Alshaya Group to Bring Milanese Boutique Café & Bakery Princi to Kuwait

06 Feb 2020

Milanese baker Rocco Princi will debut his eponymous café and bakery in the Middle East, following a partnership agreement with international franchise operator Alshaya Group.

The opening of Princi in the Grand Avenue - The Avenues later this month represents the brand's 19th store opening and its first in the Middle East, building on Princi's successful global expansion over three continents over the last 30 years.

Commenting on the introduction of Princi to Kuwait, founder Rocco said: "With Alshaya's long-standing expertise of franchising international brands, I can think of no better partner to exclusively launch Princi in the Middle East with. I am excited to bring the 'Spirito di Milano' to Kuwait and look forward to customers enjoying our vibrant all-day menu."

Princi promises an authentic array of Italian dishes which celebrate artisanal skills coupled with carefully sourced produce. Customers can look forward to an appetizing early morning menu encompassing Italian pastries, artisan bread, house-made granola and seasonal fruit salads. Lunch and dinner feature options like pizza, pasta, hot savoury, filled focaccias and salads, and beautifully crafted handmade desserts. Culinary highlights include Ossobucco alla Milanese, Chocolate sourdough bread and filled Cannoli.

"Rocco and his team at Princi possess a passion for handcrafted food and artisanal baked goods that customers in the region will truly enjoy. We look forward to adding Princi's true Milanese spirit to our portfolio of world-leading food brands.," said Matthew Holgate, President of Food, Alshaya Group.

A passionate baker, Rocco Princi founded his café and bakery in Milan in 1986. Ever since, he has dedicated himself to bringing the Italian art of baking to life - using only the best ingredients and adopting simple, yet traditional artisanal techniques. Rocco invites customers to enjoy a rich, sensorial expression of Milan and uses the term 'Spirito di Milano', meaning the essence and energy of Milan, to capture the Italian feeling and passion that he infuses into everything he creates.

In 2016, Starbucks chose Princi as the exclusive global food partner for its Starbucks Roasteries where his artisanal baked goods are served alongside freshly roasted single-origin Starbucks Reserve coffees. Starbucks has also helped Rocco craft a signature espresso blend only available in Princi stores worldwide.