Major Middle Eastern expansion is on the cards for US restaurant brand Figaro's Pizza after the company appointed Foodco Holding subsidiary Sense Groumet as its exclusive Master Franchisee for the region. The first openings are expected in March, with five locations in development in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE (where a total of 35 outlets are planned).

"Our studies showed there is an unfilled niche in the Middle East for high-quality products, especially for fresh pizzas that people can take home and bake for themselves," says Foodco Holding Managing Director Ahmed bin Ali Khalfan Al Dhahry. "Figaro's has a long established track record in this field and is the brand that fits closest with our core values of wanting to provide high quality food experiences."

The Middle East deal is the first expansion for the Figaro's brand outside North America, and future openings are in the pipeling in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and Lebanon providing jobs for an estimated 600 plus staff.

Published: 22 January 2007

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