Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company Signs Master Franchise Agreement in Middle East

Orlando-based Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company, Inc. announced today that it has signed a Master franchise agreement with Mohammed S. Al-Huwaitan of Kuwait. The deal, which includes Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, should produce the first store openings later this year in Kuwait.

Neil Leach, Barnie's CEO, said, "Being based and having such a strong presence in Orlando, our stores are visited by customers from all over the world. They enjoy the variety and the quality we offer, and they've asked us make our products available closer to home. We've done that by offering products via the Internet and mail order; now they've asked us to bring the retail shopping experience to their local malls. We are particularly excited that our introduction to the Middle East will be with Mr. Al-Huwaitan who has already successfully introduced a U.S.-based concept to that region."

For over 20 years, customers of Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company stores have enjoyed the finest quality whole bean and ground coffees, teas, a unique line of brewing and drinking accessories and gift baskets.

Neil Leach, chairman, says, "We are in discussions with other interested parties throughout the world and trust that Mr. Al-Huwaitan will be the first of many international partners."

Franchise opportunities for multi-unit development worldwide are now available to qualified candidates. Information can be obtained online at www.barniescoffee.com.

There are 87 company-owned and franchised Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company stores in the United States. Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company, Inc. also distributes, through licensed coffee vendors, its branded coffee products to offices, restaurants and supermarkets.