Dubai, February 26th, 2014


Dubai- A new franchising agreement was signed by 800 PIZZA International LTD. and Asnaaf International, LLC. to open 5 new branches of the renowned Italian restaurant in Doha by 2016. The agreement was signed by Founder and General Manager of 800 PIZZA Mr. Alessandro D'Ubaldo and owner of Asnaaf International, H.E Sheikha Aisha Al-Thani in Dubai on Thursday 26th of February.

Through this agreement the Qatari company will open 5 new branches within a time frame of 36 months as off the date of signing the agreement. 800 PIZZA will be responsible for providing full training for the new branches staff and managers in their own outlets in Dubai, it will also offer assistance all through the opening phase and supply the new branches in Doha with in-house manufactured items to guarantee that the same quality is used across all branches. The new branches in Doha will be designed exactly to mimic the original branches' design in Dubai, maintaining the same feel of the restaurant and the image it has built for the past 8 years.

800 PIZZA International believes that Asnaaf International are the right partners to cooperate with given their long experience and well established name in the F&B industry. The Doha based company has franchises of several famous international brands in the hospitality sector such as Laduree, Lina's Café and many more. Its strength not only lays in its long experience but in the prime locations it operates in.

The idea of 800 PIZZA started in 2006 by Mr. Alessandro D'Ubaldo who had resided in Dubai since 1999. The idea came due to his passion for traditional and authentic Italian food and the belief that customers will appreciate the "taste of Italy" coming all the way to Dubai. 

A year later, in March 8th 2007, the first Pizzeria branch was opened in Al Barsha area. The restaurant holds pride in its genuine handcrafted wood burning oven flown in all the way from the "The Boot" of Southern Europe, Italy. It started as a small startup mainly for delivery purposes, hence the company's catchy name; 800 PIZZA.

In 2010, 800 PIZZA joined hands with Belhasa Hospitality resulting in a strong growth of its business.  By October 2012, the restaurant had spread all over the city with additional four branches in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Motor City, and Ibn Battuta Mall. 

It is important to mention that the Central Production Facility (where dough and dishes are prepared daily) is a fully HACCP certified and accredited establishment. HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) is one of the highest certifications in food hygiene and production processes. As part of the HACCP program, the team has undergone a comprehensive training within the strictest practices in food safety and hygiene.

With over 150 staff currently working for 800 PIZZA and thousands of loyal customers, constant demand for new branches has been received ever since the company started its operations in 2007, however Mr. D'Ubaldo, believes that in order to maintain the respectable image of the restaurant as a renowned Italian chain; franchising rights should only be granted for those with substantial experience and caliber in the F&B industry. The company, has started its franchising operations in 2013 where it has signed agreements to franchise 5 new branches in Abu Dhabi another 5 in Qatar and is currently looking into the opportunity of franchising to Saudi Arabia. Throughout the years the Italian chain has been receiving great appreciation from the Italian authentic cuisine lovers all over UAE, therefore the company looks forward to expanding to new markets in the Middle East to give a chance to Italian food lovers to share the experience.

800 Pizza group of companies, promises to continuously serve its customers and provide them with the highest quality and the best experience and will strive to exceed their expectations by continuous improvements and developments on its operations and menu offerings.

-Ends-

Contact Person:
Marketing Departmen
Marketingmgr@800pizza.ae

© Press Release 2014