A milestone in the company’s commitment to new operating formats Shake Shack, New York’s beloved burger stand, launches its first international drive-thru on 7th July in Dubai, UAE. The Shack in located in Al Barsha and will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. The Al Barsha Shack features a digital menu board, two-lane ordering system, and a separate pickup window. Shack fans can order their Shack favourites at the drive-thru lanes or at the dine-in and take-out areas. Guests can look forward to shorter queue times. John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, said, “We’re really excited to bring the first Global Shake Shack drive-thru located outside the US to Dubai, building on our long-term partnership with Shake Shack to bring this new experience to our customers. We are confident that the new state-of-the-art digital options for our customers to order their favourite burger will enable us to offer fantastic quality and a superior guest experience with the ultimate in convenience. We look forward to opening more Shake Shack drive-thrus across the MENA region.” Since the launch of Shake Shack’s first drive-thru in Minnesota in 2021, Shake Shack has been continuing to deliver the uplifting experience and hospitality that Shake Shack is known for. Shake Shack has 17 drive-throes globally and has plans to open 25 by the end of 2023.
Barns Coffee of Saudi to open its First Outlet in Egypt by the end of 2023.
Barns café chain has signed its Egyptian franchise with Saudi Based Sadara Group to open the first outlet in Cairo by the end of this year. The deal includes opening full size stores and kiosk formats which will create new jobs for the Egyptian market. “I’m incredibly proud to announce the first stage of our plans to expand Barns Coffee to Egypt. We are happy to have found a like-minded, seasoned multi-site operator like Saudi Sadara Group based in Riyadh who is our current franchise in Riyadh, to grow the brand in Egypt – they are as passionate about our brand and the culture as we are,” says Barns CEO Eng. Mohammed Al Zain “We are also proud to offer the same quality continuous cup of coffee over the years, and this point is one of the constant strengths in Barns that cannot be waived and we continue to promise and quality” Zain added. Egypt has a long history with coffee, with its consumption thought to have spread from Yemen in the 16th century. Coffee consumption among Egyptians has soared over the past few years, almost doubling from 36,000 tons in 2017 to 70,000 in 2021, according to the Cairo Chamber of Commerce. Like recent trends in the Middle East which has seen the number of independent coffee shops and roasters explode, Egypt is experiencing a particular surge in interest around the quality and provenance of coffees. The coffee shops cafes market in Egypt is projected to expand at a considerable CAGR of around 4.1% during the forecast period, between 2020 and 2026. Mohamed AL Zain ,CEO- Barns Coffee (AL Amjaad Group),Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Jeddah based Al-Amjaad Group is renowned for its successful coffee business, barn’s, which was established in 1992 as a homegrown specialty coffee brand. With a progressive company culture, barn’s has become the largest and one of the oldest coffee shop businesses in Saudi Arabia. Al-Amjaad has adopted a franchising model to expand the reach of barn’s while maintaining full ownership of approximately 30 percent of its branches. This strategy has proven effective, with the number of barn’s branches growing from around 130 in 2018 to over 550 today, including more than 150 fully owned by Al-Amjaad. The Egyptian deal is just the one of the several international agreement for Barns. They are looking to expand the brand to neighboring countries including the GCC and globally targeting 1000 outlets by 2030.
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL accelerates international expansion through first-ever development agreement with alshaya group in middle east
In partnership, Chipotle will open restaurants in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates in 2024 Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced it has signed its first-ever development agreement to open restaurants in the Middle East and accelerate its international expansion efforts. In partnership with leading international franchise retail operator Alshaya Group, the Company will initially open new restaurants in Dubai and Kuwait early next year be fore expanding further across the region. “Leveraging Alshaya’s market expertise will enable us to quickly gain access to these vibrant economies,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol. “We are excited to offer guests in the Middle East our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food, and look forward to furthering our purpose to cultivate a better world in this new territory.” Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group said: “In announcing this exclusive partnership across the Middle East, we are proud to be Chipotle’s first and only franchise partner, as we continue to enhance our portfolio by bringing world leading brands to our customers across our markets.” Chipotle’s existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes 34 locations in Canada; 15 in the United Kingdom with three more opening this summer; six locations in France; and two in Germany. In North America, the Company currently owns and operates over 3,200 restaurants and is targeting 8 to 10% growth per year for the foreseeable future with at least 80% including a Chipotlane. Chipotle plans to open more than 255 new restaurants this year, with a long-term target of 7,000 locations in North America. Chipotle’s newly formed business development group, led by Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton, is exploring opportunities for growth via outside partnerships. With over 100,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM. ABOUT ALSHAYA GROUP Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned enterprise, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of well-loved international brands to customers, Alshaya Group’s portfolio extends across MENA, Türkiye and Europe, with thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, as well as a large scale online and digital business. Mohammed Alshaya – Executive Chairman, Alshaya Group Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment, Alshaya Group colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences. Fresh, modern and relevant, Alshaya’s constantly evolving portfolio reflects the choices and lifestyle of its customers. From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the brands they love in the places they want to be. Learn more about Alshaya Group at WWW.ALSHAYA.COM. SOURCE@ Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Saudi-based Halal café chain “Barns Coffee” inks Expansion to ASEAN Countries with Malaysia as its hub.
