Turkish chains eyeing to open branches abroad

With an aim to establish their local success on institutionalization in international arena, famous Turkish food and beverage chains have rolled up their sleeves to open new branches abroad and flourish Turkish cuisine globally.

"The number of restaurant chains targeting to expand overseas has risen by 100 percent compared to last year, and we support them," said Ramazan Bingöl, the head of All Restaurants and Tourism Professionals Association (TÜRES).

The economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has not ended entirely worldwide. But, the easing of measures and the decline in numbers of infection cases have reminded Turkish restaurant trademarks to "reconsider their investment plans abroad," with "Happy Moon's" being one of them.

According to its official website, the restaurant chain aims to open more than 20 restaurants abroad. Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt are its target countries in the Middle East. The company eyes Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Chechya and Hungary as new countries to invest in the eastern Europe. Nine restaurants in seven U.S. states are other targets of the company.

"This fall, we will open our first branch abroad in London. We will also open 15 restaurants in Turkey. We have not seen this year's economic growth in our 20 years of business," said Hüseyin Aymutlu, the head of the Happy Moon's Group.

The Develi Group has turned its eye especially on the Arab countries. "Turkey has especially been making efforts in the field of gastronomy in the latest years," Develi Group board memeber Nuri Develi said, adding that "the interest of people in the Arab countries on Turkish cuisine is growing day by day."

"The representation of Turkish cuisine abroad is a positive move...