The sizeable master franchise deal will see the brand’s footprint increase by 50 per cent.
The Iowa-based franchise has signed a master franchise agreement with H.J. Happy Joe’s for Restaurants LLC to grow the brand across the Middle East and North Africa.
The master franchise will be led by Ahmed Elbatran and the group will develop or sub-franchise 25 units across Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E over the next 10 years.
The first locations are slated to open in Cairo before expanding first into Egypt, and then other countries in the region. The aim is to develop around 50 to 75 Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream Parlors across the region.
“Inking this deal was among the most exciting moments in our brand’s history,” said Happy Joe’s CEO, Tom Sacco.
“We’re beyond thrilled to begin this extraordinary international growth push as we bring Happy Joe’s overseas by expanding our presence in the Middle East and North Africa over the next decade.
“I expect this expansion to springboard Happy Joe’s into South Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. We look forward to working with Ahmed as Happy Joe’s prepares to scale new heights globally.”
Elbatran will be responsible for attracting and developing new franchisees as well as running his own locations. In addition to its classics, Happy Joe’s will allow for the menus to be slightly tweaked to align with local tastes and increased focus on seafood and chicken in the region.
“Happy Joe’s is so much more than just a delicious pizza restaurant, and I can’t wait for people in this part of the world to experience a place where kids and families create and celebrate memorable moments together,” Elbatran said.
“Pizza delivery is widely popular in Egypt, and we’ll offer it, but nothing in this area compares to the magical dine-in atmosphere at Happy Joe’s. We’re proud to introduce this iconic brand to the Middle East and continue growing it throughout the region.”
Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream was founded in 1972 by Joe Whitty in Davenport, Ohio and has eight company-owned and 38 franchise locations throughout the Midwest.
