Café Younes goes to Dubai

Franchise in Riyadh also planned

Café Younes is exporting its concept to the UAE, with an outlet expected to open in Dubai by early 2013. Amin Younes, managing partner at Café Younes said that they have changed the strategy adopted to tackle the UAE markets. “We initially thought of franchising our brand name in the UAE, but later on we decided to make it a total corporate presence.”

Café Younes will establish a company in the UAE by mid-2013, with an initial investment totaling up to $600,000. Younes said the company plans to open five branches in the UAE over the next five years. “Investment in each branch will reach around $400,000.” Each outlet will have a space of minimum 130 square meters.

Café Younes also intends to franchise into the Saudi Arabia during 2013. “The franchisee company is still under negotiation,” Younes said. He said the minimum franchise fee per outlet will be around $25,000, in addition to a five percent royalty fee, and brand name usage fees.

Established in 1935 as a retailer of roasted coffee beans, Café Younes opened its first shop in 2008. The brand now has a network of six coffee shops, two of them in Hamra, while the other three are in Sodeco, Aley, and Byblos. “We are seeking to open a seventh branch somewhere between Ashrafieh and Verdun,” said Younes.