Dubai-Based SPK Holdings Ventures into Malaysia and ASEAN Markets with its Premier Franchise Brands

P.K. Shahban – Chairman, SPK Group of Holdings, Dubai Dubai-based SPK Holdings is thrilled to announce its ambitious expansion into the vibrant markets of Malaysia and ASEAN countries. With a strategic focus on Malaysia as the gateway to the ASEAN region, SPK Holdings is gearing up to introduce its renowned franchise brands, Tea Break cafe, and FrY n Joy chicken, to new audiences. Tea Break, a beloved homegrown UAE brand, has been at the forefront of culinary innovation since its inception in 2014 in Abu Dhabi. Spearheaded by visionary entrepreneur P.K. Shahban, Tea Break has rapidly gained popularity, boasting a network of 20 outlets and 30 franchises across the UAE. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Tea Break offers a diverse menu featuring freshly prepared burgers and teas, crafted with precision and care. With plans to expand to 10 countries and establish 100 outlets, Tea Break is poised for global success. Joining Tea Break on its journey is FrY n Joy, celebrated for its irresistibly crunchy and flavorful chicken offerings. Together, these brands exemplify SPK Holdings’ dedication to culinary excellence and customer delight. To showcase its portfolio to a wider audience, SPK Holdings will participate in the prestigious Franchise International Malaysia event, scheduled to be held at the iconic KLCC Convention Centre from May 29 to June 1, 2024. This platform provides a unique opportunity for SPK Holdings to forge partnerships and engage with stakeholders, laying the foundation for a successful entry into the Malaysian and ASEAN markets. As SPK Holdings sets its sights on new horizons, it pledges to redefine the gastronomic landscape, bringing a taste of Dubai’s culinary excellence to discerning palates across Southeast Asia. About SPK Holdings: SPK Holdings is a Dubai-based conglomerate known for its diverse portfolio of successful ventures spanning various industries. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, SPK Holdings aims to make a positive impact on the global stage.

Barn’s Saudi Arabian Cafe Joins Forces with Esport World Cup Foundation, the famous Esport team Falcons, and the Media Giants MBC Media Solutions

In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia’s leading coffee chain, Barn’s Cafe, announced a dynamic partnership with the E-Sports World Cup Foundation, becoming a main partner of the prestigious event. Alongside this, Barn’s proudly declares its sponsorship of the renowned “Falcons” esports team, promising a thrilling adventure in the esports arena. The collaboration is set to energize both entities’ fanbases with innovative and exciting initiatives. Additionally, Barn’s has secured a deal with MBC Media Solutions to sponsor the broadcast of significant football events, ensuring their presence reaches millions of viewers across various platforms. Founded in 1992 and part of the Al-Amjaad Group, Barn’s has grown from a local specialty coffee shop to the largest coffee business in Saudi Arabia, boasting over 700 branches. This expansion is supported by a strategic franchising model, with Al-Amjaad retaining ownership of about 30 percent of the branches. The partnerships coincide with Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push into the digital and entertainment sectors, highlighted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent announcement of the Esports World Cup. Scheduled to start in Riyadh in summer 2024, the event aims to bolster the gaming and esports industry, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and job creation. Barn’s Cafe looks forward to a future of significant achievements through these partnerships, merging sporting excellence and media innovation to foster a more active, engaged community in line with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic objectives.

ADNOC Distribution Achieves Hall of Fame Recognition at Gulf Franchise Awards in Abu Dhabi

