Recipe to Success

Four school friends embarked on a culinary adventure that would change the dining scene forever in Mayfair London. Thus, in 2011, Burger & Lobster was born.  Riccardo La Monica, Managing Director (Asia/Middle East) at Burger & Lobster Restaurant Group Limited talks to Beny Sachdeva about brand’s expansion plans.

Their journey was one of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From humble beginnings, Burgers and Lobsters swiftly captured the hearts and palates of diners, revolutionizing the way people thought about casual dining. With a commitment to culinary mastery and unparalleled customer experiences, Burger & Lobster soon became a household name in London.

 Recognizing the universal appeal of their concept, Riccardo and his partners set their sights on global expansion. In 2015, they took a bold step forward by launching their franchise business in Kuwait, marking the beginning of their international journey.

Their success was not just a testament to their culinary prowess but also their adaptability. As they ventured into new markets, they tailored their menu to suit local tastes while staying true to their core offerings. Whether it was the bustling streets of New York's Flatiron district or the vibrant markets of Hong Kong, Burger & Lobster remained a beacon of gastronomic delight.

Franchise Expansion

As the years went by, Burger & Lobster continued to flourish, expanding its footprint to 17 restaurants across 8 countries. But Riccardo's vision extended far beyond mere numbers. He saw Burger & Lobster as more than just a brand; it was a culinary movement—a celebration of simplicity, quality, and above all, passion. Therefore, they chose franchise business model to strengthen brand’s presence. Their franchise business, launched in Kuwait in 2015, has since extended to Thailand, Malaysia, Qatar, and Hong Kong.

Talking about the franchise business model for expansion, Riccardo La Monica says, “ Our business model is straightforward, revolving around just two key products. We have a select number of partners involved in our business. As for our expansion plans, we are looking to broaden our footprint significantly. We aim to strategically partner with investors and franchisees to expand into new markets, both domestically and internationally. Our goal is to grow our brand presence by opening additional restaurants in key locations, leveraging our successful business model and proven track record of delivering exceptional dining experiences.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Riccardo envisioned even greater heights for Burger & Lobster. With plans to open new locations in China, India, Indonesia, and Malta, he aimed to bring the joy of burgers and lobsters to even more people around the globe. For the India market, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore would be primary cities on their radar, however more cities are currently under consideration as these cities have huge potential. Whereas for the UAE market, the brand is  keen to expand across Dubai & Abu Dhabi.