Cloud kitchen and store-front operator, Kitch, has officially launched in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, after privately raising $15 million. 

Kitch offers tech-integrated, virtual restaurants and brick-and-mortar facilities for food brands looking to enter new markets as well as providing an option to diversify and scale their food delivery and customer engagement.

Founded by Walid Hajj, founder of Cravia, and Fahad Alhokair, Saudi entrepreneur and founder of Veda Holding, Kitch is set to open four cloud kitchens in Riyadh within the first quarter of 2021 and an additional 15 kitchens across the GCC in the rest of the year. Each cloud kitchen is equipped to house around 10 food concepts.

Walid Hajj, co-founder and CEO of Kitch, said: “We are thrilled to launch the region’s first hybrid cloud-kitchen and premium store-front operator, Kitch. Saudi Arabia and the UAE offer huge potential for this concept, and we are looking to be a part of an industry valued at over US$3 billion.

“Our operational value-chain model and carefully curated portfolio of brands will reimagine the restaurant experience, allowing consumers to enjoy high-quality food from the comfort and convenience of their homes, and at the same time provide food concept owners a platform to explore the market and increase their customer base beyond their physical locations.”

Kitch will offer an exclusive mix of new and existing brands in the region in addition to international franchises. The team will also test new restaurant concepts, menu items, and seasonal brands to deliver a differentiated customer experience. The company’s hybrid model will utilise all the operational efficiencies of the cloud kitchen business model as well as provide access to prime locations to set-up and expand the franchise presence.

Fahad Alhokair, co-founder of Kitch, said: “The food and beverages industry is ever evolving, and it has become more apparent this year. We are constantly on the lookout for new investment opportunities and we see a strong growth potential and bright future in the hybrid cloud-kitchen model of Kitch in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. We are looking to feature a diverse set of concepts to meet the changing trends and demographics that affect the F&B industry.”