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FAT Brands aquires Yalla

December 4, 2018 by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

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FAT Brands has acquired Yalla Mediterranean, a seven-unit fast casual chain specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. With this acquisition, Yalla — based in Los Angeles — joins FAT Brands' portfolio of brands, including Fatburger, Buffalo's Café, Buffalo's Express, Hurricane Grill  Wings, and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses.

"This brand meets our core values — Fresh, Authentic, Tasty — we believe the healthy Mediterranean space has significant white space to grow franchise development," FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said in an interview with FastCasual.

Wiederhorn said he intends to not only keep the Yalla branding but will also open additional locations in the coming year. Yalla CEO Michael Goldberg will stay on as president and COO, and Wiederhorn will serve as the brand's CEO. 

Since acquiring Yalla, FAT Brands now operates more than 300 restaurants and has more than 300 additional restaurants under development in 32 countries with annual system-wide sales of more than $300 million.

Yalla isn't the only Mediterranean fast casual brand recently purchased by another brand. Cava Grill acquiredZoes Kitchen last month for $300 million.

FAT Brands did not disclose terms of the Yalla purchase. 

About Cherryh Cansler

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Cherryh Cansler is Publisher of FastCasual.com and Vice President of Connect Food. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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