Founded in 2009 by Mohammad Al Ruwaigh, Burgerizzr has grown from a single neighborhood outlet into Saudi Arabia’s largest fresh burger QSR chain, now operating over 110 branches across the country. With its focus on fresh, high-quality beef and chicken burgers at competitive prices, the brand has built a loyal following among burger enthusiasts and youth across the region. As it prepares to launch its franchising program in 2025, Burgerizzr is poised to expand across the GCC, MENA, and beyond, offering franchise partners a trusted and scalable business model.
At the forefront of this ambitious journey is Osama Bakir, Franchise Regional Operations Manager, who works closely with partners to ensure operational excellence and long-term growth. In this interview, Osama shares insights into Burgerizzr’s unique franchise model, the opportunities and challenges of international expansion, and the brand’s vision for bringing Saudi culinary innovation to the global stage.
How long have you been in your current position and what are your key responsibilities?
I’ve been in my current role for five months. My responsibilities include:
- Identify, evaluate, and select qualified franchise applicants.
- Conduct interviews and assessments to ensure franchisees meet financial and operational standards.
- Support franchisees during the application, FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document), and LOI (Letter of Intent) stages.
- Coordinate initial training programs for franchisees and their staff (operations, customer service, brand standards).
- Ensure continuous training and development through workshops, refresher courses, and updated SOPs.
- Provide day-to-day operational guidance to franchisees.
- Monitor compliance with brand standards, food safety, and local regulations.
Assist in problem-solving for operational challenges (supply chain, staffing, quality issues)
- Oversee training logistics, including central kitchen orientation and “franchise of the future” demo stores.
- Track franchisee sales, expenses, and profitability against set benchmarks.
- Monitor food cost %, labor cost %, ROI, and royalty fee collection.
- Conduct periodic business reviews with franchisees to ensure targets are met.
- Assist in site selection and store opening processes.
- Work with real estate and construction teams to ensure locations meet brand standards.
- Support international expansion by adapting processes to GCC/MENA regulations
Overall, how long have you been involved in franchising?
5 years.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy building strong relationships with franchisees and seeing their businesses grow successfully under our brand. It is rewarding to provide them with the tools, systems, and support that help them achieve sustainable results. I also value the dynamic nature of franchising, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect is ensuring consistent brand standards across multiple markets while adapting to local regulations, consumer behaviors, and operational environments. Balancing franchisee expectations with the company’s long-term strategy requires clear communication, negotiation, and continuous alignment.
What is it like to work with franchisees from different countries and cultures?
It is both exciting and enriching, each market brings unique cultural perspectives that broaden my understanding of business and customer behavior. At the same time, it requires flexibility and sensitivity to adapt training, support, and communication styles to local norms. This diversity strengthens the brand and creates a global community where best practices can be shared and adapted.
What is the main reason you are considering international franchising?
We aim to expand Burgerizzr beyond Saudi Arabia to leverage the strong reputation of Saudi brands, diversify revenue streams, and capture the growing demand for fresh burger concepts across the GCC and MENA region. International franchising will allow us to partner with experienced operators who understand their local markets while ensuring consistent brand growth.
What is unique or special about your brand’s products and services?
Burgerizzr offers freshly prepared burgers using fresh ingredients delivering high quality burgers at a competitive price.
Why do you think you will be successful internationally?
Since our founding in 2009, Burgerizzr has grown to more than 110 branches across Saudi Arabia by 2025, making us one of the fastest-growing homegrown fresh burger brands. Our proven business model, competitive food cost ratios, strong franchise support system, and loyal customer base gives us a solid foundation for success in international markets.
What are the priority countries/territories you are looking to develop?
- Saudi Arabia: Tabuk, Al-Jouf & Northern Border Region.
- GCC: Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman.
- MENA: Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, etc.
- International: Malaysia, India, China, Europe.
Why have you identified these countries and/territories as a top priority?
We have identified these countries as a top priority due to their strong consumer demand, which is similar to the Saudi market, high population growth, and increasing appetite for international brands. Additionally, these markets align strategically with our expansion plans across the GCC and MENA region, where Burgerizzr’s brand recognition as a Saudi homegrown success story can be leveraged effectively.
What are the main qualifications and capabilities you are looking for in a master franchisee or area developer?
- Strong financial capability to invest in multi-unit development.
- Proven experience in managing and scaling food & beverage or retail operations.
- In-depth knowledge of local markets, regulations, and consumer behavior.
- Operational infrastructure to support recruitment, training, and supply chain management.
- Commitment to maintaining Burgerizzr’s brand standards and customer experience.
How long does it typically take to finalise an agreement once you find a qualified and capable master franchisee or area developer for a new market?
After finding qualified developer there is some procedure related to them and their territory. So, I think it will take 1 to 2 months to finish the deal (depending on their performance in preparing required studies related to their territory).
Once you finalise an agreement, how long does it take for the market entry planning before you launch the business in a new market?
Following the finalization of the agreement, construction of the first branch typically commences immediately. On average, it takes around 60–90 days to complete setup and begin operations in the initial branch. This timeline includes design and fit-out, staff recruitment and training, and establishment of supply chain logistics.
Any advice you can share with parties who are interested in getting into franchising by acquiring rights for a local or international franchise?
My advice is to carefully evaluate both the brand strength and the franchisor’s support system before committing. A successful franchise requires not only strong financial investment but also operational discipline and passion for the brand. It is also important to understand local market conditions, legal frameworks, and cultural preferences to ensure long-term success.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
We welcome discussions with serious investors and potential partners who are passionate about the F&B sector and committed to building a sustainable and profitable franchise business. With our proven systems, strong brand identity, and growing customer base, Burgerizzr offers a unique opportunity for long-term growth.
To know more about Burgerizzr, click: https://worldfranchisecentre.com/franchise/burgerizzr/
