Krispy Kreme
Doughnuts, Inc. announced today that it has awarded Middle East
development rights to the Americana Group, the region’s leading restaurant,
food processing, distribution and retail company. Key markets will include,
among others: Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Krispy Kreme’s franchise agreement with the Americana Group calls for
the development of approximately 100 locations over the next five years,
with the first location scheduled to open in Kuwait by early fall. The
Americana Group will hold a 100% ownership position in the franchise.
“This is an exciting partnership for Krispy Kreme as we move forward
with the Company’s turnaround,” said Daryl Brewster, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Krispy Kreme. “We are encouraged by the growth in our
current international markets and this partnership represents an important
opportunity to continue to bring the great taste of Krispy Kreme to
consumers around the world.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Americana,” said Jeff Welch,
Krispy Kreme’s Senior Vice President of Development & International
Franchising. “Americana has a solid track record of successfully operating
restaurant franchises throughout the Middle East. We are confident that
their understanding of the food business in this geographic region will
help promote Krispy Kreme’s success in the marketplace.”
“We are looking forward to introducing Krispy Kreme and the hot
doughnut experience to our customers in the Middle East,” said Marzouk
Nasser Al-Kharafi, Chairman of the Americana Group. “In full partnership
with Krispy Kreme, we intend to be successful in our region by building on
Krispy Kreme’s superior brand, which our customers will come to appreciate
and embrace.”