EGYPT- American coffee and donut distribution chain, Duck Donuts has opened its first point of sale as part of its international expansion drive.
Based at the Cairo Festival City Mall, the new store is going to be managed by Master Foods, a local operator in the catering sector. Master Foods has franchise rights to Duck Donuts brands on Egyptian soil.
The new Cairo store features a modernized and inviting family-friendly atmosphere theme, complete with indoor seating.
The nearly 1,100 sq. ft. store also offers a viewing area where children and adults can watch their donuts being made and photo opportunities throughout with the brand’s iconic and lovable duck mascot, Ollie.
In addition to donuts, the Cairo location also serves high-end coffee, espresso, donut sundaes, breakfast sandwiches, milkshakes, frozen beverages, select retail items, and more.
The company noted that guests will experience the same made-to-order donut process and availability of coatings, toppings, and drizzles, including traditional favorites such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and more adventurous creations such as maple icing with beef bacon. By summer, the shop will expand its menu to include local flavors such as mango.
Duck Donuts will face competition from fellow US brands Cinnabon and Dunkin’ at the Cairo Festival City Mall, alongside multi-national coffee chains Costa Coffee, Second Cup, and Starbucks.
The chain further plans to expand in the country by opening 24 additional outlets by 2027, including a new one to be launched in the second half of 2023.
Egypt has become the first African country to host the food chain brand and the third in the world after Canada and Saudi Arabia. Overall, the group has a strategy of expanding to more international markets, such as Qatar, Pakistan, and Thailand.
“We are delighted to continue our international expansion, 5,000 miles away from our hometown, with the opening of our first shop in Egypt,” said Duck Donuts chief executive officer Betsy Hamm.
“Witnessing firsthand the interest, excitement, and acceptance of our concept and product assures this is a market that our franchise partners will see tremendous success and quick growth.”
According to the managing partner of Integrated Food Services, Ahmed Ihab, the grand opening is the beginning of a long journey to introduce and grow the Duck Donuts brand throughout every district in Egypt, adding that the company is actively searching for a second location to give everyone in Egypt the chance to experience our delicious, warm donuts and high-end coffee.
In July 2022, the company announced plans to launch in Thailand in partnership with The Great Restaurant Group Co., with a store in Bangkok expected to open in 2023.
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