Following the lead of other ambitious mid-sized burger brands who’ve expanded to Asia and the Middle East, another US chain, Fatburger, has signed a deal that will see its logo become a strong presence in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.
Fatburger is the latest American burger company to devise ambitious expansion plans beyond its borders, after Shake Shack and Smashburger -- all brands that boast cult-like followings and divided loyalties among fans.
According to industry publication Nation’s Restaurant News, the Beverly Hills-based company has signed a partnership with investment bank Puji Capital Limited, which will help the burger chain scout real estate opportunities and franchise partners. Under the agreement, Fatburger is expected to open hundreds of new locations across Asia over the next several years.
Currently, there are four Fatburger locations in Beijing and Macau. The brand also operates in Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Korea.
All told, the company will end the year with 150 international outposts, reports NRN, while another 225 are in development.
Fatburger pitches itself on its fat, hefty burgers which weigh in at anywhere between 2.5 oz to 24 oz (70-680 g).
The burger boom, meanwhile, sees no signs of slowing abroad, as the trend continues to enjoy soaring popularity among foreign palates.
Earlier this year, Denver-based chain Smashburger announced plans to add 50 to 70 locations in the Middle East, Canada and Latin America.
And popular New York City burger joint Shake Shack also recently opened its first international outposts in Dubai and Kuwait City.
