Clapham House to expand into Middle East

Clapham House Group has signed a franchise agreement to develop its Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) business in the Middle East.

The Bombay Bicycle Club and Real Greek owner has a contract with GGC Burger to develop a number of restaurants in the region over the next three years.

GGC, a subsidiary of Gourmet Gulf company, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will focus its efforts in particular on the UAE and Kuwait.

Clapham House said GGC had a proven track record of developing UK and US restaurant formats in the area.

The GBK menu in each territory will be refined to meet local tastes, although Clapham House will retain final approval.

Under the term of the deal, Clapham House will be paid an up-front territory fee and further fees on the opening of each restaurant, together with a percentage of actual sales.

Paul Campbell, Clapham House's chief executive, said: "We decided that the Middle East was an ideal market in which to launch our first international franchise and an excellent opportunity to test the international franchise potential for GBK."

The UK company will have no capital invested in the territories.

By Chris Druce

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