Mr. Vikram Noronha Head of Franchise at DNOC Distribution receiving the award from the Chief Guest Khaled Almaeena at the Gulf Franchise Awards in Abu Dhabi In a momentous occasion that resonates with excellence and industry leadership, ADNOC Distribution has been honored with the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’ award at the Gulf Franchise Awards held in Abu Dhabi. The gala event, which coincided with the Gulf Franchise Expo, marked a celebration of exceptional achievements within the franchise industry of the GCC Countries, showcasing ADNOC Distribution’s outstanding contributions. The Gulf Franchise Awards, an integral part of the International franchise event, concluded recently in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was a platform to acknowledge and applaud the best in the franchise business, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and brands that have left an indelible mark on the landscape of franchising in the GCC Countries. Held at the Royal Le Meridian Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the Franchise Business & Awards Event was a grand affair organized by Arab Business Media Group. The event played host to representatives from 100 brands, 60 franchise companies, and participants hailing from over 20 countries. The Royal Le Meridian Ballroom became a gathering place for franchise industry enthusiasts and visionaries, united to celebrate the legacy of 2024’s top franchise entrepreneurs. Winners of the Gulf Franchise Awards 2024 with the Chief Guest Khaled Almaeena in Abu Dhabi ADNOC Distribution is UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, with a network of over 400 service stations and 280 convenience stores. Every month, more than 20 million visits are paid to our network of over 360 retail service stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. “I am exceedingly grateful for allowing me to collect this award on behalf of my ADNOC Distribution . The most profound recognition goes to the Management and team who has supported the company during its phenomenal success in recent years”.Vikram said after receiving the award “As one of the UAE’s best and most recognized brands ADNOC Distribution has expanded its business year on year and has a growth strategy both in the UAE and the broader GCC region and we are aggressively planning major expansions in the region from 2024”, said the Head of Franchising at Adnoc Distribution Mr. Vikram Noronha. “We are looking at Franchising Opportunities from Global, Regional and Local Brands in the MENA region and beyond and support them through the  creation of a dedicated team of professionals who really understand the market and how to drive sales”, he added. ADNOC Distribution’s induction into the ‘Hall of Fame’ is a testament to its unwavering commitment, innovation, and influential role in shaping the franchise industry landscape. The award recognizes the company’s enduring legacy and the significant impact it has had on the market, setting it apart as a distinguished leader in the field.

UAE based Health-Focused restaurant “Toss & Co” sets sights on franchise growth in The Gulf countries

Vanessa Bayma, a skilled chef based in Dubai, is leading the charge for Toss & Co.’s expansion into fresh markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The objective is to establish 25 new outlets throughout the region. Expressing her enthusiasm, Bayma remarked, “It’s a true pleasure to collaborate with Toss & Co. in realizing their culinary vision not only in Dubai but also across the GCC.”With a rich background encompassing two decades in the culinary domain, Bayma has played a pivotal role in propelling Toss & Co. to success, assuming the position of the brand’s executive chef. Mona Bhojwani, the founder of Toss & Co., highlighted, “Chef Bayma deeply resonates with Toss & Co.’s culinary philosophy, which revolves around highlighting the beauty of fresh, natural ingredients. This ethos is combined with an aim to make nutritious eating appealing and accessible to everyone.” Chef Vanessa Bayma with Mona Bhojwani, Founders of Toss & Co. Bhojwani further stated, “Chef Bayma’s contributions have been indispensable in fostering the growth of our homegrown brand here in Dubai. We are elated that she is accompanying us on our next venture, expanding into new markets within the GCC.” At Toss & Co.’s Dubai location, Chef Bayma has curated menus featuring an array of delectable options such as vegetable bowls, soups, smoothies, and wraps. These offerings extend to accommodate specific dietary preferences including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices.   Bayma emphasized, “Just because you have particular dietary needs doesn’t mean you should forego flavorful cuisine that leaves you feeling content. Crafting dishes tailored to specific dietary requirements truly ignites my creative prowess in the kitchen.” Reflecting on her involvement with Toss & Co., Bayma said: “I get a real sense of fulfilment from working with Mona and the Toss & Co. team and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting journey as the brand expands, bringing its signature flair to Gulf countries with special focus on Saudi Arabia and Oman.” “Owning a franchise of our healthy cafe comes with a multitude of advantages, including an ever-expanding menu that’s in high demand, streamlined preparation on-site cooking, synergistic menu choices that attract consistent foot traffic throughout the day, and robust support systems to ensure your success”. Says Mona The Toss&Co Franchise System has meticulously designed a support framework to guide every franchisee using a well-established business model. Our entry criteria are stringent, yet we firmly believe that meeting these criteria leads our franchisees to achieve enhanced outcomes. The rising consumption of Healthy food made from natural ingredients over inorganic food products has open up new chances for the Middle East & Africa healthy food market, whereas high competition among market players may create a challenge for the market’s growth.Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the Middle East & Africa health and healthy food market will grow at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029.

Dubai-based fashion brand “The Paintly Store” plans to expand through franchising in the GCC Countries

