#Just Falafel Appoints Franchise Operations Manager As UK Expansion Continues


Just Falafel, the largest falafel chain in the world, has announced that Leonardo Valettas has been appointed Franchise Operations Manager. This appointment forms part of their ongoing strategy to roll out 200 stores in the UK market over the next five years.

Valettas` role will focus on driving the ongoing expansion of the Just Falafel franchise network in the UK, bringing over 20 years of experience across the QSR, fast casual, cafe, and retail sectors. Valettas has strategic experience in new business launches, driving sales and increasing profitability. His past experience includes senior positions with the Viviartis Group who operate Goody’s and Flocafe, an Executive and franchisee of Pizza Fan, and was one of the first franchisees of McDonald’s in Greece. There he opened and operated the first seasonal restaurants and developed their home delivery business.

UK & Ireland CEO Michael Biggins commented: “We are delighted to welcome Leonardo to the team, and believe he will be a great asset in driving forward our franchise operations. His hands-on franchise experience across the food and retail sectors will provide an invaluable insight into the market. Building a strong UK senior team is an important part of ensuring we’re the best position to meet our growth objectives.”

Just Falafel`s vision is to elevate the traditional Middle Eastern street food dish and give it a global makeover, by offering consumers a diverse range of authentic, fresh, delicious and highly nutritious falafel dishes, rich in colour, texture and taste. In addition to the range of falafel wraps inspired by global flavours, they offer a choice of soups, sides, dips and drinks. A new range of fresh and nutritious salads have recently been rolled out across all branches, with further plans to introduce beverages, breakfasts and desserts.

The Middle East`s fastest growing brand has seen rapid growth since it opened its first store in Abu Dhabi, UAE in 2007, and now has 33 operating stores, 50 locations under development and 800 franchises sold across 17 countries. Four London restaurants are already open in Monmouth Street, Baker Street and Hammersmith Broadway, and Croydon, with Charing Cross Road due to open in early August.