Azumi Ltd And MJS Holding Ink Partnership To Operate Zuma In Saudi Arabia
Azumi Ltd announce the long-awaited partnership with MJS (Mohammed Jawa) Holding.
On 31st January 2020, a partnership agreement was signed between the two parties to open and operate a flagship Zuma, as well as ROKA, Oblix and Inko Nito restaurants (7 locations in total) , thus expanding the Azumi brands into the Kingdom .
Azumi Limited is an award-winning global restaurant business with established brands offering contemporary dining in key cosmopolitan locations. Created by Rainer Becker, and co-founded with Arjun Waney, Azumi's journey began with the opening of Zuma London in 2002, followed by ROKA London in 2004. In addition to the Zuma and ROKA Japanese concepts, Oblix opened in The Shard in 2013.
ETARU was launched in Florida in 2017 and offers the East coast of the USA a take on the ROKA concept under a different guise. INKO NITO, an approachable unconventional Japanese robatayaki, was born in LA in 2018, followed by a second location in Soho London. Azumi Ltd now has 26 restaurants across the globe, a mix of permanent restaurants and pop-up's or residencies, with more planned in the future.
MJS Holding was founded by Mohammed Abdulrahman Jawa after spending 17 years in the restaurant industry. Having studied finance, Mohammed went on to operate multiple food and beverage brands all with incredibly diverse concepts and investments. He co-founded both Al-Mithalia Saudi Trading Company Riyadh/Jeddah in 2004 and Mitha International Co. Riyadh/Jeddah in 2003. Amidst his many accomplishments, highlights include launching the first franchise of the famed US brand Urth Caffe in the Arabian Peninsula. His portfolio also boasts operating San Carlo Cicchetti amongst others.
Sven Koch, CEO Azumi Ltd, commented "We are delighted to join forces with Mohammed Jawa. As we continue to expand our international footprint, it is important for us to find like minded partners. The Kingdom is a fast-growing market and new for us, we are very proud to be taking this step with Mohammed. He is a true operator and is hugely passionate about our brands. This, combined with his innovative approach to business, means we aligned seamlessly. We are very honoured to be working with him."
Mohammed Jawa, Founder of MJS Holding added " Since the inception of Zuma, in 2002, it inspired me to create great experiences with food, service and atmosphere. 2011 was when my initial partnership interest was piqued! I guess everything happens at the right time, for a reason. It is a great honour and pleasure to be part of the Zuma family; with its great founders Arjun Waney and Rainer Becker and managed by Sven Koch and his team."
The first confirmed opening will be ROKA Riyadh in early 2021.
