Just Falafel Makes U.S. Debut

We reported back in February that Just Falafel was preparing to expand into North America, and in June, the UAE-based quick-serve chain opened its first stores in the U.S. and Canada. The new San Francisco and Toronto outlets are the first of 168 franchised units slated to open in the two countries over the next five years under franchise agreements with different partners in New York, New Jersey, Kentucky and Los Angeles. Two Texas cities will see a 10-unit rollout as well.

The UAE chain has nearly 50 stores in nine countries and signed franchise agreements for more than 720 outlets in 18 countries. It has been expanding aggressively into European markets, including plans to open 57 outlets in Europe’s Benelux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.