MENAFA receives the official “approval” license from Dubai Chamber
تم اليوم الإعلان الرسمي عن إصدار ترخيص “جمعية الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا لحقوق الإمتياز التجاري” من قبل غرفة دبي الموقرة. وبالحصول على هذه الموافقة من قبل حكومة دبي الرشيدة تكون الجمعية هي الهيئة الاولى من نوعها في مجال حقوق الإمتياز في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة
د. خالد الشرفاء رئيس الجمعية والسيد مهدي المازم مدير إدارة علاقات الأعضاء في غرفة دبي
Asteco (UAE) Franchise Expands into Bahrain
Bahrain-based RightWay and Dubai’s Savana Real Estate will now operate under the Asteco brand following the signing of a franchise agreement with Asteco ‘s licensing division.
The division has been specifically created to offer franchise opportunities to qualifying real estate companies, independent realtors, regional entrepreneurs looking to diversify their existing businesses, or launch a start-up in the property sector.
Commenting on the announcement, John Stevens, Managing Director, Asteco , said: “We have established relationships with two businesses which share similar ideologies and real estate acumen to that of Asteco . Both businesses are an ideal fit for our franchise model and I look forward to working with them both as we move forward.”
Bahrain based RightWay is the first company to be awarded an Asteco franchise outside of Dubai. The newly launched company, led by Angela Marino AlFarooq, is relishing the challenge.
“Operating under the umbrella of the Asteco brand, RightWay will be focusing on sales and leasing as well as property management. To have the backing of a large, long-established real estate firm such as Asteco will undoubtedly play a major role in supporting RightWay throughout our entire launch phase and beyond. More importantly it will support our ambition to become the largest real estate company in Bahrain,” said AlFarooq.
AlFarooq not only brings strong reputation and credentials within the real estate market, she also has an insight into the levels of performance and standards expected by Asteco having previously worked with the company as the property manager for Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
The second company to maximise the opportunities afforded by the Asteco franchise model is Dubai-based Savana Real Estate. Established in 2014 by Hashim Ahmed, Savana Real Estate is a real estate brokerage agency specialising in commercial real estate. The company brings a wealth of UAE real estate experience with Managing Director Hashim Ahmed working across a range property related roles in Dubai.
“Recognising the important role Asteco has played in helping to develop the real estate sector in the UAE was an integral part of our decision to join the Asteco brand, which has built an enviable reputation over the past 30 years. Adopting their business model and having access to an experienced team and influential network made the decision an easy one to make,” said Ahmed.
Asteco is the only locally established, full service real estate business in the region offering a bespoke franchise opportunity. The firm has already been recognised for its innovative approach to development of the industry, receiving the prestigious Enterprise Agility Awards last year as well as contributing to Asteco ‘s overall Superbrand status.
“The Asteco brand offers a stamp of approval when it comes to credibility, this is something we have built over a period of three decades, and something we want to continue well beyond the next three decades of operation. We therefore carry out the most stringent due diligence to ensure our franchisees are the correct calibre,” added Stevens.
Both RightWay and Savana Real Estate will have the opportunity to capitalise on Asteco ‘s tailored set-up support services, bespoke operating areas, regional brand visibility and access to an enviable sales and leasing portfolio. In 2013/14 having been predominantly appointed on sole exclusive mandates, Asteco listed more than AED 2.1 billion’ worth of property for sale and offered 1.5 million square feet of leasable space.
Asteco ‘s franchise model also provides partners with a high value referrals service, access to Asteco ‘s market research and quarterly reports, dedicated intranet with a comprehensive range of resources, regular communication and updates, as well as use of the industry-leading real estate software and CRM platform.
Asteco
DUBAI SME to co-organise MENAFA’s next Event 2015
DUBAI EVENTS, we are honored to have you as our “Destination Partner”. Looking forward to taking this opportunity further.
Jollibee (Philippines) to Open 5 Dunkin Donuts Stores in China in 2015
HOMEGROWN fast food chain Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is looking to open stores in new markets beginning this year as part of its global expansion program.
The country’s largest fast food chain plans to bring its flagship Jollibee brand to Canada and other countries in the Middle East and Japan, Ysmael Baysa, JFC chief finance officer, said at the sidelines of Euromoney’s Philippine Investment Forum on Tuesday.
“We are looking at [expanding] in Canada and also to more places in the Middle East and possibly, in the longer term, Japan,” Baysa said.
Asked if the expansion into the new markets will start this year, Baysa told reporters: “We hope so.”
