Americana Restaurants Acquires Malak Al Tawouk for Regional Expansion
Lebanese beloved Malak Al Tawouk is heading into a new era of regional expansion after signing a landmark deal that gives Americana Restaurants International exclusive rights to grow the brand across much of the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia for the next 75 years.
The agreement also includes the purchase of existing franchise operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Founded in Jounieh in 1996, Malak Al Tawouk built a loyal following with its signature grilled chicken tawouk sandwich and expanded across the region, with outlets across the Gulf, Europe, and Canada. The new deal formally brings the brand into Americana’s portfolio as it enters the Arabic quick‑service restaurant segment and seeks broader growth across 13 markets.
Americana Restaurants International, listed on both the Saudi and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, is one of the largest restaurant operators in the region, with thousands of outlets under global brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s and Krispy Kreme. The Malak Al Tawouk acquisition, valued at around $20.8 million, underscores the company’s strategy to diversify into authentic regional concepts.
While many welcomed the acquisition as a chance to bring Malak Al Tawouk to more markets, some social media users raised concerns over Americana’s ownership of global brands targeted by boycott campaigns, including chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Hardee’s. In fact, the company saw its net profit fall 38.8% in 2024 to $158.7 million, while revenues dropped 9% to $2.19 billion from $2.41 billion in 2023.
Even though Malak Al Tawouk remains a beloved Lebanese brand, some users worry about supporting it under a parent company that owns BDS‑targeted franchises.
