CaliBurger, a fast-casual better-burger concept, recently signed a major master franchise deal for all of the Middle East with an experienced area developer, who has a successful track record of bringing brands to strong growth markets and customers in the region.
Under that agreement, a recent five-unit sub deal was signed for Bahrain. CaliBurger has signed 2013 franchise deals in Iraq, Kuwait, China, and the Philippines.
The Bahrain franchisee is the CEO of Noor Enterprises, the sister company to a multiconcept operator in Bahrain.
“We were attracted to the brand because it is a fresh and fun concept, and we knew we wanted the opportunity to bring the California experience to the region,” a spokesperson for Noor Enterprises says. “We were sold fully after trying the food; the burgers are fantastic.”
It has secured a location for the first store, estimated to open in Q1 2014, and is confident that it is a high-traffic site that will bring great exposure to the brand. It is scouting and evaluating potential locations for its second site as well.
CaliBurger is working with Fransmart, the franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands such as Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill, to expand the brand’s international footprint.