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{{Infobox company
| name = Kout Food Group K.S.C.C.
| logo = Kout Food Group logo.webp
| caption =
| trading_name = <!-- d/b/a/, doing business as - if different from legal name above -->
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| area_served = {{Flatlist|
*[[Kuwait]]
*[[Iraqi Kurdistan|Kurdistan-Iraq]]
*[[Jordan]]
*[[Lebanon]]
Line 27:
*[[United Arab Emirates]]
}}
| key_people = Fadwa Al-Homaizi (Chairwoman)
| products =
| production =
| brands =
| services =
| revenue =
Line 41 ⟶ 42:
| parent =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| subsid = [[Little Chef]], [[Happy Eater]], [[Coffee Tempo!]]
| website = {{URL|kfgkoutfood.jobscom}}
| footnotes =
| intl =
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}}
 
'''Kout Food Group K.S.C.C.''' is a [[Kuwait]]i-based [[conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]], founded in 1982, operating in Kuwait, [[Jordan]], [[Lebanon]], [[Morocco]], the [[QatarUnited Arab Emirates]], [[Iraqi Kurdistan|Kurdistan-IraqQatar]], the [[UnitedIraqi Arab EmiratesKurdistan|Iraq]], and formerly in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kout Food Group|url=https://www.kfg.jobs/en/page/our-brands/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=www.kfg.jobs|language=en}}</ref> The business also offer catering services, import and export of food related items, representation of foreign companies as well as advising others in such businesses.
 
== History ==
The group have created many of its own intellectual properties, and in August 2013 acquired the UK [[Little Chef]] restaurant chain alongside the trademarks for the former [[Happy Eater]] and [[Coffee Tempo!]] brands, purchased from private-equity firm RCapital for £15 million.<ref>{{Cite web|last=bighospitality.co.uk|title=Little Chef brand to remain following sale to Kout Food Group|url=https://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Article/2013/08/05/Little-Chef-sold-to-Kout-Food-Group|access-date=2021-11-05|website=bighospitality.co.uk|language=en-GB}}</ref> In January 2017, [[Euro Garages]] purchased the restaurants used by the Little Chef chain, which it would then convert into its own brands by 2018, with Kout Food Group retaining the ownership of the Little Chef brand.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Media|first=Insider|title=Little Chef sites sold to Euro Garages|url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/little-chef-sites-sold-to-euro-garages|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Insider Media Ltd|language=en}}</ref> Following the sale of its other UK franchises and restaurants, the group no longer trades in the United Kingdom, and its Little Chef, Happy Eater and Coffee Tempo! brands are now registered in [[Kuwait]] under the parent company.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Search for a trade mark - Intellectual Property Office|url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmowner/page/search?id=1669494&domain=1&app=0&mark=UK00001285971|access-date=2022-02-19|website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk|language=en}}</ref>
 
=== BrandsKuwait ===
In 1982, the group was originally known as Al-Nowair Foodstuff Company, and operated in [[Kaifan]] as 'Bugsbunny', as well as having a franchise agreement with [[Pizza Hut]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kout Food Group |url=https://www.kfg.jobs/en/page/our-brands/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.kfg.jobs |language=en}}</ref> In 1984, the name of the restaurant chain was changed to 'Hungry Bunny', and in the year following the parent company's name was changed to Al-Homaizi Foodstuff Co. By 1990, there were 35 Hungry Bunny locations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-30 |title=Sout Al Kout Issue #1 by Kout Food Group - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/koutfood/docs/sout_al_kout |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=issuu.com |language=en}}</ref> Later in 1990, the group's Hungry Bunny locations were badly damaged in the [[Iraqi invasion of Kuwait]]. In 1991, the restaurants would be rebuilt.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-30 |title=Sout Al Kout Issue #1 by Kout Food Group - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/koutfood/docs/sout_al_kout |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=issuu.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
In 1997, the group acquired the [[Burger King]] franchise for Kuwait, rebranding the existing Hungry Bunny restaurants by 1998, and eventually growing to 61 locations across the country by June 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Kout |url=https://www.alkout.com/en/Dine-items/1676/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=KidZania |date=2017-10-11 |title=Burger King joins hands with KidZania Kuwait |url=https://medium.com/kidzania-journal/burger-king-joins-hands-with-kidzania-kuwait-7c93db3d75f8 |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=KidZania Journal |language=en}}</ref> In 1999, the group acquired the [[Applebee's]] Kuwaiti franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kout Food Group |url=https://www.kfg.jobs/en/page/our-brands/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.kfg.jobs |language=en}}</ref> In 2004, the group opened its own chain, Burj Al-Hamam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kout Food Group |url=https://www.kfg.jobs/en/page/our-brands/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.kfg.jobs |language=en}}</ref> In 2005, a corporate restructure meant that Al-Homaizi Foodstuff Company became a subsidiary of Kout Food Group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=KidZania |date=2017-10-11 |title=Burger King joins hands with KidZania Kuwait |url=https://medium.com/kidzania-journal/burger-king-joins-hands-with-kidzania-kuwait-7c93db3d75f8 |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=KidZania Journal |language=en}}</ref> In 2007, Kout Food Group went public, becoming a subsidiary of the Al-Homaizi Company. In 2010, the group began a franchise agreement with [[Taco Bell]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kout Food Group |url=https://www.kfg.jobs/en/page/our-brands/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.kfg.jobs |language=en}}</ref>
=== Intellectual properties<ref>{{Cite web|title=Careers at Kout Food Group - Kout Food Group|url=https://www.kfg.jobs/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.kfg.jobs|language=en}}</ref> ===
 
