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.
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.