, so far we have seen a 25% like for like growth in 2019 versus 2018. In line with Saudi 2030 Vision to expand and diversify its economy, we are championing recreation lures with the expansion of Operation: Falafel, Catch 22, and Awani in the Kingdom."

As the population of Saudi Arabia stands at 29 million residents, the food and beverage market tops the list with a value of $45 billion and is likely to grow by 6% over the next five years, he revealed.

“We are set to open 52 more units in the next 5 years- 13 in the Eastern Province and 15 in the Western Province through franchising, and further 24 units in Riyadh through AWJ,” he concluded.

It is worth noting that AWJ Investments plans for global outreach in addition to its presence across the GCC.