In September 2021, the group opened a new 16,000-square-metre warehouse in Sulaibiya.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |date=2021-06-24 |title=KFG opens largest DC in Kuwait |url=https://www.globaltrailermag.com/2021/06/24/kfg-opens-largest-dc-in-kuwait/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=Global Trailer |language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2022, [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]] agreed to a master franchise agreement with the group in Kuwait.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-09 |title=Pizza Hut opens first unit in Iraq |url=https://www.nrn.com/international/pizza-hut-opens-first-unit-iraq |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Nation's Restaurant News |language=en}}</ref> In August 2022, the group was awarded the BRC Global Standard certificate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |title=Kout Food Group is the first in Kuwait to be awarded BRCGS certificate for high-quality storage & distribution practices |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/kout-food-group-is-the-first-in-kuwait-to-be-awarded-brcgs-certificate-for-high-quality-storage-and-distribution-practices-e0e9o6xx |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.zawya.com |language=en}}</ref> In April 2023, the group opened Pizza Hut, Burger King and Subway at [[Kuwait International Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jazeera Terminal 5 introduces new multi-million dollar upgrades {{!}} Times Aerospace |url=https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/airports/jazeera-terminal-5-introduces-new-multi-million-dollar-upgrades |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.timesaerospace.aero}}</ref> In May 2023, the group announced an agreement with [[IHOP]], to incorporate IHOP concessions in its Applebee's locations in Kuwait.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mark |date=2023-05-19 |title=iHop is back in Kuwait and now with Kout Food Group |url=https://248am.com/mark/food/ihop-is-back-in-kuwait-and-now-with-kout-food-group/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=2:48AM - Everything Kuwait |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Ayyame
* Fol O’Yasmine
* Melting Point
* ScoopAcone
 
==== DefunctUnited propertiesArab Emirates and Qatar ====
In 2012, the group announced it would expand into the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-13 |title=Kout Food to launch units in UAE, Qatar, Iraq |url=https://english.mubasher.info/news/2138063/Kout-Food-to-launch-units-in-UAE-Qatar-Iraq/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=english.mubasher.info |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Iraq ===
* Café Licious
In April 2014, the group opened the first Pizza Hut location in [[Iraq]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-09 |title=Pizza Hut opens first unit in Iraq |url=https://www.nrn.com/international/pizza-hut-opens-first-unit-iraq |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Nation's Restaurant News |language=en}}</ref> In April and June 2015, the group opened the second and third Pizza Hut locations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-03 |title=2nd issue Sout Al Kout Newsletter by Kout Food Group - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/koutfood/docs/2d_issue_final_pdf_ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=issuu.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Cha Cha Moon (fully acquired in 2012)
* Chi Wok
*[[Coffee Tempo!]] (acquired in 2013)
* [[Happy Eater]] (acquired in 2013)
*Kitchen Italia (fully acquired in 2011)
* [[Little Chef]] (acquired in 2013)
*Maison Blanc (acquired in 2007)
*Shi Chang
 
== Former operations ==
=== Franchisees (present)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Careers at Kout Food Group - Kout Food Group|url=https://www.kfg.jobs/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.kfg.jobs|language=en}}</ref> ===
 
=== United Kingdom ===
* [[Applebee's]]
In July 2005, the group entered the UK market as a franchisee of [[Burger King]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=BKUK FLAME LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05501116 |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> In November 2007, the group acquired the [[Maison Blanc]] bakery chain of stores and its Park Royal production facility, rescuing it from Lyndale Foods who later collapsed into administration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=2009-05-08T00:00:00+01:00 |title=Raymond Blanc to relaunch Maison Blanc patisserie chain |url=https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/raymond-blanc-to-relaunch-maison-blanc-patisserie-chain/612162.article |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=British Baker |language=en}}</ref> In May 2008, alongside [[Alan Yau]], it would create the fast-casual [[Chinese food|Chinese noodle bar]] concept, Cha Cha Moon; which opened its inaugural location in London's Kingly Court.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alan Yau's Cha Cha Moon's food slated by critic |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/news/alan-yaus-cha-cha-moons-food-slated-by-critic |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=The Caterer |language=En}}</ref> A second Cha Cha Moon location was attempted in the declining [[Whiteleys|Whiteleys Shopping Centre]], however it was later transformed into Cafe Licious, Chi Wok and Pasta Rossa in an attempt to attract a wider audience.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disposal of Kitchen Italia restaurant business – Coffer Corporate Leisure |url=https://www.coffercorporate.com/transaction/disposal-of-kitchen-italia-restaurant-business/ |access-date=2022-08-31 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Later in 2008, Kout opened its fast-casual [[Italian cuisine|Italian dining]] concept Kitchen Italia brand in the [[Westfield Shopping Centre]] and [[Covent Garden]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disposal of Kitchen Italia restaurant business – Coffer Corporate Leisure |url=https://www.coffercorporate.com/transaction/disposal-of-kitchen-italia-restaurant-business/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Its Kitchen Italia projects would cease in March 2013 citing low trade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KITCHEN ITALIA RESTAURANTS LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06521839 |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Burger King]]
 
