Subway, one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, and Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co (“Alhokair”), one of the leading franchise retailers in Saudi Arabia, signed a new master franchise agreement in KSA.
The new agreement kicks off a growth plan to nearly double Subway’s footprint of 210 restaurants in Saudi Arabia over the next six years by adding a minimum of 145 new locations. It will also accelerate the integration of Subway’s new restaurant design in the country, which is backed by the brand’s digital-first strategy that provides guests with order ahead options.
“Today’s announcement is another example of our refreshed approach to international growth,” said John Chidsey, chief executive officer of Subway. “Through partnering with companies that have deep regional knowledge and proven success in the industry, such as Alhokair, we are strategically expanding and strengthening our global footprint around the world.”
“We are committed to supporting leading global brands, such as Subway, and their expansion in Saudi Arabia by leveraging our regional expertise and success in deploying omnichannel capabilities, cementing our transition to a lifestyle retailer of choice in the kingdom,” said Marwan Moukarzel, chief executive officer of Alhokair. “The master franchise agreement with Subway will enhance and diversify our evolving food and beverage brand portfolio in the kingdom. We look forward to capitalizing on a sizable and growing network to deliver an improved and unique experience at quick service restaurants (QSRs) to meet the increased demand amongst guests in the region.”
The agreement with Alhokair is part of Subway’s multi-year transformation journey to build a “Better Subway” and improve across all aspects of the brand as the business expands its presence around the world.
This year, Subway has signed master franchise agreements in India, the brand’s largest agreement to date, and the UAE, as part of its plan to double the number of restaurants across EMEA in the coming years and seek strong partners to support the brand on its journey.
