Image for illustrative purposes
Americana Restaurants International, a prominent operator of quick-service and casual dining establishments in the MENA region and Kazakhstan, has secured a franchise agreement with the luxury lifestyle brand carpo. This collaboration marks Americana’s entry into the upscale food retail market.
The franchise deal provides Americana with the exclusive privileges to operate carpo outlets in Kuwait and Qatar, with plans to extend into Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the future.
Launch plans include flagship stores slated to debut by the end of 2025.
Established in 1991 in Athens, carpo is renowned for its premium nuts, artisanal chocolates, and high-quality coffee. The brand already has retail locations in prestigious areas across Greece, the UK, and the UAE, including a store opened in Dubai Mall in 2022.
A new store is also scheduled to open this autumn at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.
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“Joining forces with carpo enables us to access a refined and rapidly growing market segment, represented by a globally esteemed brand synonymous with quality and craftsmanship,” commented Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Americana Restaurants. “This partnership underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation, brand enhancement, and offering unique experiences to our clientele throughout the region.”
Kostas Kontopoulos, founder and CEO of carpo, shared: “Collaborating with Americana, a leading entity with substantial operational know-how, allows us to share the carpo experience with consumers across the Gulf. This agreement signifies a pivotal commercial achievement and the start of a mutual vision focused on enriching customer experiences through exceptional products and service quality.”
This agreement represents a strategic shift for Americana, which has been historically concentrated on quick-service and casual dining, as it ventures into the lucrative premium retail sector.
Americana manages a diverse array of global brands, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, Peet’s Coffee, TGI Friday’s, and Baskin Robbins.
With listings on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Saudi Exchange, Americana’s foray into luxury retail aligns with a broader strategy aimed at fostering community connections through food, placing newfound emphasis on quality and sustainability.