Alshaya announces partnership with Garrett Popcorn Shops

M.H. Alshaya Co., the leading international retail franchise operator, today confirmed that it had signed an exclusive Middle East franchise partnership agreement with US gourmet popcorn brand, Garrett Popcorn Shops. The first store is expected to open in The Avenues in Kuwait later in 2012.

Founded in 1949 in Chicago USA, the Garrett Popcorn Shops brand has a reputation for producing handcrafted gourmet popcorn in old-fashioned copper kettles, and prides itself on using the highest quality ingredients and secret family recipes. Signature flavours include The Chicago Mix, CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn. Today Garrett operates over 25 Shops in the US and international locations including Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The partnership with Alshaya will see it grow in scale across the Middle East with potential for expansion in other markets. 

Speaking about the partnership, Lance Chody, Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Alshaya to bring the Garrett experience to the Middle East. Though we have historic roots in Chicago we have seen the Garrett brand and our great tasting Garrett popcorn embraced globally in recent years. We are very excited about the opportunities to grow the brand in new markets and look forward to benefitting from Alshaya’s experience in this exciting region.” 

Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co. said: “Garrett Popcorn Shops is a family-friendly brand that has built a reputation based on an unwavering commitment to quality and taste. The brand is a natural fit within the Alshaya portfolio, broadening and strengthening our food retail offer to Middle East consumers. We look forward to opening our first store later this year.”