KENYA – The Artcaffe Group owned by US private equity firm Emerging Capital Partners (ECP), has unveiled plans of opening four new outlets in Nairobi, Kenya, in a bid to secure its market share in the highly competitive sector.

The new branches, according to Business Daily will be opened in the next few weeks and situated in Kileleshwa, Freedom Height Mall in Lang’ata, ACK Garden on Bishop Road and at Hardy in Ngong.

The announcement follows allegations made against the restaurant chain by a Kenyan blogger on Twitter, alleging the eatery was finally calling it quits in the Kenyan market due to the frequent lockdowns.

Artcaffe responded stating the blogger’s statements were false and that the brand continues to thrive through the pandemic.

The coffee chain further set the record straight indicating that it was in fact planning to launch a new gourmet grocery store under its umbrella.

“This is completely UNTRUE. All Artcaffé restaurants remain open and the brand continues to grow, improve and thrive. Artcaffé is launching a new gourmet grocery store under its portfolio. We will overcome this Covid era together,” responded Artcaffe.

Artcaffe first opened shop in Kenya in 2009 and has expanded rapidly with new openings in Nairobi’s high-end shopping malls.

Last year they opened new branches in the city centre which include one located at Chester House, Kimathi Street and Westminster branch, along Kenyatta Avenue.

The coffee chain has also set up a new concept under its umbrella dubbed ArtBakery, with several outlets already operational including one at Westgate Mall and the other on Limuru Road.

“Artcaffé is launching a new gourmet grocery store under its portfolio. We will overcome this Covid era together.”

Artcaffe

It operates side by side with global brands including KFC and Subway, as well as Big Square and locally owned Java House.

Meanwhile, Eat’N’Go limited, Nigeria’s master franchisee for Domino’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, and Pinkberry Gourmet Frozen Yoghurt has expanded into the East African market.

The leading Quick Service Restaurant operator has successfully acquired the franchisee which operated Cold Stone Creamery and Domino’s Pizza in Kenya.

The move provides Eat’N’Go with their first foreign market expansion, making them a Pan African company with a total number of 147 outlets across Africa and largest Domino’s pizza and Cold Stone Creamery Master Franchisee in the region.

The expansion to this new region is in line with the company’s plan to reach 180 stores across Africa by the end of 2021.

Since its entrance into Nigeria in 2012, the leading Quick Service Restaurant company has grown exponentially currently operating 130 outlets across the country.

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