PizzaExpress acquires UAE franchise amid expansion push

Italian-inspired dining brand PizzaExpress has acquired its UAE franchise operation from operator Jordana Restaurants, it announced on Sunday.

The acquisition is part of ambitious international expansion plans as PizzaExpress celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and prepares to double the number of UAE outlets in the next five years, the company said.

Jordana has operated the PizzaExpress franchise since 2000. There are currently seven restaurants in the UAE – six in Dubai, in Al Safa, Ibn Battuta, World Trade Centre, Bin Sougat, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Kidzania in Dubai Mall, as well as one restaurant in Fujairah.

An eighth is due to open this summer in Abu Dhabi’s World Trade Centre Mall. This will be the second alcohol licensed Jazz@PizzaExpress concept, building on the success of the first such live music venue in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Luke Davies, managing director of PizzaExpress International, said, “This acquisition builds on our strategy to grow PizzaExpress into a truly global brand, and I’m delighted to bring our UAE operation into the core PizzaExpress estate.

“We plan to invest further in the UAE over the next five years as we double the number of PizzaExpress sites across the region.

“By delivering great quality, fresh food, and the very best customer experience, I’m confident of achieving our ambition to become the number one Western casual dining brand in our chosen international markets.”

Established in London’s Soho in 1965, PizzaExpress has 436 restaurants in the UK and a further 77 in 13 markets across the world.