Dubai: Saudi based world’s Largest Halal coffee chain, Barns Coffee plans to Expand franchises in the ASEAN countries, Barns Coffee , headquartered in Saudi, currently has over 600 locations and has announced plans to achieve 1000 outlets globally by 2030. Premier Fine Foods SDN BHD division of Harta Group , Malaysia signed an MOU with Barns Coffee, Parent Company Al Amjaad Group , to develop and operate the new coffee shops in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Dr Radzali Hassan , MD of Harta Group, Malaysia and Sultan Al Mutlaq, Head of Franchise of Barns Coffee,Saudi Arabia Premier fine foods plans to start 25 outlets in Kuala Lumpur as the Hub and expand franchises to other ASEAN countries which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam in to achieve 300 outlets in next ten years. Premier Fine foods will make use of its existing network in Southeast Asia to support operation of the new businesses, which will have menus tailored to local tastes focused on business growth in the Asian consumer market. “We believe the potential of ASEAN market remains huge with the total population of all ASEAN states amounted to an estimated 666.19 million, and there has been an accelerated growth in the ASEAN coffee market showing its potentials for local and international café brands to continuously exploit. Said Dr. Radzali Hassan, Group Managing Director Malaysia based Harta Group and Chairman of Malaysia Franchise Association. Founded in 1992 by the Al Amjaad Group, Barn’s currently operates more than 600 stores across Saudi Arabia.Barns believes in the eternal legacy of coffee, and the love and memories it brings up for coffee lovers. From roasted beans to a piping hot cup of coffee, freshly-baked savories to a range of customizable beverages – Barns has created and continues to innovate a unique coffee experience with local storefronts. We’re delighted to commemorate Barns 30-year journey in the region and International expansion with the expansion of our outlets to Asian Markets to achieve our goal of 1000 outlets by 2030. Our Association with Malaysia counterpart, Premier Fine foods SDN BHD will strengthen our brand presence in the Asian markets,” said Mohamed Al Zain ,CEO of Al Amjad Group. The ASEAN countries isn’t the only international market seeing aggressive expansion from Barns. The chain recently signed for London expansion to target European markets. Coffee market in ASEAN Countries amounts to US$8.24bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.81% (CAGR 2023-2028). One notable trend in the coffee market is the growing demand for specialty coffee. Consumers are seeking unique and high-quality coffee experiences, exploring different flavor profiles, and appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship involved in coffee production. Mohamed AL Zain ,CEO- Barns Coffee (AL Amjaad Group),Saudi Arabia Coffee market in ASEAN Countries amounts to US$8.24bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.81% (CAGR 2023-2028). One notable trend in the coffee market is the growing demand for specialty coffee. Consumers are seeking unique and high-quality coffee experiences, exploring different flavor profiles, and appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship involved in coffee production.
