Figaro's Pizza Opens In Dubai

By: Figaro's Pizza | 25 Shares 643 Reads

July 31, 2009 // Franchising.com // Figaro's Pizza is pleased to announce the opening of its 4th location pursuant to its Master Franchise Agreement with Sense Gourmet, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi based Foodco Holding.

The store had its 'soft opening' on June 25th. It is located at the Plaza Level Rimal Building, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, with a 2,400 square foot dining room and outside seating of 800 square feet. Sense Gourmet Managing Director and CEO Mr. Ali AL Qellawi will declare the outlet officially open at a ceremony which will be attended by members of the Sense Gourmet Board of Directors, Dubai Retail Properties officials and industry leaders.

The Jumeirah Beach Residence is the 4th Figaro's restaurant developed by Sense Gourmet. The other three are: The Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which opened January 17, 2008, The Mega Mall in Sharjah, UAE, which opened April 9, 2008, and Al Nahda, Damas Bldg-Dubai Sharjah Road, Sharjah, UAE, which opened February 12, 2009 And the 5th store which will be located in Al Rigga Rd Dubai downtown is ready to open on 15th of July 2009. Plans call for 35 locations in the UAE. 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 chairman and Managing Director Ahmed bin Ali Khalfan Al Dhahry.

In addition to expanding to the Middle East, Figaro's Pizza has also entered into master franchising agreements for Mexico as well as Cyprus.

"We are very excited that our very 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."

Jumeirah Beach Residence

Jumeirah Beach Residence is changing the face of Dubai's coastline with its freehold luxury homes. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and located along one of the last natural beachfronts in Dubai, the properties are spacious, prestigious and indulgent.

Designed for families looking to indulge in the pleasures of a beach resort lifestyle throughout the year, Jumeirah Beach Residence offers residential and hotel accommodations, as well as retail space and entertainment facilities for all. The sprawling 1.7 kilometer waterfront community of Jumeirah Beach Residence is the largest single phase residential development in the world. It features 36 residential towers, 4 hotel towers and four beach clubs.

It is a uniquely-themed environment combining the styles of Mediterranean and local architecture, complemented by landscaped plazas and children play areas, fountains and courtyards. The development offers a wide selection of residential units ranging from studio, one, two, three, and four bed room apartments with sea views, marina views, and community views to suit different budgets and needs.

Jumeirah Beach Residence offers every necessity and convenience under one complex. This unique urban community also includes retail outlets, restaurants, sports and health clubs. The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is Dubai's only outdoor shopping experience by the beach offering breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf and boasting world class retail outlets.

Founded in 1981, Salem, Oregon-based Figaro's Italian Pizza has been recognized as "the best pizza you can have at home." Pizzas can be baked in the restaurant or taken home in oven ready baking trays for home baking. Pizza is also sold by the slice in some stores. There are 4,000 topping combinations to choose from. Dependent upon location, other menu items may include lasagna, sandwiches, calzones, salads and soft drinks. Figaro's Pizza has grown to nearly 100 locations and the company expects to open 5 to 10 new units per year over the next several years. The company is focused on building mass in its current markets.

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