Scaling Shrimpy and Beyond: What It Takes to Grow in Kuwait with Khaled Naga
Description
In this episode, Khaled Naga, CEO of Al-Thiqa Group Division, joins Ashish Tulsian for a grounded conversation on what it really takes to scale restaurant brands in Kuwait and the wider GCC. Khaled shares Al-Thiqa’s journey of operating 57+ locations across Kuwait, expanding into markets like London and Qatar, and explains the operational shift from running global franchises to building homegrown brands from scratch.
They unpack how external forces shape unit economics, from sudden labor and regulatory changes to post-COVID demand swings and intense price competition. Khaled also highlights how Gen Z is changing both customer behavior and hiring, and why operators need teams that can adapt quickly as trends and platforms evolve.
The discussion shifts to practical leadership lessons, including building a culture where teams bring solutions, earning trust through consistency, and staying focused on execution while navigating constant volatility.
Find us online:
Ashish Tulsian- LinkedIn
Khaled Naga- LinkedIn
United States
