Ali Baba

Ali Baba is an Australian, family-owned kebab and Middle Eastern street food brand with a history stretching back to 1979.

The journey began in Woden Shopping Centre in Canberra, where founders Mick and Karl Marjan introduced authentic, hand-made shawarmas to a growing local crowd.

From day one, Ali Baba earned its reputation through flavour, generosity, and a community-driven atmosphere, so popular that customers would share tables with strangers just to be part of the experience.

More than 40 years later, that same spirit remains at the heart of the brand.

Ali Baba has grown into a recognised franchise network across Australia, built on fresh ingredients, traditional preparation, and an unwavering commitment to quality that customers trust and return for.

Why Choose Ali Baba?

Ali Baba offers franchise partners the chance to join an established brand with deep local roots, strong product loyalty, and a simple, scalable operating model.

In a competitive food market, Ali Baba stands out through heritage, authenticity, and a menu that consistently performs for busy shopping precincts and high-footfall locations.

Key advantages include:

• A long-standing Australian brand with more than four decades of trading history and a loyal customer following.

• A proven product focus on authentic shawarma and kebabs, made fresh and positioned as a satisfying, affordable everyday choice.

• Strong brand recognition, including the iconic genie logo and memorable red bag, both widely associated with quality kebabs.

• Family-led culture that protects standards, supports franchisees, and keeps the customer experience consistent across every store.

• A people-first operating philosophy, where staff, customers, and suppliers are all treated as essential to long-term business success.

• A network already operating across multiple states, showing that the brand translates well into different Australian markets.

Fast Facts

Industry:

Retail Trade, quick service Middle Eastern food.

Franchise Model:

Shopping centre and high-street kebab and shawarma stores offering dine-in and takeaway.

Years Operating in Australia:

7 years as a franchise system, with the brand operating since 1979.

Franchisees:

19

Current Operating Areas:

ACT, NSW, QLD.

Investment Details

Ali Baba is a full-service food franchise with fit-out standards designed for customer throughput, strong visibility, and consistent food execution.

Estimated setup cost:

$330,000 to $824,000 for a brand new store.

Purchasing an existing store may be substantially less, depending on its condition and lease position.

Setup costs generally cover fit-out, equipment, signage, and launch requirements needed to open in line with Ali Baba’s brand standards.

Ongoing operating costs:

Franchisees should expect standard food business expenses such as:

• Wages and salaries

• Superannuation

• Cost of goods, guided around 35 to 38 percent of turnover

• POS fees and software

• Utilities, insurance, and compliance costs

• Lease rental and landlord-required upgrade cycles

• Repairs, maintenance, and safety certifications
  
  

These costs vary by site, store size, and trading volume, and are normal within high-traffic food tenancy models.

Franchise Agreement Overview

Ali Baba operates under a structured franchise agreement that prioritises consistency, protects brand value, and supports network performance.

Who Should Apply?

Ali Baba is ideal for franchise partners who want a trusted food brand with strong everyday demand and a community-oriented culture.

This opportunity suits:

• Operators who enjoy working with people and building great teams.

• Business owners who want a proven food concept with broad Australian appeal.

• Hands-on franchisees who take pride in quality, service, and repeat customers.

• Driven entrepreneurs seeking a supportive franchise family and a reliable operating model.
  
  

Ready to Join the Ali Baba Family?

Ali Baba is built on tradition, community, and a simple goal, to serve food so good that customers happily tell their friends it is the best kebab they have ever eaten.

If you want to run a store backed by decades of trust, a loyal customer base, and a people-first culture, Ali Baba invites you to explore franchise opportunities today.

Send us a message to learn more and submit an expression of interest.