Figaro’s Pizza Opens in Abu Dhabi

Salem, OR, February 04, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Sense Gourmet, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Foodco Holding, signed an exclusive master franchising agreement with Figaro’s Pizza in early 2007 to open stores in seven Middle Eastern countries. On January 17th, the group opened their first location in the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi – the first of four Figaro’s Pizza restaurants it will open this year.

Plans call for the opening of 35 locations in the United Arab Emirates alone, with two locations in Abu Dhabi, two in Dubai and one in Sharjah to kick off the expansion. Additional locations are planned for Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt.

Sense Gourmet was formed as a subsidiary of Foodco Holding to expand into restaurant franchising, catering and other retail operations in the hospitality sector. The company was established with the specific purpose of establishing high-potential restaurants across GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries in partnership with renowned restaurant operators, as well as catering services.

“Our studies showed that 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,” said Foodco Holding’s Managing Director Ahmed bin Ali Khalfan Al Dhahry.

In addition to expanding to the Middle East, Figaro’s Pizza also recently signed a master franchising agreement for Mexico, where 50 units are expected to open. Figaro’s currently has over 100 locations.

“We are very excited that our first expansion outside of North America is with such a distinguished, experienced and well capitalized group as Sense Gourmet,” said Ron Berger, Figaro’s Pizza chairman and CEO. “Their dedication to offering consumers only the highest quality products and services attracted us to them and make them the perfect partner for Figaro’s.”

Opened in Salem, Ore., in 1981, Figaro’s has built a brand reputation around pizza made with 100 percent real cheese, the best meats and freshest vegetables all generously portioned to create “Flavors that Sing!” Figaro’s Pizza is the largest we-bake or you-bake pizza franchise in the United States.

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