He added: “In everything we do, we want to choose the best locations because you have to be where your target customers are. And you have to wait and look for the right time to enter.”
At the forum, Baysa explained that within JFC they still see Jollibee as a small company. “In that way, we continue to grow,” he said.
Baysa said JFC is set to open an initial five Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in China this year at an estimated cost of P75 million.
Funding will come from normal capital expenditures and “the range is about P12 million to P15 million per store,” he said.
Jollibee formed a joint venture agreement with Jasmine Asset Holdings Ltd. in December last year to operate Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in selected territories in China. Golden Cup Pte. Ltd., the joint venture they formed, sealed the master franchising agreement with Dunkin’ Donuts Franchising LLC in January to open more than 1,400 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in China over the next 20 years.
To support its global expansion, the company has programmed capital expenditure of P9.1 billion this year, which is 68.5-percent higher than its actual capital spending of P5.4 billion in 2014.
Of the total capex for the year, P6.7 billion will be used to strengthen its Philippine operations, P1.7 billion will go to its China expansion, and the remaining P700 million will be used to open new stores in the US and Southeast Asia as well as in the Middle East.
In 2014, JFC’s net profit grew 6 percent to P1.68 billion from P1.58 billion a year earlier, while revenue climbed 12.3 percent to P32.42 billion from P28.86 billion previously.
Other than its flagship brand Jollibee, JFC’s other brands include Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, and Burger King Philippines.
JFC also has three more joint ventures in China aside from the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, and these include a commissary in Anhui Province and the operations of San Pin Wang and 12 Sabu.
Manila Times
The Melting Pot (US) Opens its 1st Restaurant in Jakarta, Indonesia
The Melting Pot® Restaurants, Inc., the world’s premier fondue restaurant and a leading polished casual dining franchise, announced today its first restaurant outside of North America has opened in Jakarta, Indonesia. The latest opening comes on the heels of the company announcing its plans for continued international expansion. The Melting Pot is on track to open its first restaurants in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia later this year, as well as its fourth location in Mexico City, Mexico.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of the first Melting Pot restaurant beyond North America,” said Mike Lester, president of The Melting Pot. “The new Jakarta restaurant demonstrates how The Melting Pot’s interactive dining experience translates well across cultures that value spending quality time with family and friends over meals. We are confident that the concept will continue to grow overseas and look forward to introducing our unique dining experience and delicious fondue styles to Jakarta residents.”
The Jakarta restaurant is one of five restaurants to be built in Indonesia by Ramon Liando, a native Indonesian with 15 years of foodservice experience. The second restaurant is also slated to open in Jakarta by 2016.
“I am proud to be the first franchisee to bring The Melting Pot to Asia,” said Liando. “I strongly value the brand’s commitment to delivering a superior guest experience and look forward to expanding its presence throughout Indonesia.”
As part of its international development, The Melting Pot is focusing its expansion efforts in target markets such as Hong Kong and cities throughout Brazil, Canada, India, Japan and South Korea. Domestically, the company is seeking new franchisees in markets, including Anchorage, Alaska; Dallas; Hartford, Conn.; and Los Angeles, Memphis and Chattanooga, Tenn.
The Melting Pot operates more than 130 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and now Southeast Asia, and has more than 20 locations in development internationally. The concept is known for offering an assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of à la carte selections, highlighting customizable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues.
The Melting Pot is seeking entrepreneurs with business backgrounds and/or preferably restaurant experience who are passionate about the brand and want to be their own bosses. Franchisee candidates should have a credit score of 650 or higher, a minimum net worth of $750,000 and liquid assets of at least $325,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $959,000 to $1,436,000. Single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities are available with an initial franchise fee of $45,000 per unit. As the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2015, a 40 percent discount will be offered on the initial franchise fee for the first restaurant for all new franchise agreements signed in 2015.
About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.
With more than 130 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Southeast Asia and more than 20 locations currently in development internationally, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. is the premier fondue restaurant franchise and a leading polished casual dining franchise. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot has offered a memorable dining experience for 40 years. Guests enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla.
About Front Burner Brands
Front Burner Brands is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with more than 130 restaurants in North America and Southeast Asia and more than 20 locations currently in development and GrillSmith with five locations in the Tampa Bay area.
The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.
Cartridge World (US) Enters MENA Region
Cartridge World, enters the Mena region in collaboration with Taleed International offering high quality re-engineered cartridges produced using state of the art technology. Taleed International is a subsidiary group of the leading Saudi conglomerate in hospitality and entertainment, Al Hokair Group. Operating from Dubai’s Jebel Ali free zone, Cartridge World Mena is the master franchise for the Mena region. With more than 1,750 stores in over 50 countries, Entrepreneur magazine in the US has named Cartridge World among the top 100 franchises.
