UK’s Giraffe Concepts signs MidEast expansion deal

Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR), a subsidiary of Dubai’s Emirates Group, has signed a deal with British restaurant outlet Giraffe Concepts to introduce the brand into the Middle East. The restaurant chain will open its first outlet outside the UK as part of the franchise deal. "We are delighted to announce the international expansion of Giraffe and our first launch outside of the UK. We have been searching for the right partner for about five years and chosen carefully to find the right fit for us,” said Russel Joffe, co-founder of Giraffe. “As experienced multi-unit franchisees, ELR are the perfect partner to represent the brand going forward in the UAE and the Middle East. We see it as a natural step forward for the business as we look to grow our international presence for the first time," he added. ELR operates a number of restaurant franchises across the Gulf, including The Noodle House, Costa, BidiBondi and Apres bar and restaurant in the Mall of the Emirates. From Arabian Business