Fast-casual chain Melt Shop opened its first international franchise location in Kuwait City, Kuwait at La Hamra Mall & Luxury Center.
It is the first of a seven-location development deal in the Middle East with Ali Alghanim & Sons. The chain expects three additional locations to open in Kuwait within the next four to six months.
"Not only is this the first international location for Melt Shop, but it's also our inaugural franchise location,” says Spencer Rubin, founder & CEO of Melt Shop. Melt Shop, founded in 2011 in New York City with a focus on warm sandwiches with a comfort food bent, launched its franchise model in September 2017 with the goal of opening 100 locations by 2022.
Melt Shop Al Hamra follows the same standard operating procedures and features the same menu as the chain’s domestic locations with the addition of three unique breakfast sandwiches, a full coffee program and a localized signature menu item — the Halloumi Melt, made with halloumi and pepper jack cheese, roasted and sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, arugula, za'atar and sherry vinaigrette on country white bread.
Domestically, Melt Shop has eight locations in three states.