Gourmet Gulf Company, a pioneering food and beverage retail company operating top-tier brands in the Gulf region, has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for the Middle East and India, with its franchise-driven strategy targeting 100 units by 2014. The company expansion plans will include opening 17 outlets in 2010.

The company, which operates units of prestigious brands including Gourmet Burger Kitchen, California Pizza Kitchen, YO! Sushi and Morelli’s Gellato, is set to open seven outlets in Saudi Arabia during 2010, and is on the look-out for more.

The company’s most ambitious thrust will be in India, where JSMGCC India Pvt Ltd – Gourmet Gulf Company’s joint venture with Mumbai-based JSM Corporation – will launch new outlets for California Pizza Kitchen and another famous international brand. The acquiring of the new franchise will only reinforce the competency level of Gourmet Gulf’s operations.

“Having emerged unscathed from recession, Gourmet Gulf Company finds this an opportune time to implement our expansion plans,” said Sami Daud, CEO of Gourmet Gulf. “Our successful model that has ensured profitable operations even in difficult times has emboldened us to add new global brands and transport our experience to new customers. Our competitive pricing and high service standards have enabled us to make the difference.”

Gourmet Gulf currently operates 20 units in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The company defied recessionary trends by launching a new brand, California Pizza Kitchen, in 2009, and produced above expectations results.
“In the first half of 2010, our focus will be on the Saudi market, particularly Jeddah, Riyadh and Dahran” said Antonio Bautista, COO of the company. “Our research has revealed that all our brands are in high demand with Saudi consumers, and we have identified several key locations to open outlets across the Kingdom.”

Gourmet Gulf is focused on offering consumers a casual dining experience, superior products at an affordable price through a range of brands. Gourmet Burger Kitchen uses the best and freshest ingredients available. YO! Sushi is the conveyor belt sushi concept that is fast, fun and fresh. California Pizza Kitchen is the leader in authentic California-style cuisine with an imaginative line of hearth-baked pizzas and main courses. Morelli’s Gelato is home to the best Italian Gelato with secret recipes that have been kept for over a 100 years.