Shakey’s Dubai breaks records

The country’s leading pizza parlor chain operator, Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., sizzled in Dubai as the opening of its flagship store in the United Arab Emirates broke records on its debut.

The new store in Dubai— Shakey’s second in the Middle East after opening in Kuwait— is the first restaurant of franchisee Aljeel Capital, a Dubai-based group, which has committed to open nine more in the UAE in five years.

The Dubai pizza parlor drew a huge number of patrons, with long lines and guests patiently waiting close to an hour to enter, the company announced. Strategically located opposite Burjuman Mall and just a few steps from Burjuman Metro Station, one of the busiest stations in Dubai, the store attracts good traffic and high brand visibility.

“We are excited to have more stores in the UAE, with our flagship Dubai restaurant finally open and with the overwhelming turnout we had during opening night,” Aljeel chief executive officer Firas Hurieh said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We are proud to say that our store broke several Shakey’s records on that day— the highest total net sales during opening day and the largest number of presold loyalty program ‘Supercards.’”

Everything on the menu is halal-certified, in line with Dubai’s Islamic culture. However, the key features and flavors that make for a Shakey’s trademark experience are kept intact.
“We are bringing Shakey’s to Dubai and we assure Filipinos living there that all of their favorites will be the same as it is in the Philippines,” said restaurant manager Alfie Alcazar.—DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA