PizzaExpress to double its outlets in the UAE

PizzaExpress, a restaurant chain based in the UK, has taken charge of its franchise operations that was run by Jordana Restaurants in the UAE. The decision came after the brand had planned to ramp up its expansion plans in the UAE region. PizzaExpress aims to double its number of outlets in the UAE region by 2020. Presently, the brand has seven outlets running across the region mainly in Al Safa, Ibn Battuta, World Trade Centre, Bin Sougat, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Kidzania at Dubai Mall, as well as one restaurant in Fujairah. It looks forward to open another outlet in Abu Dhabi this summer.

Commenting on the acquisition, Luke Davies, Managing Director, PizzaExpress International said, “We are pleased to bring our UAE operation into the core PizzaExpress estate. The aim behind this acquisition is to grow PizzaExpress into a truly global brand. We have plans to further invest in the UAE market.”

One of the most famed restaurant groups, PizzaExpress was founded way back in 1965 by Peter Boizot. He opened its first restaurant in London after being inspired by Italian pizzas during his trip to Italy. In 2014, the group was acquired by the China based private equity firm Hony Capital. With majority of PizzaExpress restaurants running in the UK, the brand has its presence across the globe.