Michelin-starred chef and cookbook author, Thomas Keller, will launch the first of three Bouchon Bakeries outside the US in Dubai this year, as part of a franchise partnership with international retail franchise operator, M.H. Alshaya Co.
The first Bouchon Bakery in the Middle East is scheduled to open its doors in Dubai’s JBR later this year, with further bakeries planned for Kuwait and other GCC countries.
Commenting on the new partnership, Keller said: “As we expand outside the United States, we are pleased to partner with Alshaya, which has a track record of successfully franchising international brands. Together we will make Bouchon Bakery an outstanding destination for our Middle East guests and visitors alike. I’m eagerly looking forward to our official debut.”
Keller opened the first Bouchon Bakery in July 2003 as a place that would foster community and provide one-of-a-kind breads in Yountville, California.
Since then, the bakery has expanded throughout the US, offering a selection of artisanal breads and classic desserts inspired by Keller’s childhood memories and time in France.
Bouchon Bakery also features classic viennoiserie, such as croissants and pain au chocolat, breakfast items, including egg dishes, French toast and tarts, cookies, sandwiches, quiche, soups and salads.
Bouchon Bakery exclusively carries the Thomas Keller Espresso blend, a product of a 15-year collaboration between Chef Keller and Equator Coffees &Teas.
Keller has been awarded simultaneous three-star Michelin ratings for two different restaurants. He currently holds seven Michelin stars: three at Per Se, three at The French Laundry, and one at Bouchon Bistro.
Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co. said: “We are very pleased to partner with Bouchon Bakery, which has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, under the leadership of Thomas Keller. We look forward to introducing this innovative dining experience to customers in the Middle East and anticipate an exciting future together.”
M.H. Alshaya Co. is a franchise operator for over 80 retail brands including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria’s Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania.
The company operates over 3,500 stores across Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food, Optics, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment.
Alshaya’s stores can be found in markets across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe. The company employs 50,000 people from over 120 nationalities.
M.H. Alshaya Co. is the retail business of the Alshaya Group, founded in Kuwait in 1890.
In addition to its retail operations, the Alshaya Group is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments.
