Go Crispy and Tea Time Take Flight from Qatar to Azerbaijan

Al-Baladi Holding Group has signed an investment agreement with Green Capital Group to expand Qatari brands Go Crispy and Tea Time into Azerbaijan. The agreement, which was signed in Baku City on July 25, 2024, was themed “From Qatar to the World.”

This partnership establishes the framework for investment cooperation and development, improving economic growth for both parties. Key stakeholders attended the signing ceremony, including Mr. Hany Al Sayyadi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Al-Baladi Holding Group, Mr. Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairman of Al-Baladi Holding Group, Mr. Adnan Ahmed Zadeh, Chairman and Shareholder of Green Capital Management, Mr. Khayal Jibov, Shareholder of Green Capital Management.

This signals an ambitious project to develop Go Crispy and Tea Time into globally recognized brands.

From Doha to Baku

Go Crispy and Tea Time are household names in Qatar. The former is known for its affordable yet organic fried chicken. Tea Time, on the other hand, is celebrated for its traditional Karak tea, a milky spiced tea popular in the Middle East. The recent expansion proves the brands’ ability to interest a new audience while maintaining their core value of providing authentic experiences to customers.

Now that they are making their way into Azerbaijan, they offer consumers the opportunity to experience the distinct flavors and hospitality that Qatari cuisine is known for. According to experts, they are well-positioned to attract a customer base that ranges from young professionals to food enthusiasts seeking convenient yet delicious options.

Organic Fried Chicken and Karak Tea

Go Crispy was founded by chef Hessa Al-Sulaiti in 2019. The founder created "broasted" chicken using premium spices, avoiding cheap additives common in fast food. After a year and a half of development, Al-Sulaiti’s "fresh fast chicken" became the base of her bestsellers, the Signature Fried Chicken and the Crispy Chicken Burger.

The restaurant has earned many accolades, including the "Best Fast Food Restaurant - Country Level" title in the 2022 Arabian Best of Best Awards, attracting consumers seeking fast yet nutritious meal options. As of press time, it has successfully opened seven branches and is on track to launch three more by August, bringing its total to 10 stores. Go Crispy is also looking to grow internationally, with plans to open four new branches in Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Tea Time was established in 1998. Although known for Karak tea, the café chain offers various coffees, fresh juices, and snacks. The drink chain already has a strong presence in Qatar, with nearly 60 locations. This extensive network serves thousands of customers each day, proving its status as a staple in the Qatari café scene

Plans for Expansion

The recent investment agreement outlines Al-Baladi Holding Group’s plan to open 405 new Go Crispy and Tea Time branches in 27 countries over the next two years. The initial focus will be on opening locations in Azerbaijan, with plans to expand to other regional markets.

This expansion presents an opportunity for job creation, in line with the brands' goal to contribute positively to the communities they serve. It is also an opportunity to showcase Qatar's rich cultural heritage through food, promising to leave a lasting impression on every palate they touch.