Duck Donuts continues international growth with Cairo franchise

Mechanicsburg-based Duck Donuts continued its international expansion with the opening of the first franchise in Cairo, Egypt on Feb. 10.  

The shop is in Cairo Festival City Mall, one of Egypt’s iconic shopping, dining and entertainment hubs. Duck Donuts CEO Betsy Hamm and franchise partners, Integrated Food Services, commemorated the milestone opening of its Cairo location on Feb. 4. 

“We are delighted to continue our international expansion, 5,000 miles away from our hometown, with the opening of our first shop in Egypt,” Hamm said. “Witnessing firsthand the interest, excitement and acceptance of our concept and product, assures this is a market our franchise partners will see tremendous success and quick growth.” 

 This is the first Duck Donuts shop for Ahmed Ihab, managing partner of Integrated Food Services. The second location will also be in the heart of Cairo and is expected to open in the second half of 2023. 

Duck Donuts first met with Integrated Food Service in early 2021. Following the signing of the agreement, the team spent time identifying the best location for the shop. The Cairo Festival City Mall was selected because it is a high-traffic area, Duck Donuts said. 

  “This grand opening is the beginning of a long journey to introduce and grow the Duck Donuts brand throughout every district in Egypt,” said Ihab. “We are actively searching for our second location and before we know it, we’ll be giving everyone in Egypt the chance to experience our delicious, warm donuts and high-end coffee.” 

 The nearly 1,100 square foot store with indoor seating, offers a viewing area where patrons can watch the donuts being made and take photos with the brand’s iconic duck mascot, Ollie. 

 In addition to donuts, the Cairo location also serves coffee, espresso, donut sundaes, breakfast sandwiches, milkshakes, frozen beverages, select retail items and more.  

Guests will experience the same made-to-order donut process and availability of coatings, toppings and drizzles, including traditional favorites such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and more adventurous creations such as maple icing with beef bacon as offered in the local store. By summer, the shop will expand its menu to include local flavors such as mango. 

 Duck Donuts also has international locations in Burlington, Ontario in Canada and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with additional locations expected to open in 2023 in Qatar, Pakistan and Thailand.