The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®, a fast-casual brand known for authentic Mediterranean flavors, has accelerated its international expansion with new restaurant openings in Canada, Australia, and Egypt. The milestone coincides with the brand's 15th anniversary and reflects increasing global demand for fresh, high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, according to a press release.
Backed by the global infrastructure of United Franchise Group™ (UFG), The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is entering regions where it can leverage existing operational support while introducing the brand to new audiences. This expansion follows a master franchise agreement to expand into Guyana and seven additional Caribbean countries, 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. "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."
The three new international restaurants include locations in Cairo, Egypt; Queensland, Australia; and Alberta, Canada. In Cairo, franchise owner Metry Habashy opened at Regent's High Street, bringing the brand to the Middle East for the first time. Habashy, an existing franchisee who also owns a location in Old Bridge, New Jersey—which set a weekly opening sales record—incorporated local adaptations such as Arabic language integration, adjusted beverage offerings, and extended hours until midnight. The restaurant also features fresh, hand-made pita prepared in-house.
In Queensland, Australia, franchise owners Chirayushkumar Patel and Surjit Salwan debuted in Fortitude Valley, marking the brand's entry into the Australian market. The duo 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, signaling community interest.
In Alberta, Canada, multi-unit franchise owners Amrinder Cheema, Gurbinder Singh, and Poonam Goyal opened their newest restaurant in Calgary, the brand's third location in Alberta. The team has brought 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 appetite for Mediterranean cuisine, which is often considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns. For consumers, this means more access to fresh, made-to-order meals that emphasize vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The brand's growth also creates franchise opportunities for local entrepreneurs. For more information on international franchise opportunities, visit www.thegreatgreekfranchise.com.
