Yum Yum Tree

In 1995, a visionary founder, Adel Bukhowa, noticed a gap in the Bahraini market—there were no food courts. Having seen the success of the multi-cuisine, one-stop dining concept abroad, he set out to introduce it to Bahrain, establishing Yum Yum Tree. The first location opened in Hoora in 1996, starting as a single restaurant concept. Joined by his son, Omar Bukhowa, the business began to scale. They expanded across multiple locations in Bahrain before making their debut in Qatar and the UAE. The core strategy involved becoming the master franchisee or operator for a portfolio of over 20 international and regional quick-service restaurant brands, including names like Vanellis and Subway in Bahrain. This model allowed for rapid growth and a diverse offering that catered to a wide range of customer tastes. By 2016, the company had grown exponentially from its initial five restaurants in Bahrain and one in the UAE to nearly 180 outlets across the Gulf region. This impressive growth culminated in a significant event: the 100 percent acquisition of Yum Yum Tree by Global Capital Management, the alternative asset management arm of Global Investment House. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the company, with the new owners planning a capital injection to fuel further expansion into Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman.