Simit Sarayı – From Turkey to the whole world

Simit Sarayı (website link) is a chain of fast-food franchise bakeries, which is rapidly expanding across Europe and the Middle East. It is The first – and only – simit factory in the world, coming from Turkey to the whole world.

It started in 2002 in Istanbul as a boutique bakery house. They established their first factory in 2005. Using this factory, they managed to up their production and to reach international markets after starting their franchise system. It opened its first European franchise in 2010 in the Netherlands. They are becoming an international F&B retail brand, serving fresh Turkish bagels and other popular Turkish bakery products.

Simit Sarayı says “Bon Appetit” to 1 million guests every day!

Simit is a circular bread, encrusted with sesame seeds or poppy, flax or sunflower seeds. It is a very traditional food unique to Turkey. The Ottoman Empire introduced it in many countries they occupied during their history. Many Middle East countries still bake their own Simit, which makes it a very popular option today. In Turkey, it is one of the most preferred options for breakfast and snacks during the day.

Simit Sarayı develops its own product range without sacrificing taste that appeals to both the palate and the eye. It adds unforgettable flavors to every moment of the day, from breakfast to afternoon tea. Its products varies from simit to pastries, from cookie options to cake alternatives.

In 22+ Countries

They have many branches in the Arab world, from Saudi Arabia (in 2012), to UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and Iraq. They are present now in 22 countries.

In 2017, a published statement announced that the Saudi Fawaz Al Hokair Group acquired 10% stake in Simit Sarayi. Under the agreement, Al Hokair plans to roll out more than 250 stores in the following years.

Make sure to read our interview with Mr. Mehmet Ali Ergin, Board Member of Simit Sarayı, where he shared more details about the brand story.