The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, a fast-casual brand known for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine, is accelerating its international expansion with new restaurant openings in Canada, Australia, and Egypt. The company announced the openings as it celebrates its 15th anniversary, reflecting growing global demand for fresh, high-quality Mediterranean food.
Backed by the global infrastructure and franchise support of United Franchise Group (UFG), the brand is entering regions where it can leverage existing operational support while introducing its concept to new audiences. This follows the signing of a master franchise agreement to expand into Guyana and seven additional Caribbean countries, further strengthening its international development pipeline.
“Our international growth is a testament to the strength of our franchise model and the caliber of operators we’re attracting,” said Bob Andersen, President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. “As our footprint expands to new countries, we remain committed to partnering with best-in-class franchisees who have a deep understanding of their markets and share our values in maintaining the authenticity and level of service that our brand is known for. That combination is what’s fueling our momentum and setting the foundation for long-term global success.”
The three new international restaurants include a location in Cairo, Egypt, at Regent’s High Street, marking the brand’s entry into the Middle East. Franchise owner Metry Habashy, who also owns a The Great Greek in Old Bridge, New Jersey, that set a weekly opening sales record, is behind the Cairo restaurant. The location incorporates thoughtful local adaptations, including Arabic language integration, adjusted beverage offerings, and extended operating hours until midnight. It also features fresh, hand-made pita prepared in-house.
In Queensland, Australia, franchise owners Chirayushkumar Patel and Surjit Salwan have opened The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in Fortitude Valley, marking the brand’s debut in the Australian market. The duo has plans to develop at least 50 locations across the region. Early momentum is strong, with the restaurant hosting around 100 guests during its soft opening, including representatives from the mayor’s office.
In Alberta, Canada, multi-unit franchise owners Amrinder Cheema, Gurbinder Singh, and Poonam Goyal have expanded the brand’s presence with a new restaurant in Calgary. This is the third location in Alberta, reflecting strong early performance and the ownership group’s ability to execute quickly. The team has brought their three restaurants online in rapid succession and has plans for continued development across the province.
“What’s especially exciting is seeing established and new franchisees alike lean into the brand in a meaningful way, whether it’s reinvesting after strong performance or scaling quickly with multi-unit development,” added Andersen. “From record-setting openings in the U.S. to rapid expansion abroad, it reinforces that our concept resonates across cultures while still allowing for thoughtful localization where it matters most.”
The expansion highlights the growing global appeal of Mediterranean cuisine and the strength of the franchise model. For business leaders, this signals opportunities in the fast-casual sector, particularly in markets with rising demand for healthy, fresh dining options. The brand’s ability to adapt locally while maintaining core authenticity offers a blueprint for international growth. For more information about international franchise opportunities, visit thegreatgreekfranchise.com.
