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Alshaya partners with Chef Johnny Di Francesco to launch 400 Gradi in the Middle East

25 Jul 2017

International retail franchise operator M.H. Alshaya Co. has announced a franchise partnership with award-winning Australian chef Johnny Di Francesco to bring the 400 Gradi Italian restaurant brand to the Middle East this year – its first expansion outside Australia.

400 Gradi, a Naples-inspired Italian restaurant, is the creation of chef Johnny Di Francesco, the first Australian ever trained in Naples to the Associazione Verace (AVPN) and President of AVPN Australia. It offers a wide variety of deliciously handcrafted Italian cuisine, using the finest Italian ingredients to give guests the most complete Neapolitan experience outside of Naples.

Alshaya partners with Chef Johnny Di Francesco to launch 400 Gradi in the Middle East

In 2014, Chef Di Francesco was named the 'world's best pizza maker' during the World Championships in Italy for his authentic Napoletana-style pizza, which is cooked for only 90 seconds at a temperature of 400 degrees hence the name 400 Gradi.

Along with this Napoletana-style pizza, the restaurants offer an array of freshly cooked traditional Italian dishes including its famous handmade gnocchi, succulent lamb and pistachio cutlets, traditional artisan Italian gelato and delicious desserts.

Alshaya partners with Chef Johnny Di Francesco to launch 400 Gradi in the Middle East

Commenting on the new partnership, Chef Di Francesco said: "This is a groundbreaking milestone for the Gradi Group. Expanding to the Middle East is an exciting step forward, especially through Alshaya, who is a pioneer in franchising international brands. We are delighted with this partnership and we look forward to presenting guests with the best pizza in the world, and great Italian food, at the official debut of 400 Gradi."

Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co., said: "We're constantly looking for ways to bring authentic and diverse dining experiences to our customers in the Middle East. 400 Gradi offers a complete Neapolitan experience, and we believe that it will be an exciting addition to the regional dining scene. We look forward to a successful partnership together."

Company overview 

Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned enterprise, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world's leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of well-loved international brands to customers.

Alshaya Group's portfolio extends across MENA, Türkiye and Europe, with thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, as well as a growing online and digital business.

Operating in multiple sectors including Apparel, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment, Alshaya Group colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.

Fresh, modern and relevant, Alshaya's constantly evolving portfolio reflects the choices and lifestyle of its customers. From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the brands they love in the places they want to be. Brands such as Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory, The Body Shop, M.A.C, Victoria's Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania.