Americana Restaurants has signed an exclusive development agreement with Taco Bell UK and Europe, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, to bring Taco Bell to the UAE, with plans for a phased expansion into additional GCC countries.
The agreement marks Americana Restaurants’ entry into the fast-growing Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant category and further expands its portfolio of international restaurant brands. It also builds on the company’s long-standing relationship with Yum! Brands, through which it already operates KFC and Pizza Hut across the region.
The UAE will be the first market where Taco Bell launches under the new partnership. Americana Restaurants and Taco Bell then plan to expand the brand into additional GCC markets through a phased rollout, with the aim of building a broader regional presence.
Taco Bell currently operates more than 9,000 restaurants globally, including over 1,200 restaurants across 40 markets outside the United States. The brand is known for its Mexican-inspired menu and has developed a strong following among younger consumers.
Americana Restaurants Chairman Mohamed Alabbar said the company intends to begin with Dubai, establish the brand in the market and subsequently scale Taco Bell across the UAE and wider GCC.
Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant said the UAE launch represents the next step in the brand’s international expansion, while Taco Bell International Managing Director Ankush Tuli described the UAE as a significant growth opportunity and highlighted Americana Restaurants’ regional operating experience.
The addition of Taco Bell further expands Americana Restaurants’ diversified brand portfolio, which already includes KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, Costa Coffee, Baskin Robbins and several other restaurant brands across its 12 countries of operation.
Source: Americana Restaurants
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or legal advice.
