Apparel Group, a fashion and lifestyle brand based in Dubai, has been awarded the master licence agreement (MLA) for Tim Hortons, one of North America’s most successful restaurant chains.

Apparel Group, which already represents more than 50 brands across 620 stores, is looking to open 120 Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake shops over the next five years across the Gulf region, said a statement.

The first Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake shop opened on Sheikh Zayed Road on September 17. Apparel has plans for five restaurants across the UAE before the end of 2011.

Speaking of the new venture, Nilesh Ved, chairman and CEO of Apparel Group, said: “Tim Hortons is Canada’s largest restaurant chain and is a well respected brand that, since its founding in 1964, has become an institution in Canada and is growing in the US. With the growth in Canadian expatriates and the number of travellers who now visit the country, we know the popularity of the brand will grow here too. Tim Hortons already has more than 3,600 plus locations worldwide; as a launch market, the UAE offers an ideal environment through which to grow the brand’s popularity to the other Gulf states.”

With the casual dining sector in the UAE valued at Dh2.2 billion at the start of 2011, the market is expected to grow to Dh3.24 billion by 2015, according to a report issued by Horizons and Tribe Restaurant Creators. 

David Clanachan, Chief Operations Officer, US and International for Tim Hortons, speaking of the Apparel Group’s plan, said: “The family centric values and socialising habits of this region make it a logical place for introducing the brand internationally.  The UAE’s diverse population, its position as the region’s leading business hub, and the ease of doing business also makes this the ideal launch market. “  -TradeArabia News Service