Golden Spoon Expands to Qatar

Online, March 30, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Golden Spoon Franchising, the franchising arm of the largest frozen yogurt brand in Southern California, announced the signing of an agreement with the M.H. Al Mana Group of Companies to develop the Golden Spoon franchise throughout Qatar. The agreement is for the opening of eight or more stores over the next five years. Three stores are currently open in the Doha market area with five more to follow. The fourth location is expected to be open by April 30th with two more slated for the end of June 2012. The final two will open by the end of August 2012 for a total of eight stores.

"Signing the agreement to enter the Qatar market demonstrates our commitment to make Golden Spoon a leading global brand," said Golden Spoon Franchising CEO Roger Clawson. "Our successful launch into Japan and the Philippines helped validate Golden Spoon's international expansion into the Middle East Region and built our brand's exposure worldwide. We look forward to replicating that success in Qatar with the M.H. AL Mana Group and throughout the GCC with other professional, multi-unit franchise developer groups." Clawson said he plans to continue the health-conscious frozen yogurt brand's worldwide expansion by signing master franchise agreements in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait within the next 12 months. Golden Spoon also has its sights on key markets in Asia such as China, India and Vietnam.

"Golden Spoon is the only worldwide brand selling authentic frozen yogurt. Unlike most of our worldwide competitors, we insist that all of our products are produced and shipped from our
dairy. The rest of the industry falls short by generally serving a reconstituted powdered mix that attempts to taste like their original U.S. product. The difference in taste, quality and overall value has set us apart for almost 30 years. One taste and you will know why we have led the industry since 1983," said Clawson.

"Signing with the M.H. Almana Group of Companies is a great win for Golden Spoon," Clawson said. A proven multi-unit developer and operator, the M.H. Almana Group of Companies has
already developed a famous U.S. restaurant brand in Qatar. The M.H. Almana Group of Companies has many years of successful experience in retail operations. "We explored many franchising opportunities to add to the M.H. Almana Group of Companies family, and Golden Spoon matched well with our focus on bringing in brands that will be of value to the people in Qatar," Abdulaziz Al Mana stated. "We feel Golden Spoon's focus on local communities and its commitment to providing premium products at a great price creates an opportunity that is too good to pass up." Golden Spoon's community-centric focus adapts their model and flavors to fit varying cultures across the globe, all while maintaining a consistent and credible quality product.

When asked if any flavors would be developed to cater to the local taste palette, Clawson said apricot and additional regionally popular flavors would soon be added to the current menu. "However, we anticipate that our traditional Western flavors will also be popular."

About Golden Spoon Franchising

Golden Spoon, the popular Rancho Santa Margarita, California based frozen yogurt chain, is the premier retailer and producer of frozen yogurt in the industry. Founded in 1983, Golden Spoon has spent years earning its reputation as a premium non-fat, low-calorie frozen treat that tastes like ice cream and promotes a healthy lifestyle. As a result, it is the leading brand of soft-serve frozen yogurt in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, the Philippines, Japan, and now in Qatar. Some of the 80 proprietary recipes include Old-Fashioned Vanilla, Just Chocolate, Iced Cafe de Leche and Simply Tart. Golden Spoon's frozen yogurts bridge the gap between indulgent treats and healthful snacking. For more information, please visit www.goldenspoon.com.

About the M.H. Al Mana Group

Originally formed in 1952 to provide support to the industrial development of Qatar, the rapid diversification of the Mohammed H. Al Mana Group led to the formation of individual companies, each specializing in their field of expertise and operating independently, yet collectively comprising the strength of the Group. The Mohammed H. Al Mana Group embraces a policy of corporate excellence in all aspects of operations, promoting development in the region with a commitment to explore new opportunities on a national and regional level. From the inception of the Company, M. H. Al Mana Group has aimed for success at every level with a clear vision of supporting its principals and providing superior and quality products and services to customers with unhindered commitment. In expanding company operations, the management is dedicated to operate efficiently, proving clients with products and services on time and with measurable results. For more information, please visit www.mhalmanagroup.com.

Pictures from Qatar

Storefront with Arabic and English Signs
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Local Qatarian Owners, Manager, and U.S. Commercial Service Representative
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3 Qatarian Children Enjoy a Southern California Treat
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