Reflexion Lounge , UK’s Leading Shisha joint Eyes Global Expansion through Franchising
Plans to expand to 100 outlets by 2030 in 15 countries United Kingdom: Owned by a Manchester -based entrepreneur, Faiyaz Bux has announced global expansion of his hookah lounge, which will initially target the brand’s presence throughout the Gulf countries. The expansion plan will turn “RL” into the largest hookah chain brand in the world. In the last 9 years of operations, Reflexion Lounge has proven itself to be a highly innovative concept by combining hookah with a casual dining lounge experience. Plans are already in the works to set up the first international outlet in Dubai by the end of this year and it will then undergo further expansion across the GCC countries, moving on to the Pan Asian Markets thereafter he added. We also have affordable franchise models to accelerate the growth in innovative ways and are looking for likeminded partners across the Globe ” says Faiyaz. Faiyaz Bux ,Founder & CEO of Relfexion Lounge ,Manchester-UK Reflexion Lounge is based in Salford Quays Waterfront in Manchester, England. It is the only waterside shisha cafe in the UK. It is the only non alcoholic Meduse Smoking Cocktail Lounge in the World. RL has a worldwide following and has been operating for 9 years, building Brand recognition, servicing clients from 40 countries with GCC as its key client base. Along with this food and beverage setup, RL services the footballers of Manchester City, Manchester United & Liverpool as well many more Premier League Stars. It is known as Footballer Kingdom across the region. Brand Reflexion has a huge celebrity network and can bring its key connections on board for further collaborations. Brand Reflexion stands to challenge negative views of hookah lounges by providing an all-welcoming atmosphere through a VIP-Premium like experience. Reflexion Lounge has a selection of an unbelievable cocktail of flavours to choose from which primarily involve local Emirati Brands and Turkish Flair. The molasses used in it’s water pipes are 40 times weaker in nicotine than the average disposable e-cigarette on the market, making it negligible and close to zero in its concentration. In addition to shisha, a spread of traditional Arabic and regional food, fruit, snacks & delicious international mezze can be found in its menu. First originating in the 15th century India and later spreading to several Middle Eastern countries, Europe, Asia and North America, traditional hookah lounges are coffee houses that also serve hookah, a water pipe used to experience shisha (fruit flavoured non-tobacco) within a communal setting. During the Ottoman Empire, hookah was often used at diplomatic meetings and royal dinners, becoming a status symbol for notable people in society. Today, hookah culture has been increasingly adapted into Western culture as a social activity that brings groups of people — be it friends, family, or colleagues — together with a shared sense of belonging, joy and comfort. Reflexion Lounge at the Iconic Waterfront On Erie Basin 252 The Quays, Salford, Manchester,UK Reflexion Lounge at the Iconic Waterfront On Erie Basin 252 The Quays, Salford, Manchester,UK “The shisha trend continues to grow outside the traditional stronghold of the Middle East and retailers in Europe, Asia and the US are becoming more and more interested and receptive to the concept.” “While our special lines usually include new flavours, the new ‘Out of This World’ line includes some of the standard flavours but with an exotic twist, adding diversity and variety in the same flavour to capture all our consumer’s preferences”. Global Shisha Tobacco Market was valued at USD 882.54 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 1516.36 million by 2029, registering a CAGR of 7.00% during the forecast period of 2022-2029. Hookah business has become currently quite an attractive and even fashionable way of earnings. There are many people, who prefer a type of leisure by way of smoking hookah, and this segment of the market in many cities is still far from saturation and being highly-qualified. This gives good reasons to franchise our hookah lounge which can bring success in many cities. Reflexion personifies peace and tranquility, a hub for communities to bounce off ideas and enjoy the traditions of sharing and conversation, in a world full of chaos and with Mental Health issues at an all time high, it is absolutely a niche in the market that is yet to take the world by storm”, Faiyaz Concluded.
Subway to open 4,000 stores in China with new master franchise agreement
Hong Kong: As part of its new master franchise agreement with Shanghai Fu-Rui-Shi Corporate Development Co., Ltd. (FRS), sandwich restaurant Subway stated that it intends to open thousands of new locations in Mainland China within the next 20 years. Under the new organization, FRS will open almost 4,000 cafés in Central area China by 2043, developing Subways ongoing impression in the market by in excess of multiple times. Additionally, the group will acquire exclusive management and development rights for all Mainland China Subway locations. According to the U.S. restaurant chain, the agreement, which was funded by a group of private investors, including Asia Investment Capital (AIC), is the largest master franchise agreement in Subway’s history and one of the largest in the QSR industry as a whole. John Chidsey, The Global Chief Executive officer of Subway Additionally, the company will appoint a chief executive officer with extensive QSR market experience. John Chidsey, the global chief executive officer of Subway, stated, “This agreement is a significant milestone in Subway’s international growth strategy as we continue to focus on strategically expanding our footprint and maintaining our position as one of the world’s largest restaurant brands.” We are excited to bring the Subway experience to even more guests in China, which is a significant market with significant long-term growth potential. In the past two years, Subway has signed 13 master franchise and development agreements, with over 9,000 future restaurant commitments worldwide. In terms of the future, Subway stated that it intends to increase the number of its restaurants in the Asia-Pacific region by more than 6,000 to over 3,500 in the next five years.
