GHIA HOLDING PLANNING USD 6 MILLION MARKET EXPANSION

Beirut-based Ghia Holding, the company behind Abd El Wahab, Ahwak, Duo and Caribou Coffee, among others, is planning a USD 6 million expansion strategy for the Lebanese market, according to Operations Director, Maroun Daou. For 2017, the company is planning a new all-day café in Mar Mikhael called, El Denye Hek. The all-season destination can seat 250 people with investment around USD 1.6 million. “We are planning one outlet in Lebanon, but considering franchises in the Gulf region, where our bases are found. However, the concept cannot be replicated everywhere as a regular outlet, as it requires a specific climate,” Daou said. Additionally, Ghia Holding is opening another new concept called Med by Duo, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. The first outlet will be opening in Beirut City Center in 2017. The company is also expanding on a regional level, opening its first franchised Ahwak in Muscat City Center, Oman, after signing a franchise agreement with Horizon Hospitality Holding - the franchisee for the same concept in Dubai. Daou also said that the company is planning the first Abd El Wahab in London, set to open in mid-2017 in a USD 1.2 million (£1 million) venture, without key money which is around USD 620,000 (£500,000).