The Jeddah-based coffee chain, which has a goal of reaching 1,000 stores globally by 2030, says it has ambitious plans to bring Barn’s to the UK, with 10 stores slated for London
Barn’s currently operates more than 500 stores across Saudi Arabia | Photo credit: Barn's
Saudi Arabian coffee chain Barn’s has outlined plans to open 10 stores in the UK as part of wider expansion plans to reach 1,000 stores globally by 2030.
Founded in 1992 by the Al Amjaad Group, Barn’s currently operates more than 500 stores across Saudi Arabia and is the Kingdom’s second largest coffee chain behind Dunkin’.
Barn’s cited the UK as a key growth market during its exhibitor appearance at the International Franchise Show, which was held in London in April 2023. The coffee chain said it will focus on London to open its first stores with a new franchise drive, but did not disclose a time frame for the move.
“We have ambitious plans to bring this extremely popular halal coffee concept from Saudi Arabia, initially with 10 stores in London. The next phase will be to expand into the other cities in the UK, in the coming years,” said Sultan AL Mutlaq, Head of Franchising, Barn’s.
World Coffee Portal research shows the total UK branded coffee shop market comprises more than 9,880 outlets, nearly 60% of which are coffee-focused operators.
However, the market currently only includes one Saudi Arabian coffee chain, Half Million, which operates a store on London’s Oxford Street. Other Middle Eastern coffee chains currently operating in the UK include UAE-based Coffee Planet and Filli, which both operate single stores.
In August 2022, Dubai-based specialty coffee chain Coffee Planet confirmed further expansion plans for the UK which will likely result in a 10-store development plan and retail distribution.