Kitch launches in Saudi Arabia and the UAE with capital of US$15 million
Kitch, a brand-name coined to represent two important aspects of the business – kitchen and technology, makes its foray into the F&B sector in UAE & Saudi Arabia with privately raised capital of US$15 million. The new company claims to be the region’s first hybrid, delivery-focused, cloud kitchen and premium store-front operator.
Set up by Walid Hajj, founder of Cravia and co-founder Fahad Alhokair, a Saudi entrepreneur and founder of Veda Holding, Kitch will offer brands state-of-the-art avenues to enter new markets as well as provide an option to diversify and scale their food delivery and customer engagement with minimal investment.
The vertically integrated, food-tech start-up is set to open four delivery kitchens in Riyadh within the first quarter of 2021 and additional 15 kitchens across the GCC in the rest of the year. Each delivery kitchen is spread over an area of 450sqm to 500sqm and is fully equipped to house around 10 food concepts.
Kitch will offer an exclusive mix of new and existing brands in the region in addition to international franchises. The team will also test new restaurant concepts, menu items, and seasonal brands to deliver a differentiated customer experience. Its hybrid model will utilise all the operational efficiencies of the cloud kitchen business model as well as provide access to prime locations to set-up and expand the franchise presence.
Hajj added, “The UAE offers huge potential for this concept, and we are looking to be a part of an industry valued at over US$3 billion. With my experience in the food & beverage industry for more than two decades, I believe it is important to adapt and transform the offerings and services to be relevant and meet future demands. Our operational value-chain model and carefully curated portfolio of brands will reimagine the restaurant experience, allowing consumers to enjoy high-quality food from the comfort and convenience of their homes, and at the same time provide food concept owners a platform to explore the market and increase their customer base beyond their physical locations. If a brand is part of our portfolio, we will make sure there is a scalable market ready for it.”
Kitch’s experienced team of professional F&B operators, brand strategists, and technology specialists led by Chief Operating Officer, Yousef Al Barqawi, will guide interested food concept owners, step by step towards launching a successful brand into the markets. The omni-channel cloud kitchen framework offers an unparalleled advantage to entrepreneurs as they can test the waters of their food concept without making a full commitment.
