Croatian food chain Surf’n’Fries opens in Saudi Arabia

(Photo: Surf’n’Fries)

Two Mobile Shops Successfully Launched in Jeddah

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 2 July 2023 – Surf’n’Fries, the Croatian brand known for its unique combination of fries and exceptional packaging, has announced its entry into the Saudi Arabian market.

This milestone comes after signing a franchise agreement for Saudi Arabia, marking the brand’s first foray into this dynamic region.

Surf’n’Fries commenced operations in the city of Jeddah on 30 May 2024.

The franchise agreement for Saudi Arabia has been entrusted to Turki AlNowaiser, an experienced professional in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Mr AlNowaiser brings with him a wealth of experience, successfully managing several local restaurant chains and hotels within the hospitality industry. His expertise aligns perfectly with Surf’n’Fries’ commitment to quality and excellence, Surf’n’Fries said in a statement.

The expansion plan for Surf’n’Fries in Saudi Arabia will begin in Jeddah, with the long-term goal of establishing a presence throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the coming years. In the initial phase, key locations will be strategically selected, focusing on events that are suitable for the Surf’n’Fries concept.

The brand is also considering entry into stadiums, where Surf’n’Fries has already proven to be one of the most successful F&B concepts for large sporting events.

Following the initial phase, the potential for opening permanent locations will be explored, with a commitment to building a sustainable brand presence and avoiding the pitfalls of short-term trends. Surf’n’Fries aims to build a long-term relationship with the local market in KSA, ensuring its position as a leader in the fries and F&B segment, especially at events.

(Photo: Surf’n’Fries)

Andrija Čolak, founder of Surf’n’Fries, expressed his excitement about entering the Saudi Arabian market, particularly in such a significant country as KSA. He emphasized his satisfaction with partnering with a strong franchisee who not only understands the Surf’n’Fries brand culture but also shares the vision of quality and sustainable growth through long-term collaboration.

Key Market Insights:

Growth of Events in KSA: Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase in the number of events, with an annual growth rate of 12.5%. This trend is expected to continue, creating ample opportunities for Surf’n’Fries to establish a strong presence in event catering.

Sporting Events: KSA has experienced a rise in sporting events, with an annual increase of 15% over the last decade. The potential for F&B services at these events is enormous, and Surf’n’Fries is well-positioned to meet this demand.

(Photo: Surf’n’Fries)

Food and Beverage Industry in KSA: The F&B industry in Saudi Arabia has been growing steadily, with annual revenue growth of 9% over the past five years. This growth provides fertile ground for Surf’n’Fries to succeed.

Surf’n’Fries is dedicated to delivering its signature tasty fries with a unique twist to the Saudi market, building a strong and lasting presence that resonates with the local culture and audience. This exciting venture marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Surf’n’Fries journey, promising great potential in the heart of Saudi Arabia.