KLC Virtual Restaurants’ story is one of resilience, innovation, and strategic expansion. Co-founder & CEO Mubarak Jaffar, together with his team, has transformed KLC from a family venture in 2008 into a thriving enterprise. Today, it stands as a regional powerhouse with 100 brands under its portfolio. The latest milestone—expanding into the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi—marks another chapter in its growth story, solidifying its position as a leader in the cloud kitchen landscape across the GCC.
KLC Virtual Restaurants (KLC) has pioneered the cloud kitchen movement in the region, setting a high standard for innovative food delivery solutions. We caught up with Mubarak Jaffar to discuss his journey in crafting KLC into a regional culinary powerhouse. KLC’s ‘secret recipe’ isn’t only found in the kitchen, it also lies in the dedication of its team and the seamless coordination across departments. This dynamic culture, built on collaboration, teamwork and shared aspirations is the true cornerstone of KLC’s sustainable growth trajectory.
The recent expansion into Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone, with KLC now operating in four major cities across the GCC.
This isn’t just another new opening– Abu Dhabi represents something greater; growing profitably is possible in an extremely challenging food delivery market.
This journey has been a marathon, not a sprint, and patience has always been the key to thriving. KLC strives to continue growing sustainably as a family-owned, privately funded company that focuses on serving their customers with high- quality, fresh, made-to-order dishes available for round-the-clock delivery.
Operating across 4 major cities within the GCC, and achieving over 2 million orders this past year has been a reflection of KLC’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience. Innovation and new brand concepts under the KLC umbrella are also on the agenda, with the goal of surprising and further delighting customers with new experiences.
KLC now boasts a portfolio of over 100 diverse brands. This extensive brand variety not only highlights KLC’s commitment to innovation, but also aligns with their eco-conscious approach. By focusing on reducing waste, optimizing operations with shared ingredients, and using eco-friendly packaging, KLC has managed to prioritize sustainability in its production processes.
When asked about food trends in the region, Mubarak noted a rising demand for healthier, sustainable options, as consumers increasingly prioritize nutritious, environmentally friendly choices. Customization is also shaping the food landscape, and adapting to these preferences is key to memorable food delivery experiences. KLC continuously invests in market research to stay attuned to customer preferences, noting that each city’s market has its distinct traits.
Despite challenges—such as adapting to customer preferences and ensuring consistency across markets—KLC’s hands-on approach and in-house control have allowed it to stay ahead. This strategy is core to its ongoing growth and success. as the company has experienced an average annual growth of 30% in orders over the course of 3 years throughout the GCC, underscoring the steady demand and efficiency of KLC’s business model.
Mubarak added a heartfelt note to conclude with, “We are grateful to Allah for the opportunities and blessings that have allowed us to reach this stage, as well as the unwavering support of family, friends, colleagues, and the incredible team, who made this possible.”