Taher A. Haj Yousef, managing director, Cartridge World Mena, said “We are very pleased to introduce Cartridge World, a prestigious global brand, to the Mena region. We believe the quality efficient cartridges will definitely be a game changer as it is carefully re-engineered to match the specifications of leading printer brands without any compromise. It’s our adoption of groundbreaking technological innovations that ensures Cartridge World distributes environmentally sound and economically rewarding products that meet Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM specifications in an ever-transforming arena. We see great potential in the cartridges and are extremely enthusiastic about its growth in the region.”
In a quest to consistently deliver reliable alternatives to high priced OEM consumables; Cartridge World uses some of the most exhaustive quality control methodologies in the industry. Cartridge World has pioneered robust re-engineering methodologies and unparalleled testing processes, which have enabled positive growth, thus satisfying millions of customers’ year on year.
Unlike its counterparts in other countries, Cartridge World Mena has opted for finished goods only, so they can provide the superior, uniform quality and consistency of print.
The cartridges are compatible with almost all leading printers like HP, Xerox, Canon and Toshiba and offer a warranty of 2 years. Cartridge World is granted world quality certification for its quality, yield, and environment and regards high quality and reliability of the brand as its core strengths.
The global franchise sees empty cartridges as a global commodity and opportunity for revitalisation. Cartridge World by this introduction is committed to reduce environmental impact thus benefitting individuals and businesses alike in the UAE.
Khaleej Times
Creative Learning Corporation (US) Awards Franchise in Croatia
Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN) ), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz,® Challenge Island®, and Sew Fun Studios®, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment programs, is pleased to announce that BFK Franchise Company, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Creative Learning Corporation) has recently awarded a franchise in Croatia, bringing the total number of countries with Bricks 4 Kidz and Challenge Island franchises (including the US and Puerto Rico) to 37. Adding Croatia continues to validate the strong appeal that Bricks 4 Kidz is enjoying both domestically as well as internationally,” stated CEO Brian Pappas. “We also currently have very solid prospective franchisees/Master franchisees in South Vietnam, Peru, Cambodia, Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan, and Oman.
“We also currently have very solid prospective franchisees/Master franchisees in South Vietnam, Peru, Cambodia, Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan, and Oman.”
About Creative learning Corporation
Creative Learning Corporation, operating under the trade names of Bricks 4 Kidz® , Challenge Island® and Sew Fun Studios® offers educational and enrichment programs to children ages 3-12+. Through a unique franchise business model that includes a proprietary curriculum and marketing strategies, plus a proprietary Franchise Marketing Tool (FMT), the Company provides a wide variety of programs designed to enhance students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills. Creative Learning Corp is now operating in 37 countries.
Creative Learning Corporation
Kona Grill (US) to Expand Internationally
Kona Grill, which has a diverse menu that draws on foods from all over the world, is expanding internationally.
The Scottsdale-based company, whose fourth-quarter sales jumped 29.1 percent over the same period a year earlier, is negotiating to open franchise locations in Latin America and the Middle East, said Berke Bakay, president and CEO.
“Interest from potential international partners is strong, and we are enthusiastic about this long-term growth opportunity,” he said.
The move, in which the company will collect royalty fees for use of the concept and company expertise, offers a different revenue stream, he said. While no specific locations have been announced yet, the first international site is expected to open in 2016, he said.
Kona Grill, which has 30 restaurants in 19 states, plans to open seven additional domestic restaurants in 2015. Leases have been signed on additional locations, whose opening dates have yet to be determined.
“We have proven the portability of this concept,” Bakay said.
The company looked to other restaurants that have overseas locations in making its decision to expand globally, he said.
“If you look at other American brands such as P.F. Chang’s … they’ve had a lot of success internationally,” he said.
Kona Grill has established a new position, vice president of international development. Carlos de León, who has 20 years of international restaurant franchise experience, has been hired to till the spot, which will be based in Dallas.
De León most recently worked at CEC Entertainment Inc., where he built Chuck E. Cheese’s international franchising program. He also was international development director at Carlson Restaurants, helping to grow the TGI Fridays brand to multiple overseas markets.
Dallas offers several benefits: De León lives there, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport offers convenient international flights, Bakay said. Plus, Dallas Kona Grill locations typically see an uptick in sales during the spring, when Mexican students and their families visit during spring break, he said.
