Barn’s currently operates 550 stores across Saudi Arabia | Photo credit: Barn’s

Saudi Arabia’s Barn’s has laid the groundwork for a planned US launch after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi-based consumer goods import specialist UrbanTrade International. 
 

The coffee chain plans to open its first US outlet in Manhattan, New York, by the first quarter of 2024, with the iconic Times Square mooted as a potential site. 

“New York’s vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle provides an excellent opportunity for a halal coffee chain to thrive. Offering quality coffee, innovative beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere, such a chain could attract both locals and tourists, establishing a loyal customer base. Additionally, New York City is known for its coffee culture, with residents and visitors alike seeking out coffee shops as social hubs and places to work or relax. Barn’s will capitalise on this coffee culture while introducing a unique touch that sets it apart from other establishments,” said Barn’s Franchising Manager Sultan Al Mutlaq at the MoU signing in Dubai. 
 

Founded in 2018, UrbanTrade International is a commodity trading company specialising in the sourcing, import and delivery of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) globally.  

In addition to import and export operations, Urban Trade International produces a range of own-brand food products, including coffee, grains, spices, olive oil, chocolate and bottled water. 
 

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the business has offices in Europe and Africa and operations across Asia and the Americas. 
 

Founded in 1992 by Al Amjaad Group, Barn’s operates 550 stores across Saudi Arabia. In February 2023, the coffee chain announced plans to reach 1,000 stores globally by 2030. 
 

Speaking at the International Franchise Show in London in April 2023, Al Mutlaq said Barn’s would open 10 stores in London before expanding to other UK cities in the coming years, although a specific timeframe was not disclosed. 

In July 2023, Barn’s signed a franchise agreement with foodservice retailer Premier Fine Foods to open stores in Malaysia and the wider southeast Asia region.  

The franchisee is expected to open 25 Barn’s outlets in Kuala Lumpur before growing the coffee chain’s presence across southeast Asia to 300 stores within the next 10 years. 
 

In the same month Barn’s signed an agreement with existing Saudi franchisee Sadara Group to open its first outlet in Egypt before the end of this year. Starting with an outlet in Cairo, the agreement includes plans to introduce large retail outlets and smaller and kiosk formats to the Egyptian market.