Epik Foods: A Culinary Phoenix Rising with $15.5 Million Investment
November 21, 2024, 9:33 pm
Location: United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2020
In the heart of the Middle East, a culinary revolution is brewing. Epik Foods, a dynamic food and beverage group, has secured a significant $15.5 million investment from Ruya Partners. This funding marks a pivotal moment for the company, propelling its ambitious expansion plans across Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Founded just a year ago, Epik Foods is not just another player in the food industry. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of three distinct entities: KR&CO, Sweetheart Kitchen, and Happy Platter Kitchen. This merger, backed by Gulf Islamic Investments, has birthed a powerhouse that operates over 60 unique brands across 50 locations. The company’s portfolio includes innovative concepts like Acai & Co, Poke & Co, and Healthy & Co, catering to a diverse clientele with varied tastes.
The investment from Ruya Partners is more than just a financial boost. It’s a lifeline that will enable Epik Foods to scale its operations, enhance its offerings, and penetrate new markets. The funds will be strategically allocated to key acquisitions and the opening of 20 new locations, a move that signals Epik Foods’ intent to dominate the regional food scene.
Khaled Fadly, the co-founder and CEO of Epik Foods, describes 2024 as a year of milestones and challenges. The company has navigated a turbulent landscape marked by fluctuating consumer spending and rising costs. Yet, it has emerged resilient, maintaining quality and consistency across its diverse offerings. This adaptability is crucial in a competitive market where consumer preferences shift like sand dunes in the desert.
With the new capital, Epik Foods aims to enhance its multi-brand ecosystem. The company is not just about quick-service restaurants; it’s about creating a holistic dining experience. This includes catering services and meal plans that resonate with the health-conscious consumer. The focus on innovation is evident, as Epik Foods plans to invest in technology to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Ranya Basyuni, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs. The “secret sauce” of Epik Foods lies in its ability to blend innovation with consistency. By listening to customers and leveraging data-driven insights, the company anticipates trends and adapts its offerings accordingly. This approach fosters loyalty while keeping the brand fresh and relevant.
As Epik Foods looks to the future, several trends within the regional food and beverage market are particularly promising. The demand for health-conscious dining is on the rise, aligning perfectly with Epik Foods’ mission to provide balanced, nutritious meals. Technology is also reshaping the industry, with AI-driven personalization and real-time delivery tracking enhancing customer experiences. Sustainability is another key focus, as eco-friendly practices become increasingly important to consumers.
The partnership with Ruya Partners is a strategic move that reflects a shared vision for growth. Ruya Partners, an independent private credit fund management firm, specializes in bespoke funding solutions for mid-market companies in developing markets. Their commitment to supporting high-growth sectors in the GCC is evident in this investment, which is the fourth from their fund.
Omar Al Yawer, a partner at Ruya, highlights the diverse sectors in their portfolio, which now includes media, energy, fitness, and food. The firm’s experience in private capital across the region positions them as a valuable ally for Epik Foods as it scales its operations.
The investment is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a culinary legacy. Epik Foods is poised to redefine the dining landscape in the Middle East. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the company is ready to capture the immense potential in the region.
As 2025 approaches, Epik Foods is set to embark on a journey of growth and innovation. The company’s commitment to quality, customer engagement, and sustainability will be its guiding stars. With the wind at its back, Epik Foods is not just surviving; it’s thriving.
In a world where culinary trends come and go, Epik Foods stands as a beacon of resilience and creativity. The $15.5 million investment is a testament to its potential. As it expands its footprint across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Epik Foods is not just a participant in the food industry; it’s a leader, ready to shape the future of dining in the region.
The culinary phoenix is rising, and the world is watching.
Founded just a year ago, Epik Foods is not just another player in the food industry. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of three distinct entities: KR&CO, Sweetheart Kitchen, and Happy Platter Kitchen. This merger, backed by Gulf Islamic Investments, has birthed a powerhouse that operates over 60 unique brands across 50 locations. The company’s portfolio includes innovative concepts like Acai & Co, Poke & Co, and Healthy & Co, catering to a diverse clientele with varied tastes.
The investment from Ruya Partners is more than just a financial boost. It’s a lifeline that will enable Epik Foods to scale its operations, enhance its offerings, and penetrate new markets. The funds will be strategically allocated to key acquisitions and the opening of 20 new locations, a move that signals Epik Foods’ intent to dominate the regional food scene.
Khaled Fadly, the co-founder and CEO of Epik Foods, describes 2024 as a year of milestones and challenges. The company has navigated a turbulent landscape marked by fluctuating consumer spending and rising costs. Yet, it has emerged resilient, maintaining quality and consistency across its diverse offerings. This adaptability is crucial in a competitive market where consumer preferences shift like sand dunes in the desert.
With the new capital, Epik Foods aims to enhance its multi-brand ecosystem. The company is not just about quick-service restaurants; it’s about creating a holistic dining experience. This includes catering services and meal plans that resonate with the health-conscious consumer. The focus on innovation is evident, as Epik Foods plans to invest in technology to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Ranya Basyuni, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs. The “secret sauce” of Epik Foods lies in its ability to blend innovation with consistency. By listening to customers and leveraging data-driven insights, the company anticipates trends and adapts its offerings accordingly. This approach fosters loyalty while keeping the brand fresh and relevant.
As Epik Foods looks to the future, several trends within the regional food and beverage market are particularly promising. The demand for health-conscious dining is on the rise, aligning perfectly with Epik Foods’ mission to provide balanced, nutritious meals. Technology is also reshaping the industry, with AI-driven personalization and real-time delivery tracking enhancing customer experiences. Sustainability is another key focus, as eco-friendly practices become increasingly important to consumers.
The partnership with Ruya Partners is a strategic move that reflects a shared vision for growth. Ruya Partners, an independent private credit fund management firm, specializes in bespoke funding solutions for mid-market companies in developing markets. Their commitment to supporting high-growth sectors in the GCC is evident in this investment, which is the fourth from their fund.
Omar Al Yawer, a partner at Ruya, highlights the diverse sectors in their portfolio, which now includes media, energy, fitness, and food. The firm’s experience in private capital across the region positions them as a valuable ally for Epik Foods as it scales its operations.
The investment is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a culinary legacy. Epik Foods is poised to redefine the dining landscape in the Middle East. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the company is ready to capture the immense potential in the region.
As 2025 approaches, Epik Foods is set to embark on a journey of growth and innovation. The company’s commitment to quality, customer engagement, and sustainability will be its guiding stars. With the wind at its back, Epik Foods is not just surviving; it’s thriving.
In a world where culinary trends come and go, Epik Foods stands as a beacon of resilience and creativity. The $15.5 million investment is a testament to its potential. As it expands its footprint across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Epik Foods is not just a participant in the food industry; it’s a leader, ready to shape the future of dining in the region.
The culinary phoenix is rising, and the world is watching.