Boston Market CEO George
Michel, known as The Big Chicken, recently signed a deal with Kuwait’s Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. Ltd. to
bring the successful eatery to the Middle East with 25 to 30
branches planned initially for Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan.
The company that began as Boston Chicken has just passed its
30-year mark in business, dishing up fresh, hormone-free rotisserie chicken among
its many selections.
“Boston Market introduced America to a totally fresh concept
in home-style, fast casual dining … and now that story will begin again in
seven overseas markets,” Michel said.
Shuwaikh-based Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. Ltd., established in its present form by three brothers in 1978, has deep roots in Kuwait, with its owners tracing
their lineage to 18th century traders and merchants. Today, the business deals
in hospitality ventures, eateries, other culinary businesses and real estate.
Additionally, it was recently designated as a top company positively affecting
Kuwait by Forbes Middle East.
“We anticipate a strong consumer response to the Boston Market
concept,” Al-Ghunaim CEO Abdulghani Al-Ghunaim said. “There is no restaurant
concept like Boston Market in the Middle East and the quality and taste will
result in loyal customers.”
Michel originally
adopted the nickname of The Big Chicken to appear less intimidating to his many
employees, and it proved so popular that he now uses it regularly.
