Ruya Partners has made a significant contribution to the regional food and beverage industry by providing $15.5 million (SAR 58.1 million) in private capital financing to Epik Foods.
This investment aligns with Ruya Partners’ mission to deliver tailored financial solutions that support the growth of mid-market companies in high-potential markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The financing, facilitated through Ruya Private Capital I, LP, a fund managed by Ruya Partners, will enable Epik Foods to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia and strengthen its foothold in the UAE.
The investment is targeted toward funding key acquisitions, enhancing operational capacity, and providing much-needed working capital. This strategic support aims to solidify Epik Foods’ position as a leading technology-enabled omnichannel restaurant group in the region.
Epik Foods operates a diverse portfolio that includes quick-service dine-in restaurants, digital food brands, meal kits, meal plans, catering services, and partnerships with hotels and gyms.
By leveraging this broad spectrum of offerings, the company addresses varying customer preferences and remains resilient in an ever-evolving market.
A Strategic Partnership Backing Epik Foods
Epik Foods was established through a partnership between KR&CO founders Khaled Fadly and Ranya Basyuni, alongside Gulf Islamic Investments (GII), a Shari’ah-compliant global alternative investment company managing over $4.5 billion in assets.
The formation of Epik Foods was marked by the merger of three prominent UAE-based food and food tech entities: Happy Platter Kitchen, Kreative Restaurant and Co., and Sweetheart Kitchen.
This strategic merger enabled Epik Foods to create a robust foundation for managing its portfolio of over 60 distinct food and beverage brands, spread across 50 locations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The company has an additional 20 outlets planned for the near future, which will further diversify its market presence. Some of its most notable brands include Poke & Co., Healthy & Co., Acai & Co., and Route Beirut, catering to a wide array of culinary preferences.
Strengthening Regional Growth with Ruya Partners
The investment underscores Ruya Partners’ commitment to empowering mid-market companies through innovative financing solutions. According to Ruya Partners, this marks the fourth major investment by their fund, reinforcing their dedication to supporting high-growth markets within the GCC region.
Mirza Beg, Founding Partner of Ruya Partners, emphasized the significance of this investment. He highlighted Epik Foods’ strong and well-implemented growth strategy, which aligns perfectly with the vision shared by both Ruya Partners and Gulf Islamic Investments.
Ruya’s investment aims to unlock significant growth opportunities for Epik Foods, enabling the company to scale operations and maximize its potential in the region.
Rashid Siddiqi, another Founding Partner of Ruya Partners, elaborated on the value of collaborating with established financial sponsors like GII. He noted that GII’s strategic guidance and extensive resources have been pivotal in driving Epik Foods’ success.
Ruya Partners has over 15 years of experience investing in private capital across the region, and this transaction highlights their ability to support financial sponsor-led initiatives with a shared vision for growth.
