Franchising

Umami Burger opens 28th location, 100 more planned

May 8, 2020

Umami Burger is opening the first of five locations in the Middle East, slated for Doha, which will mark its 28th location.

The expansion is in partnership with Innovation Lab Qatar Group, and the brand plans to open 100 more around the world in the next five years, according to a press release.

The brand, owned by sbe, a leading international hospitality group, said the Doha store, which features both indoor and outdoor seating will launch with a temporary delivery-only model. 

"I am extremely proud to bring the Umami brand to Qatar and to partner with Innovation Lab Qatar and the incredible founder/CEO, Mohammed Al Suwaidi. This announcement is part of our strong international growth that will bring the brand to Latin America, Europe, and the Pacific region. Doha is a very important city for sbe, with the opening of the 270 room Mondrian Doha having been a tremendous success," Sam Nazarian, founder and CEO of sbe, said in the release.

This news comes on the heels of Umami Burger's New York City expansion into a midtown ghost kitchen space operated by C3, a subsidiary of sbe.

Umami expects to launch more New York City concepts, including a full-service concept in the heart of Midtown and another within Citizens' Food Hall in collaboration with Brookfield Properties and C3.