03 August 2015
Doha: Oryx Group for Food Services has announced a new franchise agreement with Ocean Basket, the largest seafood chain in South Africa. The announcement was made in a press conference at Intercontinental Hotel The City, Doha.

Francois Rousseau, Chief Operating Officer, Oryx Group for Food Services, Grace Harding, CEO, Ocean Basket, Pedro De Sambento, Shareholder from Ocean Basket, Saad Cachalia, South African Ambassador, and Douw Vermaak, Political Counsellor, South African embassy, were present.

Oryx Group for Food Services will acquire franchise rights to operate the chain in Qatar. It revealed plans to launch eight outlets carrying the brand's name, with the first opening in Mall of Qatar in 2016. 

The initiative is part of the group's expansion plan, particularly in the casual dining segment, to enhance it position as the leading casual dining operator in Qatar.

Rousseau said: "We are delighted to introduce the brand's offerings to Doha's discerning food enthusiasts.

"Given our experience with our other F & B brand, Nando's, we are confident that Ocean Basket's concept will be the go-to name for casual yet exquisite seafood experience in Qatar," Rousseau added.

Harding said: "We are delighted to see our brand in Qatar, which now joins 14 countries where 190 Ocean Basket stores operate. Our seafood concept is sought after by a large clientele from around the world, and we look forward to receiving response of the Qatari clientele.

"As a pioneering seafood restaurant group with nearly 20 years of experience, our focus has always been on providing seafood lovers a meal they deserve, at a price they can afford. We are positive that our partnership with Oryx Group for Food Services will help us in establishing ourselves as the leading seafood casual dining restaurant in the Middle East."

© The Peninsula 2015