Behind the Brand – History of Albaik in Saudi Arabia

Albaik isn’t just a fast food restaurant in Saudi Arabia — it’s a national treasure. The moment you step into any of its branches, whether in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, or the recently expanded cities, you’re met with an unmistakable aroma and a loyal crowd. But few truly know the fascinating journey behind this beloved brand. In this blog post, we explore the history of Albaik, highlighting its founding, growth, and how it became embedded into the cultural fabric of Saudi society.

The Beginning – A Dream in Jeddah (1974)

The story of Albaik begins in 1974, in the vibrant coastal city of Jeddah, where entrepreneur Shakour Abu Ghazalah noticed a gap in the local food market. At that time, fried chicken was relatively unknown in Saudi Arabia, and fast food was just an emerging concept. Inspired by global brands but driven to create something authentic and suitable for the Saudi palate, Shakour set out to bring high-quality, affordable fried chicken to the people.

He opened the first Albaik restaurant in Jeddah under the name Broast Restaurant, using the newly imported broasting technique. However, due to regulatory changes, he had to register the restaurant under a unique brand name – that’s when “Albaik” was born, meaning “The One Who Serves” in classical Arabic.

1980s – Establishing a Stronghold

The 1980s were pivotal in the Albaik timeline. After the unfortunate passing of Shakour Abu Ghazalah in 1986, his sons, particularly Ibrahim Abu Ghazalah, took over the business. Under their leadership, Albaik started to expand cautiously but steadily, focusing on maintaining quality, affordability, and consistency.

By the end of the decade, Albaik had already cemented its name in Jeddah’s food scene, with its unique blend of 11 secret spices, crispy broast chicken, and signature garlic sauce – all becoming instant crowd favorites.

1990s – Iconic Status & Cultural Integration

In the 1990s, Albaik started to become more than just a food outlet — it evolved into a cultural icon.

Whether it was pilgrims visiting Jeddah on their way to Makkah and Madinah or residents celebrating special occasions, Albaik was the go-to option. Its affordable pricing made it accessible to everyone – from students and laborers to families and tourists.

During this era, Albaik also gained a reputation for its strict cleanliness standards and exceptional service, setting benchmarks in the Saudi fast food industry.

2001 – A New Era of Expansion

Although Albaik remained cautious about aggressive expansion for decades, 2001 marked the beginning of its broader outreach. With customer demand rising and brand loyalty at an all-time high, Albaik opened more branches across the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Strategic expansions included branches in:

• Makkah – catering to pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah

• Madinah – further enhancing its spiritual connection with travelers

• Yanbu and Taif – growing beyond the metropolitan cities

The company continued to operate on core values of quality, affordability, and community engagement.

2010s – Going National

Until the 2010s, many wondered why Albaik wasn’t available in Riyadh or the Eastern Province. The brand took a measured approach to growth, ensuring every branch offered the same product and experience that made the original location successful.

In 2015, Albaik made headlines by opening its first branch in Al Qassim, followed by the long-awaited Riyadh branch in 2020. The opening day in Riyadh saw thousands queuing up, some waiting for hours just to get their hands on Albaik meals.

By 2018, the company had introduced food trucks, seasonal Hajj outlets, and partnered with delivery platforms, bringing the iconic meals closer to every household.

Albaik’s Menu – Beyond Fried Chicken

While the core of Albaik is its broast chicken, the brand has evolved its menu over time. Today, you can enjoy:

• Shrimp meals

• Fish fillet sandwiches

• Nuggets and spicy chicken options

• Side dishes like coleslaw, fries, buns, and rice

• Delicious desserts and drinks

Each item is tailored to local preferences, ensuring the brand continues to cater to evolving tastes.

(Explore our full Albaik Menu in Saudi Arabia 2025 – Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh & Jeddah for the latest prices and offerings.)

Social Responsibility and Values

What truly sets Albaik apart is its commitment to social responsibility. The brand:

• Partners with municipalities for cleanliness campaigns

• Supports youth employment

• Offers training programs to upskill its staff

• Follows sustainability standards and energy-efficient operations

This sense of community commitment has only added to its popularity, making it a respected name in both business and social sectors.

Albaik’s Cultural Symbolism

Ask any Saudi or expat who’s lived in the Kingdom, and they’ll tell you that Albaik isn’t just food — it’s an emotion. Families plan Albaik outings like they’re going on a picnic. During Hajj season, pilgrims rush to grab a bite. Even travelers returning home often carry Albaik meals as souvenirs.

It has become a part of Saudi traditions, representing simplicity, quality, and homegrown success. In essence, Albaik tells the story of how a local brand can outshine global chains by staying true to its values and people.

Timeline Summary – Albaik’s Journey

What’s Next for Albaik?

With over 120+ branches, Albaik continues to grow — both in Saudi Arabia and internationally. The brand has already launched branches in the UAE, and there are rumors about further expansions across the GCC and beyond.

One thing is clear: Albaik’s legacy is still being written. But what remains unchanged is its commitment to quality, value, and the people of Saudi Arabia.

Final Thoughts on History of Albaik!

The history of Albaik is a tale of vision, dedication, and deep cultural resonance. From humble beginnings in a small kitchen in Jeddah to becoming a household name across the Kingdom, Albaik stands as a shining example of Saudi entrepreneurship.

For locals, it’s a taste of home. For visitors, it’s a must-try experience. And for everyone, it’s proof that with the right ingredients — both in food and values — you can build a legacy that feeds hearts, not just stomachs.