ARLINGTON Va. Elevation Burger, the five-unit chain specializing in organic burgers and fries cooked in olive oil, signed its first international franchise deal and plans to expand into the Middle East later this year.
Based here, the fast-casual burger brand struck a deal with Ali Ashkanani, who said he is scouting real estate sites in Kuwait as part of a multiunit agreement. He said he hopes to open his first location in Kuwait by mid-2010.
Hans Hess, founder and chief executive of Elevation Burger, said, "We believe the people of Kuwait will love our fresh, high-quality products and sustainable approach to business."
Ashkanani said he was "proud" to be the chain's first international franchisee and excited to "bring their tasty and healthier burgers to the Middle East."
Elevation Burger has five U.S. locations in Falls Church, Va.; Arlington, Va.; Austin, Texas; National Harbor, Md.; and Baltimore. The company also said it has more than 50 locations in development in Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York and Florida.
Contact Paul Frumkin at [email protected].
