The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Yolk Brands signs a multi-territory deal to expand Pickl across MENA with Sky Restaurants, leveraging their combined strengths for a strategic launch in Egypt, targeting both Cairo and Sahel. Pickl, the Dubai-born, multi-award-winning burger brand, is set to further its international expansion through a multi-territory deal to open more than 30 sites with franchise partner Sky Restaurants. Egypt, KSA, and Kuwait have all been confirmed to launch by 2025. Since launching in the UAE in 2019, Pickl has experienced unprecedented growth. It operates 17 locations across the UAE, two locations in Bahrain, and one in Qatar.

Sky Restaurants is set to bring Pickl to Egypt in a matter of months. Three locations will open in Sahel this summer: Hacienda White, NorthSquare Mall in New Alamein, and Seashell. Another venue in Park Street, Sheikh Zayed City, is expected to open later in September. Pickl has captivated burger enthusiasts with a menu comprising preservative-free, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free beef and fried chicken. The brand’s popularity has surged among food connoisseurs, earning it titles such as Best Burger at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2022 and 2023 and Best Fried Chicken and Restaurant of the Year at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2022 and 2023.

Pickl’s customizable ‘Bespoke’ cheeseburgers have become hallmarks of the brand, alongside its iconic Chicken Sando. Customers can not only choose from a variety of sauces and toppings, but also select their spice level of choice. Also on the menu are Pickl’s signature cheeseburgers, including The Jeff, a huge hit in Dubai’s buzzing food scene. To finish, patrons can enjoy loaded fries or choose from a variety of “Gooder” milkshakes.

Sky Restaurants, an arm of Sky Investments, is excited to expand Pickl in the land of the pharaohs for the summer of 2024. This is just the beginning for Pickl in Egypt, with the team having big plans for the brand in the future.

Ahmed Hussein, Sky Investments Executive Vice President, said: “Pickl has achieved tremendous success in the UAE market, and we are incredibly excited to introduce the concept to the people of Egypt, KSA, and Kuwait.” Steve Flawith, Founder and CEO of Yolk Brands, the UAE-born hospitality group which owns Pickl, said: “As a brand that’s proud to be from the Middle East, we’re delighted that more people throughout the region will be able to enjoy Pickl’s award-winning burgers and fried chicken. Sky Restaurants has exciting plans to take the brand to three countries in a short period of time, and we’re looking forward to going on this journey together.”

Mohamed Ismail, CEO of Sky Restaurants, said: “We are thrilled to announce a milestone moment for our company as we officially unveil an exciting partnership with one of The region’s fastest-growing brands, Pickl, which has achieved massive success in the UAE. Pickl’s commitment to quality, innovation, and unparalleled dining experience aligns perfectly with our core values and vision. We are eager to leverage this partnership to bring the unique essence of Pickl to three of the region’s most vibrant markets Egypt, KSA and Kuwait.”

Currently operating eight outlets from four brands in Egypt, Sky Restaurants aims to become one of the region’s leading F&B businesses by opening 200 stores over the next five years, and Pickl is poised to play a key part in those plans. The first Pickl is set to open in Egypt’s capital city within three months. Ahmed Kamal, Sky Investments Investment Manager, said: “We’re excited to embark on this journey of introducing Pickl to Egypt, KSA, and Kuwait. Our choice of this brand stems from its exceptional quality and taste, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that greatly aligns with our vision for expansion and success.”

About Yolk Brands

Yolk Brands, established in early 2023, is an umbrella company that invests in and operates a growing portfolio of high-quality, industry-leading F&B brands. Brands in its portfolio include the widely successful Pickl, BonBird, 1762 and Southpour. Dedicated to founding, finding, and fostering the growth of quality homegrown food concepts, making it one of the biggest exporters of homegrown concepts in the region.

About Pickl

Pickl is a Dubai-born, award-winning burger brand that is passionate about serving fresh, high-quality food. The menu features preservative-free, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free beef, fried chicken, and plant-based burgers, as well as a variety of sides and milkshakes. Pickl has 19 locations across the UAE and Bahrain, with more opening soon across the region and beyond.

About Sky Restaurants

Sky Restaurants is part of Sky Investments, a family-owned conglomerate business operating in Egypt and the GCC. Sky Restaurants plans on opening 200 restaurants with diverse cuisines and brands across the region within the next five years. This ambitious expansion aims to satisfy the varied tastes of the local market and provide customers with a unique dining experience.