Pickl Enters Saudi Arabia with Dual Riyadh Launch

UAE-born burger disruptor brings bold flavour and fast-casual energy to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall and U Walk, Riyadh.

Dubai-born burger brand Pickl has officially launched in Saudi Arabia, debuting not one but two dine-in locations in Riyadh. Marking its fifth country of operation globally, the back-to-back launches at Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall and U Walk are led by Sky Restaurants, a subsidiary of Sky Investments and Pickl’s exclusive franchise partner in the Kingdom. With Saudi Arabia’s F&B sector undergoing a transformational shift driven by Vision 2030, Pickl’s entry taps into a booming dining market that is increasingly favouring quality-driven, experience-led brands.

“Saudi Arabia has one of the most exciting and vibrant burger scenes in the region, which makes this launch all the more meaningful for us,” said Steve Flawith, Founder and CEO of Pickl’s parent company Yolk Brands. “We’ve had our sights set on the Kingdom for a very long time, and launching with two locations in Riyadh is a clear reflection of our intent to grow with purpose.”

Pickl’s regional rise has been fuelled by a disruptive formula: a no-compromise menu built on hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and chicken, bold house-made sauces, and limited-time flavour specials. The Riyadh locations continue this ethos, with the Al Nakheel outlet spanning 2,206 sq ft (96 indoor, 16 outdoor seats) and the U Walk site covering 2,217 sq ft (98 indoor, 24 outdoor seats). Both locations are open daily from noon, offering the full Pickl experience in high-footfall destinations.

Additionally, both outlets deliver the brand’s signature atmosphere, energetic, casual and feel-good, through graphic walls, neon lights and cosy booths that are as much about comfort as they are about community. For Saudi Arabia’s youthful, trend-driven consumer base, this is a value proposition rooted in culture and convenience.

“There’s a real appetite here for bold, quality-driven concepts, and Pickl is here to bring something fresh to the table,” Flawith added. “We’re proud to be entering this market with Sky Restaurants as our partner on the ground, and are only just getting started.”

Strategic Franchising

Sky Restaurants is no newcomer to scaling brands in high-growth markets. After successfully launching Pickl in Egypt, the franchise group now brings its local expertise to Saudi Arabia, with Kuwait next in its expansion plan.

“Pickl has achieved tremendous success in the region, and we are incredibly proud to introduce the concept to Saudi Arabia,” said Ahmed Hussein, Executive Vice President of Sky Investments. “The brand’s focus on quality, transparency, and guest experience aligns perfectly with what today’s Saudi consumer expects. We’re excited to scale this across the Kingdom.”

The partnership combines Yolk Brands’ distinctive brand identity and product innovation with Sky Restaurants’ operational strength and regional reach, a synergy set to power further growth in MENA’s competitive QSR landscape.

Growing with Intent

Since its inception in Dubai in 2019, Pickl has scaled thoughtfully across the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, and now Saudi Arabia. Its parent company Yolk Brands operates across seven markets, including Oman and Pakistan, with further international plans in the pipeline.

With Saudi Arabia’s foodservice market expected to reach SAR 142 billion by 2026, Pickl’s Riyadh debut represents more than just a footprint; it’s a statement of intent. As the brand continues to serve up its version of “fresh fast food” to new audiences, its expansion reflects a broader shift in the modern consumers’ expectations of quality, culture, and clarity from their QSR experience.