Ajman based Real Karak Tea Café Plans 100 outlets in the UAE through franchise route
The Ajman-based tea chain says the growing popularity of Karak tea is creating opportunities for expansion and is seeking to open 100 stores in the UAE. Dubai: UAE café start-up franchise Real karak is seeking to accelerate its outlet growth across the country to reach 100 stores by the end of 2025. The franchise-operated chain, which has opened 15 stores across UAE since starting operations in 2019, said it will expand its presence via two store models — a traditional bricks-and-mortar outlet and a compact café kiosk model. Founder Mohamed Shakir said there has been a significant increase in demand for tea and coffee shops across the UAE as café culture becomes more widespread. International coffee chains, including Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Tim Hortons have all gained ground in the UAE market over the last two decades. Real Karak Café’s expansion plans also demonstrate the growing success of domestic premium café concepts across UAE. The United Arab Emirates instant coffee market was evaluated at US$ 67.574 million for the year 2020, growing at a CAGR of 11.88% reaching the market size of US$148.311 million by the year 2027. Rising tea consumption among individuals owing to the growing health and wellness trends is driving the market growth.. The company currently operates 15 retail stores across UAE Major part of this network expansion will be through franchise outlets, it said. “The large part of the expansion strategy is based on franchise network development. This business model is asset light with high return on investment,” company’s founder Shakir K P said. It is looking at smaller kiosk formats to be opened in food courts, he added. During next three years, Real Karak plans to open 85 outlets in different UAE markets like Dubai, Abudhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Shakir K P, Founder, Real Karak Café “Real Karak café was set up to serve exceptional Tea with food, elegant ambience, uniquely crafted recipes, refinement in personalized service where each customer is treated with love and care, vibrancy in the carefully curated menu has been a part of his passion to provide franchise with a one-of-a-kind experience “said Shakir K P founder of real Karak Cafe. Five Key Features of Real Karak Café franchise Recognition – Karak Tea is getting accolades from the tea-lovers across the nation who want to savor the great taste of Karak Chai. Flavors and varieties – With the range of flavors to offer, Real Karak serves the best tea and brews a distinct variety of coffee too in its kitchen. Real Karak also provide assorted snacks and beverages to its customers. Affordable Quality – Real Karak products are not only healthy but also very affordable, Real Karak aims to provide every sip of happiness at an affordable price. Presentation – Real Karak product pleases every sense of human beings. Its unique presentation is a treat to the eyes and a delicacy to taste. Hygiene – Real Karak maintain the highest standard of quality in all of our products and follow the best practices to serve the most hygienic and healthy food to our customers.
Dubai based Meals N’ More Healthy vending Machine Franchise plans 100 Locations by 2025
Meals & More Vend cafe is a startup franchise that launched the first healthy vending machines in the UAE in response to an increasing number of forward-thinking companies who were asking for something other than junk food in their employee vending machines. Currently, the company is operating machines at four different locations. Those locations are JAFZA, JLT, Business Bay and Dubai Technologies Corporate Office located in Dubai. The company proposes to add over 100 machines over the coming 2 to 3 years in the UAE. Meals N More Dubai’s first 24X7 instant food vending machine, installs cutting edge vending Italian vending machines to make salads and meals available at the click of a button, requiring zero human intervention. Along with this novel element, Meals N’ More vending machines or kiosks offer an array of products from Healthy Salads,Veg and Non Veg Biriyanis, café-packed savories and bakery products to ready-to-eat packaged food. Even though vending machines are not a new concept in the UAE, they are typically found in airports or at large workplaces. At the same time, their current offerings are limited to the chocolates, chips, cookies, cakes, colas and candies. These packaged foods and beverages are, understandably, regarded as unhealthy food options. Which Meals N more wishes to alter to Healthy and balanced options. Mr. Bijoy Anand Raghavan and Mr. Yogesh Kamath receives the prestigious Arab Franchise “Innovative Franchise of the Year award” from Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai Hence, the company began preparing their own fresh food from Cloud Kitchen and sees there platform as a Healthy food aggregator, which has revolutionized the vending industry in Dubai with its Affordable-meal- concept. “Our endeavor is to enable the fresh meals and meal plans through 100 per cent cashless, app-based and contactless stores and pantries, not only in office buildings but also in establishments such as hospitals, residential societies, educational institutes like colleges and in-transit as well through cabs and buses,” says Bijoy Ananad Raghavan CEO of Meals N ‘ More Vend Café. Meals N’ More vendcafe Also won the prestigious Arab Franchise “Innovative Franchise of the Year award” last year.