El Jannah

About

El Jannah is an Australian Lebanese-inspired charcoal-chicken restaurant chain with 50 locations and a strong cult following.

Mission

El Jannah began in 1998 as a single charcoal-chicken shop opened by Lebanese migrants Andre and Carole Estephan and has since evolved into one of Australia’s most beloved quick-service restaurant brands. Known for its charcoal-grilled chicken, signature garlic sauce and Lebanese family hospitality, the chain now operates 50 restaurants across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Wollongong and the Southern Highlands. Since 2020, it has expanded from five to 50 outlets and currently processes about 160,000 transactions each week. Management plans to quadruple its footprint to nearly 200 restaurants over the coming years, with more than 25 new locations slated to open in the next 12 months. Future initiatives include deepening digital and guest-experience capabilities and evaluating selective international expansion—potentially into the Middle East. CEO Brett Houldin continues to lead the company alongside the Estephan family, with a focus on preserving the brand’s cultural soul while scaling operations.

Quick Facts