FAT Brands has signed a 22-unit development deal with Global Vita USA to expand its franchised restaurant network in Iraq.
Under the agreement, 12 Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express co-branded locations will be opened across Iraq outside the Kurdistan region over the next five years.
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The first units are expected open in 2024.
Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express menu includes bone-in and boneless chicken wings and a range of original sauces.
The agreement also includes the opening of ten Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery co-branded locations by 2028, with the first locations set to open next year.
FAT Brands chief development officer Taylor Wiederhorn said: “With four units already operating in the Kurdistan region, Fatburger has established a strong following in the country.
“Now, as we look to further expand the brand with Global Vita USA, we can reach even more fans that crave our all-American, custom-built burgers.
“This is new territory for Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery and Buffalo’s Express, however, the brands have had a presence in the Middle East for some time, so this is a natural progression for the concepts to strengthen their foothold in the region.”
In April 2023, FAT Brands opened its first brick-and-mortar Johnny Rockets location in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