*Burj Al Hamam
In June 2012, the group added [[KFC]] to its UK portfolio, acquiring a number of locations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SCOTCO ONE FOUR FIVE LIMITED filing history - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00930481/filing-history?page=2 |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> In August 2013, the group acquired the [[Little Chef]] restaurant chain, alongside the trademarks for the former [[Happy Eater]] and [[Coffee Tempo!]] brands, purchased from private-equity firm RCapital for £15 million. The group were reported to be the only bidder who wanted to retain the Little Chef brand, as other bidders wanted to redevelop the sites.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-05 |title=RCapital sells Little Chef chain to Kout Food Group |url=https://www.scotsman.com/business/rcapital-sells-little-chef-chain-kout-food-group-1565662 |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=www.scotsman.com |language=en}}</ref> This purchase also included a number of Burger King locations which were attached to the Little Chef properties, with the group continuing to add Burger King and [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]] locations to the sites after its purchase. In 2013 and 2014, the group acquired a number of [[Costa Coffee]] franchises.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-15 |title=Little Chef owner Kout Food Group snaps up... |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/news/restaurant/little-chef-owner-kout-food-group-snaps-up-south-west-coffee |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=The Caterer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farnsworth |first=John |date=2014-08-12 |title=Coffee Snobs Limited Sold to Kout Food Group |url=https://www.pkfsmithcooper.com/news-insights/coffee-snobs-limited-sold-to-kout-food-group/ |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=PKF Smith Cooper |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2016, it trademarked the name Shi Chang, but did not use it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search for a trade mark - Intellectual Property Office |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00915488588 |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>
*Kabab-ji
 
* [[Pizza Hut]]
In January 2016, the group began to show signs of leaving the UK, first by closing its Whiteleys location, and then selling Cha Cha Moon's Kingly Court building lease later that September.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-05 |title=Eating & Drinking |url=http://www.whiteleys.com/dining |access-date=2023-01-08 |archive-date=2016-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105085850/http://www.whiteleys.com/dining |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-26 |title=Original Cha Cha Moon restaurant for sale |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/news/restaurant/original-cha-cha-moon-restaurant-for-sale |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=The Caterer |language=en}}</ref> In December 2016, there were talks [[Patisserie Valerie]] would purchase Maison Blanc from Kout Food Group, however these talks fell through, with Maison Blanc closing down completely a few months later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=2016-12-02T16:04:43.803 |title=Patisserie Holdings in talks to acquire Maison Blanc |url=https://www.mca-insight.com/finance/patisserie-holdings-in-talks-to-acquire-maison-blanc/545673.article |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=MCA Insight |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-10 |title=Maison Blanc Has Closed |url=https://www.henleyherald.com/2017/03/10/maison-blanc-closed/ |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=Henley Herald |language=en-GB}}</ref> In February 2017, [[EuroGarages|Euro Garages]] purchased the locations used by the Little Chef chain, which it would then convert into its own partner brands by October 2018, with Kout Food Group retaining ownership of the Little Chef brand.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Media|first=Insider|title=Little Chef sites sold to Euro Garages|url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/little-chef-sites-sold-to-euro-garages|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Insider Media Ltd|language=en}}</ref> In September 2017, the group sold its KFC franchises to The Herbert Group.<ref>{{Cite news |title=KFC tycoon is set to create 100 jobs and open a further 27 fast food units |language=en-GB |work=belfasttelegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/jobs/kfc-tycoon-is-set-to-create-100-jobs-and-open-a-further-27-fast-food-units-36168152.html |access-date=2022-08-31 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> In February 2019, its production facility in Park Royal was sold to Joe and Seph's.<ref>{{Citation |title=Maison Blanc - Walkthrough |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_XUkBnfTHE |language=en |access-date=2022-12-24}}</ref> In January 2020, the group sold its remaining Burger King locations to BK UK, and then left the UK market completely in August 2020 by selling off its Costa Coffee franchises to Gerry's Offshore UK.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gerry's - Local Expertise, Global Vision |url=https://gerrys.com.pk/news/ccstores.html |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=gerrys.com.pk}}</ref> Its defunct UK brands, such as Little Chef and Maison Blanc, are now registered in Kuwait under the main parent company.
* [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]]
* [[Taco Bell]]
 
== References ==
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== External links ==
* [https://www.kfgkoutfood.jobscom Kout Food Group (officialOfficial website)]
* {{OpenCorp|Kout Food Group}}
 
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[[Category:Pizza Hut]]
[[Category:Kuwaiti companies established in 1982]]
 
 
{{Kuwait-stub}}
{{Asia-company-stub}}kout.
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