News: Fast Food Systems/Southern Fried Chicken
Demand for Southern Fried Chicken Grows in the Middle East
Reading, 22nd January: Fast Food Systems, the brand owner of Southern Fried Chicken (SFC) and the VIZU equipment range, is looking forward to continued success in 2014 following the announcement of new overseas markets secured in the Middle East for the growing fast food chain.
A new deal with entrepreneur Michel Al Hage for the Kingdom of Kuwait will see the development of new SFC stores in Kuwait with more countries in the region to follow. The brand already has a presence in Qatar and Bahrain, but the contract in Kuwait is as a result of strategic business development in the region over the past year, which includes the appointment of Chris Gibson, as International Development Manager to help nurture and drive master franchisees in new territories.
The appointment of a master franchise for Kuwait is great news for the UK company that manufactures and exports VIZU catering equipment across the globe to partner restaurants and blue chip companies. The continued expansion in the Middle East will provide additional opportunities to supply equipment and the seasonings that all add up to the highly successful and world renowned lip licking flavour that Southern Fried Chicken developed more than 30 years ago.
Andrew Withers, Managing Director for Southern Fried Chicken commented, "We are delighted that Michel has taken the rights to develop Kuwait. This is a strategic partnership which will extend the reach of the SFC brand and open doors to expansion in other areas of the Middle East and Northern Africa."
SFC now has more than 800 outlets worldwide and is currently undergoing a major rebrand to upgrade its SFC licensed outlets in the UK. More than 200 restaurants have been refurbished since 2010 under an ongoing refurbishment programme with some stores experiencing a 50% increase in turnover as a result. Over the last three years, the company has experienced significant growth across Eastern Europe with more than 80 outlets across Russia, as well as in Latvia, Ukraine, Poland and Bulgaria.
- ends -
About Southern Fried Chicken
The Southern Fried Chicken brand is owned by Fast Food Systems, which also owns the brand VIZU, catering equipment. It is a family-run business which started life in the 1960's as a concessionary brand enabling fish and chip shops to diversify. Today Southern Fried Chicken has grown to become one of the best known fried chicken brands. Its support structure and business model has enabled many franchisees to start successful businesses and provide a very comfortable income for many owners with the right drive and enthusiasm to succeed. Globally, more than 10,000 people work across 800 SFC branded outlets across 70 countries.
For more information please contact:
Media Enquiries:
Kim Gray
Gray Matter PR
Tel: 0118 969 4904/07884 405835
Southern Fried Chicken
Chris Gibson
0118 944 1100