Epik Foods, a leading F&B group operating over 60 brands across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, has successfully raised $15.5 million in private capital funding from Ruya Private Capital I LP, a fund managed by Abu Dhabi-based independent private credit firm Ruya Partners.
The funding milestone coincides with the group’s first anniversary, marking a significant step in its mission to redefine the regional F&B landscape. Officially launched in December 2023, Epik Foods was formed through the consolidation of KR&CO, Sweetheart Kitchen, and Happy Platter Kitchens, in partnership with Gulf Islamic Investments Group, a UAE-based Shariah-compliant financial services firm.
Today, Epik Foods oversees an extensive portfolio of brands, including Acai & Co, Poke & Co, Healthy & Co, Eats & Co, Training Day, Bagel & Co, Calculeat, Affordabowls, Chick’n Co, and Protein Powerhouse, across 50 locations in the region.
Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience
“2024 has been a year of milestones and challenges for Epik Foods,” said Khaled Fadly, Co-Founder and CEO, in an exclusive interview. “Navigating fluctuating consumer spending, managing rising costs, and overcoming supply chain disruptions tested our agility. Maintaining quality and consistency across diverse offerings while scaling required innovation and resilience.”
Despite these hurdles, Fadly expressed confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, citing its ability to integrate dine-in restaurants, catering, and meal plans into a cohesive ecosystem.
Strategic Growth Plans
The newly secured funding will be instrumental in fueling Epik Foods’ ambitious growth strategy. Plans include:
- Expansion into Saudi Arabia and new cities across the UAE.
- Opening 20 new locations, already in the pipeline.
- Growth of catering and meal plan divisions to meet rising demand.
- Investments in Epik Tech to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and convenience.
- Development of new brands and concepts, aligning with evolving consumer trends.
“The funds will be strategically allocated to fuel growth and deliver diverse, high-quality dining experiences,” said Ranya Basyuni, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer. “Our expansion initiatives reflect our commitment to innovation, quality, and creating exceptional culinary experiences.”
“Secret Sauce” to Success
A key factor in Epik Foods’ success lies in its ability to balance innovation with consistency, maintaining customer loyalty while introducing fresh concepts.
“Epik Foods’ ‘secret sauce’ lies in understanding, innovation, and consistency,” Fadly added. “By listening to customers and leveraging data-driven insights, we ensure our offerings resonate. We experiment with trend-forward dishes, embrace health-conscious eating, and enhance convenience through seamless experiences while maintaining unwavering quality.”
Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping 2025
As the regional F&B market evolves, Epik Foods is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends:
- Health-conscious dining: Aligning with the growing demand for balanced, nutritious meals.
- Technology adoption: Leveraging AI for personalization and real-time delivery tracking.
- Sustainability: Introducing eco-friendly packaging and waste-reduction initiatives.
“As we move into 2025, these trends will shape our operations and offerings,” Basyuni noted. “By expanding healthy options, embracing tech-driven personalization, and adopting sustainable practices, we aim to stay ahead and deliver exceptional value to customers.”
Insights for Aspiring F&B Entrepreneurs
In a message to budding entrepreneurs, the co-founders shared their key tips:
- Understand your market: Leverage data to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.
- Maintain operational excellence: Streamline processes to ensure quality and profitability.
- Present a clear vision: Build investor trust with a compelling growth strategy.
- Focus on customers: Deliver exceptional experiences while embracing innovation.
Epik Foods’ latest funding round underscores its resilience and commitment to growth, setting a strong foundation for its ambitious plans in the year ahead.
