Jones the Grocer Goes Global: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar & India
Australian gourmet food emporium Jones the Grocer is executing one of the most aggressive franchise expansions in the premium food retail sector, with multiple new locations opening across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and India in Q1 2026.
Australian gourmet food emporium Jones the Grocer is executing one of the most aggressive franchise expansions in the premium food retail sector, with multiple new locations opening across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and India in Q1 2026.
The Airport Strategy
Jones the Grocer's expansion is heavily focused on high-traffic airport locations—a brilliant strategic move that captures affluent international travelers and business executives. New outlets are confirmed for:
Abu Dhabi International Airport
King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
Doha Hamad International Airport
These aren't just retail stores—they're full-service cafés, gourmet delis, and premium food destinations that transform airport dining from necessity to experience.
The Mall Expansion
Beyond airports, Jones the Grocer is deepening its mall presence with new locations at:
Dubai Hills Mall (flagship store)
Riyadh Park Mall (Saudi Arabia)
Select locations in India (market details pending)
The Franchise Formula
Jones the Grocer's success stems from its unique positioning at the intersection of retail and hospitality. Franchisees operate:
Gourmet grocery retail featuring artisanal products from around the world
In-store cafés serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Catering services for corporate and private events
Cooking classes and events building community engagement
This multi-revenue-stream model delivers stronger unit economics than traditional retail or food service alone.
The Premium Food Opportunity
The Middle East's affluent consumer base has an insatiable appetite for premium international food brands. Jones the Grocer taps into this demand with curated product selections, in-house baked goods, and a café experience that rivals standalone restaurants.
For franchise investors, Jones the Grocer represents a proven concept with strong brand recognition, operational support, and a leadership team that understands how to scale premium food retail across diverse markets.