16 Handles Expands to the Middle East

16 Handles Expands to the Middle East

16 Handles has announced a major expansion for the Frozen Yogurt chain. The leader in self-serve fro yo is entering the Middle East in a big way. 16 Handles is awarding Master Franchise Rights to Abu Issa Marketing and Distribution, LLC. The development deal calls for 150 stores to open in the Mideast over the next 10 years.

Solomon Choi, CEO of 16 Handles says, “The Middle East is a great opportunity for the company to bring frozen yogurt to a year-round hot climate.”

16 Handles is an innovator in its field, continuing to create delicious and inventive new flavors. This month the brand is the first to feature a soft-serve, artisan flavor made from Coconut Water. This unique dairy-free flavor, called Coco Loco, is just a sample of the type of innovation the stores in the Mideast can expect.

16 Handles stores are set to open in the following countries:

  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Levant (with the exception of Israel)
  • Turkey

Choi points out that “this deal is being made with Abu Issa due to their decades of experience in retail management, commitment to excellence, and their impressive portfolio of best in class brands.”

16 Handles is an innovative frozen yogurt and dessert brand that encourages guests to Flaunt Their Flavor. Whether guests want a better-for-you snack or an indulgent frozen dessert, 16 Handles offers something for everyone. Founded in 2008 by foodservice industry expert Solomon Choi, 16 Handles was the first frozen yogurt brand to pioneer the self-serve concept in New York City. Today the company has grown to 42 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Florida and forecasts that 50 stores will be open by the end of 2014. Committed to sustainability, 16 Handles uses biodegradable packaging and spoons; each store plants 16 trees per day through a partnership with Trees for the Future. For more information visit http://www.16handles.com, Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/16Handles) or Twitter (@16Handles).