Crêpeaffaire plans to expand to more than 50 new locations across both its UK and international markets over the next five years | Photo credit: Crêpeaffaire

Crêpeaffaire has appointed former McDonald’s Chief Franchising Officer João Noronha Lopes as Non-Executive Chairman as the café concept pursues expansion in the UK and internationally. 

Launched in 2004, Crêpeaffaire currently operates 27 stores across four markets globally, with 13 stores in the UK, nine in Saudi Arabia, four in Kuwait and one in the Netherlands. 

The company plans to expand to more than 50 new locations across both its UK and international markets over the next five years, with a combination of company-owned and franchised outlets.  

Lopes has 18 years’ experience working for McDonald’s, most recently serving as Corporate Vice-President and Chief Franchising Officer for the US fast-food chain’s global business.  

“João has an unrivalled wealth of international experience in hospitality, and we are delighted to have him on board at this critical moment for our brand and its growth. He shares our vision and excitement, and I look forward to working closely with him as we take the business through its next stage of expansion, both in the UK and overseas,” said Daniel Spinath, founder of Crêpeaffaire. 

Project Café UK 2022 estimated that sales for UK food-focused branded coffee shops grew by 52% in 2021 to exceed £2bn ($2.4bn). Total sales for the industry are expected to surpass £2.7bn ($3.2bn) by 2026. 

Crêpeaffaire has already announced plans to open two more outlets in Saudi Arabia this Autumn. Café culture has also been on the ascendance in Saudi Arabia in recent years, with World Coffee Portal forecasting the country’s total branded café market will exceed 2,600 outlets by 2023.