Flavours Across Borders

KLC Virtual Restaurant's Profitable Cloud Kitchen Expands in GCC

KLC Virtual Restaurants (KLC), a dynamic multi-brand virtual restaurant company, passionately caters to the diverse palates of the GCC region by delivering delicious cuisine from a wide array of culinary traditions. Recognising the growing demand for affordable yet high-quality food in the delivery market, KLC crafted virtual restaurants to bridge this gap and satisfy the evolving needs of online consumers. With over 50 virtual brands under its wing and a streamlined cloud kitchen model, KLC skillfully navigates the ever-changing appetites of its discerning customers.

Earlier this year, KLC Virtual Restaurants CEO Mubarak Jaffar and Managing Partner Mohammed AlBesharah spearheaded an extensive expansion strategy in the UAE. We connected with them to discover more about this ambitious plan.

KLC Virtual Restaurants is a pioneer in crafting and nurturing its inhouse brands, from brand conception to delivering delectable dishes to valued customers. Mubarak and Mohammed share their journey of venturing into a relatively untapped opportunity several years ago, driven by a desire to address the online market's unmet needs. As one of the region's early adopters, they introduced virtual brands and seamlessly operated them within their cloud kitchens. As a business in the food delivery industry, they have continuously adapted their models to align with evolving consumer behaviours, tastes, and trends. While their core objective of delivering quality food remains unchanged, they have adapted their approach to the region's growing online food delivery scene. With over 70 virtual brands spanning 15+ cuisines, customers now have many options. Shifting from smaller kitchens, KLC currently operates over 50 brands from larger cloud kitchens, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability.

KLC Virtual Restaurants operates with a vertically integrated approach, taking full control of the brand creation, development, execution, and operation processes. They exclusively focus on their own brands and do not engage in operating other brands or renting out kitchen space to external companies. With meticulous attention to detail, they oversee every aspect of the business, from brand creation and menu development to the seamless delivery of food to customers' doorsteps. Ensuring customer satisfaction is their top priority, and they have an in-house customer care center that operates around-the-clock across Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar. Each function within the company has its dedicated department to maintain exceptional quality and consistency. Brands undergo rigorous evaluation and refinement in the Creation and Development department, leveraging insights from the Business Intelligence department to analyse market trends and create menus that resonate with customers' preferences.

In an impressive feat, KLC Virtual Restaurants rapidly expanded its operations to the UAE and Qatar within 6-9 months. With a remarkable presence, they successfully operate over 70 brands spanning 15+ cuisines across four cloud kitchens in strategic delivery zones such as Motor City, Business Bay, and Media City. The UAE, being an international hub, perfectly aligns with the diverse range of culinary offerings they provide. Given their varied portfolio of brands, their entry into Dubai was a natural fit, thanks to the city's multicultural environment. KLC is exploring opportunities to expand into Abu Dhabi within the coming year, with plans to establish two additional hubs.