The Paintly Store, Dubai based fashion brand  conceived by Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh, is poised for an ambitious expansion across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through franchising. With a vision to establish 25 stores of The Paintly stores across the GCC in the coming  years.Maisoon Al Saleh, the founder and CEO of The Paintly Store started her first store in Dubai in 2018,  is an exceptional brand for individuals seeking to wear a unique piece of art. Each creation from The Paintly Store is a work of art, and their designs are limited to only one size per item. To maintain the exclusivity of their pieces, the brand introduces a limited edition capsule collection on the 25th of every month, catering to  men ,women and kids. The catch is that the launch has a set duration for purchases, emphasizing the exclusivity and urgency of the collection.The brand’s commitment to exclusivity extends to not releasing the same item twice, regardless of popularity or customer demand. The Paintly Store is dedicated to offering a distinct and unparalleled experience, ensuring that each piece remains a truly unique and coveted possession. Having garnered international recognition for her distinctive underwater painting techniques and participating in nearly 100 exhibitions worldwide in 20 countries, including nine solo shows, Al Saleh now aims to provide a platform for other artists to showcase their creations through The Paintly Store. Her aspiration is to create a space where art enthusiasts can explore and appreciate diverse artistic expressions. At The Paintly Store, we believe in fashion as an avenue for personal expression and self-empowerment. Each piece we curate resonates with individuality, allowing your style to mirror your personality and emotions in unprecedented ways.Founded by Emirati Artist, Author, and Entrepreneur Maisoon Al Saleh, The Paintly Store is a sanctuary for those who seek the exceptional clothing styles. “We understand the desire to stand out, especially during those significant moments deserving of your spotlight. Our limited edition pieces transform fashion into wearable art.” Says Maisoon Al Saleh. “At The Paintly Store, we redefine the art of fashion, offering a canvas for your self-expression. ”The Drop” Collection, where each piece is one-of-a-kind, limited to only one per size. “Just 50” Collection, celebrating uniqueness at an accessible price. With only 50 pieces per size, you can cherish both individuality and affordability. Our “Basic” Collection transcends trends, combining timeless design with superior craftsmanship. For  little fashionistas,  “Mini” Collection of limited edition kids’ clothing, celebrating uniqueness in every size. But here’s the twist: on the 25th of each month, we introduce a limited edition capsule collection for men, women, and kids. Each design is a masterpiece, and once it’s gone, it remains forever exclusive. No repeats, no compromises” Added Maisoon Al Saleh. From personalised customer service to comprehensive franchisee support, The Paintly store franchise support program provides a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and retail shop owners alike. The paintly store offers a refined business model which offline to online with the innovative app which you can use as a turnkey blueprint for sales operations. And this means a higher chance of success compared to launching your own business. Annual fashion sales in the GCC markets of the Middle East hold substantial financial significance, amounting to $50 billion. This reflects the region’s substantial economic power, with high levels of spending on a per capita basis, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Paintly Store’s expansion aligns with the evolving landscape of fashion and art in the region, catering to discerning customers who value uniqueness and self-expression.

The UAE-based burger chain “Pickl” plans to open 200 additional locations worldwide.

Pickl, a renowned burger chain hailing from the UAE, is embarking on an ambitious journey of global growth with plans to establish 200 new outlets on an international scale. The home-grown brand is also eyeing an entry into the Saudi Arabian market within the next 12 months, while charting a course to open 50 additional locations across the GCC over the course of the next five years. In an exciting recent development, Pickl unveiled its intention to debut its first Qatari location in the fourth quarter of 2023. This strategic move is the result of a collaboration with Golondrina Hospitality. Furthermore, Pickl has two more outlets in the pipeline, with plans to launch them over the next three years. The brand’s expansion vision extends to Saudi Arabia, with a targeted entry into this market within the upcoming year. The focus is set on key cities that align with the company’s ambitions for GCC growth. Ash Griffiths, Chief Commercial Officer of Pickl Ash Griffiths, Chief Commercial Officer of Pickl, expressed great enthusiasm for the brand’s forthcoming expansion. Griffiths stated, “We’re thrilled to introduce the Pickl brand to Saudi Arabia in the coming year, and Riyadh will have the privilege of hosting the first outlet for Saudi customers to savor our award-winning burgers and chicken sandwiches. The potential for growth in the Kingdom is substantial, and we’re also setting our sights on Jeddah and the eastern provinces.” Founded by CEO Steve Flawith in 2019, Pickl has rapidly expanded its presence to include 15 outlets throughout the UAE. Notably, the brand’s female-led branch opened its doors in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) residential community in July. In the preceding year, Pickl took its first steps onto the international stage with the launch of its Bahrain location. The brand later became part of the Yolk Brands portfolio earlier this year. Steve Flawith : Founder and CEO of Pickl Pickl’s growth strategy has been markedly accelerated through strategic franchise partnerships. Griffiths emphasized that these partnerships are a critical element in the brand’s journey towards its goal of reaching 200 Pickl locations by 2027. He emphasized, “Franchise partners must share our vision and ambition in propelling Pickl to attain global brand recognition with consistent international standards, regardless of the location. A solid history of managing franchises plays a pivotal role in forming these partnerships, alongside the capacity to realize mutually agreed-upon store rollouts within specified timeframes.” In the backdrop of these expansion initiatives, data presented at the Arab Franchise Expo in Dubai last year underscored the robust growth of franchising as a non-oil sector in the Middle East. With a market value exceeding $30 billion and a steady annual growth rate of 27%, franchising has positioned itself as a dynamic force in the region, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a prominent leader. Source: Zawya

