Melt Shop announced that its newest franchised restaurant is now open in Fahaheel, Kuwait. This marks the brand’s second restaurant in the country following the company’s international debut in Kuwait City earlier this year. Located in Mezzanine 2 of the Al Kout Mall, the new Melt Shop is the second of a seven-unit development deal in the Middle East with Ali Alghanim & Sons.
“Opening our second restaurant in Kuwait in less than six months further signifies our aggressive international expansion efforts, and is a testimony to Melt Shop’s brand appeal in markets all over the world,” says Spencer Rubin, founder & CEO of Melt Shop. “We’re excited to continue building on the momentum we’ve established with Ali Alghanim & Sons and look forward to bringing more Melt Shop restaurants to Kuwait and beyond.”
Melt Shop has spent the last seven years tirelessly perfecting the brand and business model. The details have been choreographed to perfection so the product and experience are best in class and none of these standards have compromised with the brand’s international franchise expansion efforts. Melt Shop Al Kout follows the same standard operating procedures and features the same menu as U.S. locations with the addition of a localized Signature Melt—the Halloumi Melt, made with halloumi and pepper jack cheese, roasted and sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, arugula, za’atar and sherry vinaigrette on country white bread.
“From our initial conversations two years ago to now, we’ve witnessed firsthand the support and operational excellence Melt Shop has exhibited and provided us with every step of the way,” says Bader Al Usaimi, Managing Director of Ali Alghanim & Sons Food & Beverage Division. “The performance of our first restaurant in Al Hamra has exceeded expectations and we feel confident that Al Kout will follow suit. We’re energized to continue growing with Melt Shop and can’t wait to bring more restaurants to the Middle East.”
In addition to Kuwait, Melt Shop currently has opportunities domestically in the Northeast, Midwest, and Florida, and in most international markets, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, China, India, Mexico, South America, Canada, Western Europe and Australia. Melt Shop is poised for excellent ROI with an estimated initial investment range of $368,240 – $698,800 for the first location, including a franchise fee of $35,000 and a sales range of $1,016,984 – $1,640,406 (sales range based on Melt Shops’ six corporate restaurants open over 12 months as of end of 2016, as referenced in Item 19 of the 2017 FDD).
Melt Shop’s focus is simple: melted sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. The product and processes have been meticulously refined for more than seven years. But Melt Shop does more than create melted sandwich masterpieces—it creates a culinary experience unmatched in the fast-casual space. The food unlocks the feelings, memories and moments that bring people joy. It’s a reminder of the good, simple, carefree things in life.
