La Croissanterie Expands into Saudi Arabia with Ambitious Growth Plans
La Croissanterie is opening in Riyadh and plans to launch 35 locations across Saudi Arabia. The brand is adapting its menu to local tastes with recipes such as the zaatar croissant and falafels. Discover more!
Already firmly established internationally, particularly in French-speaking Africa (Senegal, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Guinea) with around fifty outlets recorded at the beginning of 2024, the fast-food chain La Croissanterie is continuing its expansion in the Middle East.
The brand has just opened its first location in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, within the Rabwa Mall, a shopping center owned by the Al Othaim Foods group.
A major player in retail, entertainment, fashion, and food services in Saudi Arabia, Al Othaim Foods is now the master franchisee of La Croissanterie in the country, following an agreement signed in 2023 with the French group Delineo, developer of the brand.
As part of this partnership, 35 outlets are planned over the next five years, located in shopping malls or strategic downtown locations.
For its international development, La Croissanterie relies on a master franchise model or on partners capable of operating multiple units. The brand also ensures that it adapts its menu to the tastes and expectations of local markets.
In Saudi Arabia, for example, the brand offers a zaatar croissant – a signature Middle Eastern herb blend – a brunch croissant (scrambled eggs, Emmental cheese, turkey bacon), as well as falafels, served in sandwiches or salads.
Founded in 1977 and developed through franchising since 1979, La Croissanterie now operates 269 restaurants in France and internationally, including 187 franchised locations in France at the beginning of 2024.