Saudi based Halal Cafe Barn’s eyes franchise expansion to US markets

Saudi-based halal coffee chain, Barns Coffee, has set its sights on the US market, particularly in New York City, with an ambitious expansion plan. Despite a slowdown in the industry, Barns Coffee plans to open its first outlet in Manhattan by the first quarter of next year. The CEO of the chain, Mohamed Al Zain, expressed enthusiasm about the aggressive  growth in the US, keeping pace with the company’s international expansion. He believes that the timing is favorable for Barns Café to establish a presence in Manhattan, with the first outlet set to open in the iconic Times Square. Mr Sami Mansour Qutub ,Vice president Human Capital and Shared services, Barns Coffee and Mr.Noushad Dawood Founder and CEO of Urban Trade international at the MOU signing in Dubai To facilitate their entry into the New York market, Barns Coffee signed a memorandum of understanding with Urban Trade International, based in Abu Dhabi, for development to the US markets. Mr. Noushad Dawood, the Managing Director of Urban Trade  International, pointed out the potential of the growing halal market in the USA and expects to roll out more outlets in NYC in the coming years. “The potential for a halal coffee chain in New York City is significant. With its diverse population and a growing interest in unique and culturally diverse culinary experiences, the city offers an ideal market for such a concept.  Barns halal coffee chain can cater to Muslim consumers seeking coffee options that adhere to their dietary and religious requirements, while also appealing to a broader audience interested in exploring new flavors and cultural influences”.said Sami Mansour Qutub ,Vice president of Human Capital and shared services of Al Amjaad group during the signing of MOU in Dubai . “ New York’s vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle provides an excellent opportunity for a halal coffee chain to thrive. Offering quality coffee, innovative beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere, such a chain could attract both locals and tourists, establishing a loyal customer base. Additionally, New York City is known for its coffee culture, with residents and visitors alike seeking out coffee shops as social hubs and places to work or relax. Barns will capitalize on this coffee culture while introducing a unique touch that sets it apart from other establishments.” Said Sultan Al Mutlaq Manager of franchising at Al Amjaad Group. Barns Coffee outlet, Jeddah Airport , Saudi Arabia “ New York’s vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle provides an excellent opportunity for a halal coffee chain to thrive. Offering quality coffee, innovative beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere, such a chain could attract both locals and tourists, establishing a loyal customer base. Additionally, New York City is known for its coffee culture, with residents and visitors alike seeking out coffee shops as social hubs and places to work or relax. Barns will capitalize on this coffee culture while introducing a unique touch that sets it apart from other establishments.” Said Sultan Al Mutlaq Manager of franchising at Al Amjaad Group. While the coffee industry has numerous players, experts still see opportunities for growth in the beverage category. A recent poll revealed that 62 percent of New Yorkers consume coffee daily, with 60 percent of those coffee drinkers having more than one cup per day. Revenue in the Coffee market amounts to US$11.00bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.21% (CAGR 2023-2028). Sultan Al Mutlaq ,Manager of Franchising at Barns coffee, Mr.Noushad Dawood Founder and CEO of Urban Trade international,Abudhabi , Mr. Sami Mansour Qutub ,Vice president Human Capital and Shared services, Barns Coffee(Left to Right ) at the signing function of New York Expansion in Dubai New York City is a top tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year from around the world. A halal cafe can cater to Muslim travelers seeking familiar and authentic food options while exploring the city.With its strong  presence and a focus on the halal market, Barns Coffee is optimistic about its prospects in New York City and is ready to cater to the diverse tastes of coffee lovers in the bustling metropolis. 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. Mohamed Al Zain CEO of Barns café, said: “It’s an exhilarating time to be the coffee shop leader in Saudi Arabia and we dedicate this our loyal customers .We’re proud of our 30-year legacy in Saudi Arabia and are energized by the opportunity to bring the Barns experience to new customers worldwide in the future by opening more outlets through franchising route with the aim of achieving 1000 outlets globally by 2030. While the coffee industry has numerous players, experts still see opportunities for growth in the beverage category. A recent poll revealed that 62 percent of New Yorkers consume coffee daily, with 60 percent of those coffee drinkers having more than one cup per day. Revenue in the Coffee market amounts to US$11.00bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.21% (CAGR 2023-2028).

Barns Coffee of Saudi Expands to Egypt: to open its First Outlet in Cairo 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.