Nick Kleiner, founder and CEO of the Bristol-based group told Restaurant’s R200 conference yesterday (5 March) that advanced talks about a franchise agreement that would see Sandwich Sandwich open three sites in Dubai are ongoing.
It comes after Kleiner, who launched Sandwich Sandwich back in 2010 as Cotham Sandwich Co., confirmed to Restaurant in a recent interview that the group was exploring possible international growth.
“We have discussions, we talk to everyone,” he said.
“It costs nothing to talk. We’ve trademarked our name in the US, Canada, Europe and South Africa, and we’re currently doing the same for the UAE and Gulf states.
“It’s about building the foundations for the future.”
Kleiner has also confirmed that the group’s second London outpost, which he claims will be the ‘biggest sandwich shop in the UK’, will open next week.
The 3,500sq ft site, located on Mark Lane in the City of London, is set to open next Wednesday (12 March) and comes little more than seven months after the group made its London debut on Gresham Street in the City.
Further expansion in the capital is also planned with Kleiner telling Restaurant that the group is aiming to reach 20 sites across London by 2030, with three more openings slated for this year.
As well as larger flagship sites like Gresham Street and Mark Lane, future openings will include smaller grab-and-go only units.
A full interview with Kleiner will be published tomorrow (6 March)