SALEM, Ore. — Sense Gourmet, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Foodco Holding, has opened its first Figaro's Pizza location in the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi — the first of four Figaro's Pizza restaurants it will open this year.
Sense Gourmet signed a master-franchise agreement with Figaro's Pizza in early 2007 to open stores in seven Middle Eastern countries. Plans call for the opening of 35 locations in the United Arab Emirates alone, with two locations in Abu Dhabi, two in Dubai and one in Sharjah.
Additional locations are planned for Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt.
"Our studies showed that there is an unfilled niche in the Middle East for high-quality products, especially for fresh pizzas that people can take home and bake for themselves," said Foodco Holding's managing director Ahmed bin Ali Khalfan Al Dhahry.
In addition to expanding to the Middle East, Figaro's Pizza also recently signed a master-franchise agreement for Mexico, with a target of 50 new restaurants there.
