BUSINESS STRATEGY

Global pizza chain to sink its teeth into the East African market

By our News Team | 2023

Papa John’s, which already operates in more than 5,500 outlets in 60 countries, now has Kenya and Uganda in its sights.

Papa John’s, one of the world’s largest pizza delivery restaurant groups, is to open 13 outlets in Kenya by the end of 2024. The first outlet, in Nairobi, opens in September 2023.

This is the brand’s first foray into sub-Saharan Africa, with the longer-term strategy being to use Kenya as a base to move into other parts of the region, including Uganda.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Papa John’s has confirmed an agreement with local company Kitchen Express, which is the master franchisee. Stores will likely be co-located with Chicken Cottage, another quick-service restaurant master franchise held by Kitchen Express.

Kitchen Express is, in turn, part of AAH Limited and the Hass Petroleum Group. The latter has around 60 petrol stations in Kenya and Uganda, and the fast-food outlets will be located on the forecourts. Hass also operates elsewhere on the continent and has approximately 140 petrol stations in total.

Continue global brand momentum

“Establishing ourselves in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time presents a great opportunity for Papa John’s to deliver on our…promise and continue our global momentum as a brand,” says Amanda Clark, Chief Development Officer for Papa John’s in East Africa was originally planned for 2022, but was delayed.

“The fast-food sub-category in Kenya has seen many deals between food chains and fuel marketers, who are increasingly seeking to attract small consumer-focused businesses to their properties, a model that is meant to bring them rental income besides boosting fuel sales,” the news website Food Business Africa reports.

“By setting up in Kenya, Papa John’s, which has seen rapid growth in international markets in recent years, will be taking on rival international brands that have already opened in Kenya – like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Burger King.”

Papa John’s has a global presence and in North Africa is already located in Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

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