When people think of franchising, the food industry is usually the first sector that comes to mind. From casual dining restaurants to quick-service concepts and dessert cafés, food franchises represent one of the largest and most recognized segments of global franchising.
For investors and operators, the sector offers a wide spectrum of opportunities—from high-investment global restaurant brands to scalable fast-casual and specialty concepts. Today, many international brands are expanding aggressively into emerging markets through master franchise and multi-unit partnerships.
VF Franchise Consulting works with a curated portfolio of international F&B brands seeking qualified partners across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. These concepts represent different segments of the foodservice market, offering diverse investment levels and growth models.
Founded in London in 1965, PizzaExpress has become one of the most recognizable pizza restaurant brands worldwide. The concept combines a full-service dining experience with modern omnichannel operations including dine-in, delivery, and retail products sold in thousands of supermarkets.
With hundreds of restaurants globally and continued international expansion plans, PizzaExpress offers investors the opportunity to develop premium casual dining locations in major cities and lifestyle destinations.
Key Highlights:
60+ years of brand heritage
Strong global brand recognition
Multi-channel revenue model (restaurant + retail)
Ideal for prime urban and mall locations
AseerTime is a fast-growing juice and dessert brand that originated in the Middle East. Since its founding in 2011, the concept has expanded from a single store in Kuwait to hundreds of locations across multiple continents.
The brand focuses on fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, and modern dessert creations—categories that continue to see strong growth among younger consumers.
Key Highlights:
288+ locations across 15 countries
Trend-driven juice and dessert concept
Strong appeal to Gen Z and millennials
Flexible store formats for malls and high-traffic areas
Farouj Abo El Abd brings the bold flavors of Lebanese street cuisine to international markets. Inspired by traditional recipes and Lebanese folklore culture, the concept combines fast-casual service with authentic Middle Eastern dishes such as shawarma, grilled chicken, and signature spice blends.
The brand’s modern store format and culturally distinctive menu make it an attractive concept for markets where Middle Eastern cuisine is gaining popularity.
Key Highlights:
Authentic Lebanese culinary heritage
Signature halal ingredients and spice blends
Fast-casual restaurant model
Rapid international expansion potential
Originating in Seoul’s Hongdae district, Abiko Curry specializes in Japanese-style curry dishes customized to individual spice levels and toppings. The brand has grown to over 130 locations, making it one of the most recognized curry restaurant chains in Korea.
Abiko’s focused menu and efficient kitchen model allow operators to maintain strong margins while delivering consistent quality.
Key Highlights:
130+ locations
Customizable curry menu
Proven Asian dining concept
Efficient operations and scalable model
Food franchises continue to dominate the franchising landscape due to their strong consumer demand and operational scalability. In many markets, restaurant franchises represent a major portion of franchise employment and business establishments.
Several factors continue to drive growth in the sector:
1. Consistent Consumer Demand
Food is a universal need, making restaurants relatively resilient even during economic fluctuations.
2. Strong Brand Recognition
Established restaurant brands offer built-in customer awareness and standardized operating systems.
3. Operational Systems & Support
Franchise networks provide structured training, supply chains, marketing support, and operational playbooks.
4. Global Expansion Opportunities
International brands increasingly rely on master franchise partners to accelerate growth across new markets.
Through its global advisory platform, VF Franchise Consulting connects qualified investors with international franchise opportunities across food & beverage, education, fitness, and retail sectors.
With a curated portfolio of proven brands and a focus on strategic markets across Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, investors gain access to expansion opportunities that are typically available only through professional franchise brokerage networks.
