Diamond Lifestyle, the food and beverage private equity unit of Al Masah Capital, has acquired Al Faris Restaurant, a UAE-based restaurant company that owns and operates the franchise of Johnny Rockets in Oman and the UAE.

Johnny Rockets is an international restaurant franchise established almost 30 years ago in the US state of California. The restaurants offer all-day dining, serving hamburgers, chicken and steak sandwiches, appetizers, fries, salads, shakes and desserts.

Shailesh Dash, founder and CEO of Al Masah Capital and chairman of Diamond Lifestyle said: “Owning a global and reputable brand such as Johnny Rockets enhances our strategic profile and provides our company with a concrete foundation to reap the benefits of the lucrative hamburger market in the region. We are delighted to have added another landmark transaction to our rapidly growing portfolio of brands.”

Amitava Ghosal, partner of Al Masah Capital and director of Diamond Lifestyle said: “Our acquisition of Al Faris Restaurant complements our vision and further strengthens our platform offerings and extends our presence into the casual food-service market. We look forward to expanding the Johnny Rockets footprint in the UAE and Oman.”

“We are pleased to join forces with Al Masah Capital, a highly regarded partner who shares our vision and commitment to the Mena region. We are confident that this partnership will further promote the Johnny Rockets brand and expand our reach to customers wishing to indulge in our original, legendary hamburger experience,” said Scott Chorna, senior vice president of International Development for Johnny Rockets.

Al Faris Restaurant launched its first Johnny Rockets restaurant in the UAE in 1996 in Jumeirah, Dubai. Today, Al Faris operates 14 restaurants across the UAE of which eight are in Dubai, four in Abu Dhabi and two in Ras Al Khaimah. – TradeArabia News Service