‘moka & more’ expands

Local coffee house chain hits Erbil

Local coffee shop concept ‘moka & more’ is expanding its regional network of outlets with a new franchise deal in Erbil, Iraq. The Erbil outlet will spread over an area of 350 square meters.

“The franchisee in Iraq is committed to opening up to ten branches within five years, with a big investment involved,” said Walid El Hachem, Managing Director at Moka & Co., the company behind 'moka & more'.

The firm also plans to export the 'moka & more' brand to Oman and Egypt. Preparations to open two new shops in Egypt are currently underway and another outlet will soon open in the Muscat Airport. The chain also has six branches in Syria, two in Sudan, and one in Georgia.

On the local level, 'moka & more' is preparing to inaugurate its flagship outlet in Majid Al Futtaim's upcoming Beirut City Center in Hazmieh. “The Beirut City Center branch is scheduled to open this April and it will be one of our largest local branches,” Hachem said. Investment in the 168 square meter shop on the mall’s ground floor reached around $400,000, excluding the lease.

Another outlet is planned for Jeita in the same month. The branch will be located in the new concept Jeita Town Mall. Futuroscope in Sin El Fil, will also welcome a ‘moka & more’ branch later this year. The new outlet will be located at the entrance of the building with a terrace. By then, 'moka & more' will have eight local outlets.

The broad expansion is based on a long-term plan, according to Hachem. “The new openings are part of a well-defined strategy that has been developed over years of steady growth, both locally and abroad.”