Master Franchisee GTIC, Inc. Opens More Stores in Riyadh
SEATTLE, WA–(Marketwired / Asianet-Pakistan – July 12, 2013) – Popcorn Pavilion, LLC, the owner of the KuKuRuZa Gourmet Popcorn brand, announced that its Master Franchisee for the Middle East, Global Trading Investment Company (GTIC), has opened two new retail locations at Panorama Mall and Sulaimania District, two of Riyadh’s premier shopping areas. GTIC opened the first KuKuRuZa in the region in July 2012 in Riyadh’s Hayat Mall, the first offering of gourmet popcorn in the Kingdom.
“When GTIC first approached us, we were skeptical,” said Grant Jones, President of Popcorn Pavilion. “We were uncertain what the demand for gourmet popcorn would be in their market, but we were impressed with GTIC, which has built an impressive business selling Apple Inc. computers.”
Mohammad Al Qureshi, founding member of GTIC and KuKuRuZa Brand Manager for the Middle East, said, “We are so encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive local reaction to the KuKuRuZa concept. We knew it would be a success, but we didn’t imagine the demand would be this strong. We are already planning to open more stores and we are being approached by potential sub-franchisees in our region.”
“It’s exciting to see the brand gaining the same momentum in Riyadh as it is in Seattle,” said Jones.
Popcorn Pavilion is now focusing on developing more international partnerships. Said Jones, “We are so impressed with GTIC’s achievements that we have established the master franchise model as our international growth strategy. So far interest has been strong, and we anticipate announcing exciting new partners very soon.”
About KuKuRuZa Gourmet Popcorn
With its flagship store located near historic Pike Place Market, KuKuRuZa is Seattle’s gourmet popcorn company. Over 25 varieties of handcrafted popcorn flavors are available at www.kukuruza.com and at its retail storefronts. KuKuRuZa is currently expanding its Seattle presence and assessing qualified area developers in other key international markets. Contact info@kukuruza.com for more information.
About GTIC
Global Trading Investment Company is a Saudi company based in Riyadh. The company was founded in 2004 and launched its first enterprise “GlobalStore,” selling Apple Inc. computer products. This store was the first authorized Apple showroom in the Middle East. GTIC is now diversifying its portfolio with the recent addition of KuKuRuZa.
Contact Information
Press Contact
Claire Mueller
info@kukuruza.com