KUDU has long been a household name in Saudi Arabia, known for its inclusive all-day menu, 24/7 operations, and commitment to quality and convenience. Now, the brand is setting its sights on international growth—with a bold expansion strategy led by Saad Gantar, Director of Franchise.
In this interview, Saad shares how his 15+ years in global franchising—spanning brands like PizzaExpress and Domino’s—are shaping KUDU’s journey into new markets. From identifying the right partners to adapting menus for local tastes, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale a brand across borders while staying true to its roots. Read on to discover why KUDU is built for international success—and what opportunities lie ahead for franchisees ready to grow with purpose.
How long have you been in your current position and what are your key responsibilities?
I’ve been in my current role as Director of Franchise at KUDU since 2024. My key responsibilities include leading KUDU’s domestic and international franchise expansion, identifying and onboarding qualified partners, overseeing market entry strategies, and ensuring strong execution and alignment with our brand standards across all territories.
Overall, how long have you been involved in franchising?
I’ve been involved in franchising for over 15 years, both in the UK and internationally. I began with PizzaExpress and its sub-brands, leading operations across Greater London and Hong Kong, and opening new markets such as the Philippines amongst others in Asia.
I then joined TGP International, where I supported the launch of global F&B brands at Expo Dubai and led strategic development projects in London. Following that, I oversaw the growth of Domino’s across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan—driving expansion, operational excellence, and franchise partner success. This journey has given me a deep understanding of franchising from both brand and market perspectives.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most is successfully taking beloved F&B brands into new markets and cultures—seeing them resonate with new audiences is incredibly rewarding. I also value working with a diverse global team and strategic partners who share the same passion for growth and excellence.
What motivates me day to day is knowing that we’re not just expanding a brand, but creating experiences that connect with people, culturally and emotionally. I also take great pride in mentoring teams—I genuinely enjoy seeing former colleagues, including restaurant managers I once worked with, now leading brands and holding senior roles across the globe. It’s a reminder that investing in people always pays off.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
My job is about patience—like the desert waiting for the rain. The most challenging aspect is the time it can take to secure the right partnerships, especially amid ever-shifting macroeconomic conditions and evolving consumer habits. Balancing speed with strategic alignment is never easy, but I navigate it by staying close to the market, being proactive with insights, and building genuine relationships rooted in trust and shared values. In the end, long-term strategic patience proves to be extremely rewarding.
What is it like to work with franchisees from different countries and cultures?
Working with franchisees from different countries and cultures is incredibly enriching—it constantly broadens my perspective and sharpens my global mindset. Every market brings its own nuances, challenges, and ways of thinking, and that diversity makes the work more dynamic and rewarding.
Being multilingual in Arabic, French, and English allows me to connect more deeply with partners, understand their local context, and build trust across regions. It also plays a key role in negotiations and resolving challenges more effectively—because so much of success in franchising is about clear communication and cultural empathy.
What is the main reason you are considering international franchising?
We live in an increasingly connected global world. International franchising offers a unique opportunity to share food and culture across borders in a way that’s not only enjoyable and engaging for consumers, but also commercially rewarding for investors.
What is unique or special about your brand’s products and services?
What sets KUDU apart is our inclusive, all-day menu crafted to deliver an ‘all happy’ experience and value—whether you’re dining solo, with family, or in a group. From our iconic grilled KUDU Chicken Sandwich, Steak & Eggs breakfast and crispy fried wings to fresh, wholesome salads, there’s something for everyone. We operate 24/7 and serve our guests across multiple touchpoints—dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery—ensuring convenience and consistency around the clock.
Why do you think you will be successful internationally?
KUDU is built for international success. We offer a unique value proposition—affordable quality, an internationally appealing menu, and a proven track record in one of the world’s most competitive regions. Our menu is also highly adaptable to local tastes—for example, introducing a spicy sambal chicken wrap in Malaysia or a peri-peri twist for the UK market. Backed by robust, world-class systems and scalable processes, we’re ready to grow with the right partners globally.
What are the priority countries/territories you are looking to develop?
Our immediate priority markets include the MENA region—specifically the GCC, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco—followed by key South Asian markets such as India, Malaysia and Indonesia. In the longer term, we aim to expand into strategic Western markets, with the UK and US firmly on our roadmap.
Why have you identified these countries and/territories as a top priority?
These markets have been prioritised based on strong consumer demand for authentic, homegrown halal brands that blend regional relevance with global standards. Our research and on-ground insights—gathered through recent visits, franchise expos, and trade missions—reveal a growing appetite for brands like KUDU.
Over the past 2–3 years, international political shifts and evolving consumer preferences have prompted investors to reassess their portfolios, moving beyond traditional US chains to embrace regional concepts from the Middle East, South Korea, and beyond—brands that connect more meaningfully with local audiences. This trend aligns perfectly with our international franchising model, enabling us to offer partners a differentiated, scalable brand backed by cultural authenticity, operational excellence, and strong commercial appeal.
What are the main qualifications and capabilities you are looking for in a master franchisee or area developer?
While we expect the fundamentals—experience in F&B and franchising, access to prime real estate, and sufficient capital—what matters most to us is the strength of the partnership. We’re looking for master franchisees who share our long-term vision, values, and passion for building something truly special.
We believe KUDU is a unique brand with strong potential, and we’re highly selective in choosing partners who can represent it with integrity, commitment, and a genuine sense of ownership. In return, we provide world-class support—including comprehensive training, operational guidance, and a collaborative approach—to ensure our partners are equipped for long-term success.
How long does it typically take to finalize an agreement once you find a qualified and capable master franchisee or area developer for a new market?
The timeline largely depends on how quickly we establish alignment and chemistry with the potential partner. Once we’ve found a qualified and like-minded master franchisee who shares our values and vision, the process typically takes around 3 to 6 months. This includes essential pre-agreement steps such as market visits, joint business planning, and alignment on territory strategy. We take the time needed to build a strong, long-term partnership—not just to close a deal.
Once you finalize an agreement, how long does it take for the market entry planning before you launch the business in a new market?
Once an agreement is finalised, the timeline to launch depends on local factors such as site selection, permits, and supply chain setup. From our side, we’re fully engaged throughout—providing hands-on support via our international network to accelerate the process. Pre-opening training at our KUDU Academy takes approximately 2 months. With the right alignment, the first opening should not take longer than 6 months. We also work closely with our partners on a high-impact launch campaign—covering PR, influencer engagement, and local marketing—to ensure strong market entry and visibility from day one.
Any advice you can share with parties who are interested in getting into franchising by acquiring rights for a local or international franchise?
Take your time. Take your time to study the market. Take your time to understand the brand—its systems, support, and long-term value. Franchising is a serious commitment, not a shortcut to quick wins. Avoid falling for viral, hype-driven concepts with no depth. Do your homework, invest in the right people, and build a strong, collaborative relationship with the franchisor. That’s the foundation for lasting success.
Any additional information you would like to share about your brand and your international expansion plans?
KUDU is more than a restaurant—it’s a proudly homegrown Saudi brand with a 37-year legacy of quality, innovation, and customer trust. As we expand internationally, our goal is to share that legacy with new markets through carefully selected partners who believe in long-term value creation. With a flexible model, world-class support, and a proven track record, we’re ready to bring KUDU to the global stage—starting with MENA and Asia, and moving into the UK and US in the near future.
If you’re a serious operator looking to grow with a purpose-driven brand that blends heritage with opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
Only that we’re not looking for volume—we’re looking for the right partners. For us, international growth is not just about scale, but about building meaningful, sustainable partnerships that reflect our values. If that resonates, we’d love to have a conversation.
To know more about KUDU, click https://worldfranchisecentre.com/franchise/kudu/
