Baskin-Robbins celebrates the opening

Galadari Ice Cream Company (GICC) Ltd, master franchisee for Baskin-Robbins in the Middle East, and its subsidiary Jumeirah Trading Company (JTCL), along with Dunkin' Brands, the parent company of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin' Donuts, have celebrated a landmark occasion with the opening of its 500th store in Saudi Arabia.

The event, which took place earlier this month at its 500th location in Dhahran, was attended by a large number of senior representatives from the companies, including Bill Mitchell, President of Dunkin' Brands International, Mohammed Yahya Kazi Meeran, Executive Committee - Board of Directors of Galadari Brothers, John Varughese, Vice President of Dunkin' Brands International, and Shabeer Shah, General Manager of Galadari Ice Cream.

Speaking at the occasion, Bill Mitchell highlighted Dunkin' Brands' commitment to the KSA and the region as a whole. "Our history in the KSA goes back more than 35 years when we opened the first Baskin-Robbins store in Riyadh back in 1982. Since that time, the Baskin-Robbins brand has grown into a local favourite that today proudly stands as KSA's largest quick-service restaurant brand."

Mohammed Yahya Kazi Meeran said: "The ice cream industry in the KSA has gone from strength to strength, achieving an annual growth rate of 6 per cent. We are growing along with the industry at a comparable rate."

For his part, John Varughese commented, "The Baskin-Robbins brand spans generations of Saudis. People who used to come to our stores as kids now bring their own children to enjoy our wide range of delicious flavours. We remain committed to our strategy of product and service innovation and commitment to the local community for the generations to come."

Saudis represent more than 80 per cent of Baskin-Robbins' customers, Shabeer Shah noted. He went on to add that the company has focused on increasing its customer reach by opening outlets in new geographic regions and introduced the concept of neighbourhood stores across the KSA, offering convenient services such as home delivery, and entering into tie-ups with reputed local aggregators.

As part of its commitment to local economic development, JTCL also adopted an ambitious Saudization policy to recruit and develop local talent, from frontline staff to senior executive management. To date, the company has hired over 37 per cent Saudi staff. It has also been an active partner of the Disabled Children Association since 2012.

GICC currently operates more than 800-plus stores across GCC. It is also a joint venture partner with Dunkin' Brands for the Baskin-Robbins business in Australia where there are currently more than 80 locations.

Baskin-Robbins currently has more than 7,900 restaurants in 52 countries around the world

Source: Khaleej Times