News

Spicy Pickle opens in Middle East

October 9, 2013

Cibus International, a Colorado-based, fast casual franchising company, opened a Spicy Pickle restaurant in Doha this week, the first of seven new locations in the Middle East, according to a company press release. Master franchisee, Food Fabulous, WLL is Cibus' master franchise partner in the State of Qatar.

"Cibus is fortunate to be working with great partners at Food Fabulous in Doha," said Stephanie Flanders-Martin, VP of business services. "We have been working diligently to prepare for this exciting growth opportunity. Doha is a great place for Spicy Pickle expansion. This development has accelerated existing interest throughout the Middle East region."

Although international development is challenging, Spicy Pickle's team worked closely with Qatar development partners to adjust the menu to ensure compliance with halal foods under Islamic dietary guidelines, Flanders-Martin said.

"With the ongoing growth surge in the State and the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar's consumer outlook remains positive over the next 10 years," said Salma Maher, the new Spicy Pickle franchise developer and resident of Qatar. "We selected Spicy Pickle after careful market survey knowing it is a brand that offers a lot behind its name and will deliver to a market that is rapidly growing like Qatar."

Read more about growth.