The company has been in contact with potential international partners and is looking for others who are not necessarily restaurateurs, he said.
Kona Grill’s portfolio primarily includes locations that are stand alone or are part of lifestyle centers, such as its San Tan Village location, or mixed-use developments, such as its Phoenix High Street location.
Same-store sales have risen 17 out of the past 18 quarters, Bakay said.
The menu, which offers 200 items, includes sushi and other Asian offerings, tacos and American favorites such as jambalaya and pulled pork sandwiches. Grill items account for 46 percent of sales, bar business equals 30 percent and sushi sales equal 24 percent, he said.
Company research has shown that a majority of customers are female, so Kona Grill has embarked on a remodeling campaign in which existing restaurants, which formerly resembled steakhouses, are being given lighter colors, a more open look and a more modern feel.
Its Scottsdale and Chandler locations already have been remodeled.
By the end of the year, 22 of the potential 37 locations were feature the new design, Bakay said.
In February, Kona Grill announced that fourth quarter revenue was $31.1 million, up from $24.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The quarter ended Dec. 31.
The Republic | azcentral.com
BrightStar Care (US) Generates Interest in Master Franchisees Globally
The number of people 65 years of age and older worldwide will double by 2050 and these people want to remain independent in the comfort of their own homes. BrightStar Care, a private duty home care and medical staffing franchise with more than 260 locations in the United States, is primed to fill the international demand for expert, high-quality in-home care. The home care franchise is already seeing success in China, Mexico, Australia, and within the Middle East. They are now planning expansion into Canada and the United Kingdom via Area Developer or Master Franchisees.
“We are off to a great start with our international expansion endeavors,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and co-founder of BrightStar Care. “Our goal is to bring BrightStar Care into every country that has a high demand for our services, and with these recent efforts, we are well on the way. Our brand is committed to providing A Higher Standard of Home Care for families, and we have the proven model with a solid infrastructure to help our international franchisees deliver high-quality care in their communities.”
BrightStar Care is unique among private duty home care providers in its commitment and ability to deliver the highest quality of care. Each franchise location employs a Registered Nurse Director of Nursing who creates unique, personalized plans of care for each client and oversees professional care teams of well-qualified, experienced caregivers who deliver expert, compassionate and personal care.
Spearheading the international growth plan is franchise development veteran Anthony Padulo, who has successfully expanded brands such as Dunkin’ Brands, BP Oil and Aamco into global markets. As Executive Vice President of Domestic and International Development for BrightStar Care, Padulo is focusing efforts on securing deals with Area Developers to own and operate multiple locations at a time, or Master Franchisees, who can sub-franchise after opening two to five of their own locations.
“The ideal candidate for this business opportunity is someone who recognizes that demand, has the team and infrastructure in place to bring the brand in their region, and is committed to making a true difference,” Padulo said.
Business Wire
Lapels (US) Signs with World Franchise Associates (UK)
Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently signed a consulting agreement with World Franchise Associates (WFA) of London, England.
World Franchise Associates is an international franchise organization that expertly assists franchisors entering new international markets and assists international franchise buyers in acquiring the best franchised business brands. As part of the one-year agreement, WFA will work to connect Lapels to operating companies in the Middle East and southeast Asia
“Expanding internationally has been something that’s been on our radar for the past few years but coming up with the right strategy has been in a challenge,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Working with a firm with a track record like WFA’s will greatly expedite our plans for international growth.”
WFA (www.worldfranchiseassociates.com) is registered in London with offices in the UK, Middle East, Asia and East and Central Europe. Some of the franchises the firm has helped expand internationally include: Steak ‘n Shake, Fastsigns and Joe’s Crab Shack. WFA is the publisher of the World Franchise Review.
“The types of franchises that succeed in the international market typically have a unique offering. What Lapels has done in creating a environmentally friendly method to dry clean clothes certainly fits that description,” said Martin Hancock, WFA chief operating officer for North America. “We’re looking forward to working with Kevin and his team to bring that package to the international market for today’s aspiring franchise owners looking for a greener franchise opportunity.”
Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past dozen years. That effort features the latest technology in equipment to improve the dry cleaning cycle and utilizing GreenEarth® solvent at its newer locations. GreenEarth is the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative. Using these kinds of solutions and, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes.
For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.
About Lapels Dry Cleaning
Lapels Dry Cleaning is an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts. Lapels has 60+ franchises across the U.S.
Lapels Dry Cleaning
