Wayback Burgers opened it newest store in Khartoum, Sudan. It is the chain’s first outpost in the Northern African country and the first American chain to break into the market. Franchise owner Mansour Omer Mansour Manna purchased the rights to develop seven restaurants in the Sudan.
Late last year, the U.S. lifted sanctions against Sudan after nearly two decades of embargo. Until now, the citizens of Khartoum had local restaurants that mimicked some popular U.S. brands, but now that sanctions have lifted, the country is likely to see more outside development.
Abdulrahman Alieedan, vice chairman of Topaz MENA, Wayback Burgers’ master franchisee for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, says he is proud to bring the first American brand to Sudan. “We have been working hard and are very happy with the growth of our new restaurants in the MENA region with locations in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and our next one opening next month in Kuwait.”
Wayback Burgers in Khartoum, Sudan
“The Sudanese population is new to the fast-casual concept,” said Yasser Ibrahim, CEO of Topaz MENA. “After spending years evaluating opportunities in Sudan and the last three weeks training Mansour Manna and his team members, I am thrilled about what we can accomplish in the country.”
Wayback Burgers’ Director of International Development Jason Murawski is excited about the growth in the MENA region. Yasser Ibrahim and his team plan to open new restaurants through selling area developer agreements in areas throughout MENA.
Wayback Burgers entered the Morroco market last November and currently operates in 28 states with more than 148 locations and internationally including in Argentina, Brunei, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Wayback Burgers plans to open in 37 provinces/countries in the Middle East, Northern Africa, South Africa, Argentina, Pakistan, Brunei, Bangladesh, Canada and the Netherlands.