Americana enters luxury retail via franchise deal with premium Greek brand carpo

Dubai: Americana Restaurants International Plc, the MENA region’s largest quick-service and casual dining operator, is making a bold move into the premium food retail sector by signing an exclusive franchise agreement with carpo, the Greek-born luxury brand known for its artisanal chocolates, specialty nuts, and curated coffee experiences.

The partnership grants Americana exclusive rights to build and operate carpo stores in Kuwait and Qatar, with future openings planned for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The first flagship outlets are expected to debut by the end of 2025, marking a significant diversification from Americana’s traditional restaurant business into high-margin, experience-driven retail.

Founded in 1991 in Athens, carpo has earned international recognition for blending craftsmanship with indulgence. The brand currently operates high-end stores in Greece and the UK, and entered the UAE market in 2022 with a boutique in Dubai Mall. It is now preparing to open a second store in Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall this autumn.

Americana’s expansion into luxury retail reflects its broader growth strategy to diversify offerings, capture premium consumer demand, and enhance customer experience across the Gulf. The move comes amid growing interest in experiential retail concepts that combine product quality, ambiance, and storytelling.

“This partnership with carpo allows us to tap into a sophisticated, fast-growing segment with a globally respected brand built on craftsmanship and excellence,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Americana Restaurants. “It reflects our continued focus on innovation, brand elevation, and delivering differentiated experiences.”

carpo’s founder and CEO, Kostas Kontopoulos, said the collaboration is about more than expansion—it’s about shared values. “We believe in creating spaces where people connect through the beauty of exceptional ingredients and timeless craftsmanship. Partnering with Americana, a regional powerhouse, allows us to bring the carpo experience to more communities across the Gulf.”

The agreement is expected to strengthen Americana’s position not only as a foodservice operator but also as a curator of premium lifestyle experiences. With Gulf consumers increasingly drawn to luxury food retail concepts, the region presents ripe opportunities for upscale brands like carpo.

Americana’s entry into the premium retail space aligns with rising demand for quality-driven, sustainable, and visually immersive food brands. carpo’s emphasis on authentic ingredients, responsible sourcing, and curated design has positioned it as a top-tier player in luxury retail—a natural fit for affluent Gulf markets.

The franchise rollout in Kuwait and Qatar is the first step, with plans already in motion for further expansion into Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where premium mall developments and lifestyle destinations are flourishing. Americana aims to replicate carpo’s successful Dubai launch by situating new stores in prestigious, high-footfall retail hubs.

This development comes as Americana continues to scale its regional presence, following recent expansions in casual dining and quick-service segments across MENA and Kazakhstan. Now, with carpo, it enters a new chapter focused on quality, experience, and retail sophistication.

As both companies gear up for this new phase, the partnership is expected to deliver more than just premium nuts and chocolate—it’s about crafting moments of indulgence for a discerning clientele across the region.