Cinnabon, an American chain of baked goods, has opened its first store in Sub-Saharan Africa through a franchisee.
The store is located in Kenya at the luxurious Village Market mall, known for hosting high-end brands and offering a premium shopping experience.
We visited the store to have a look at the new location and review the famous Cinnabon rolls, which have a reputation for their delicious, gooey cinnamon center and rich cream cheese frosting.
As expected, there were long queues as Kenyans were eager to not only get a taste of history but also to experience the amazing rolls that the brand is known for. The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filled the air, drawing in curious customers and excited fans of the brand.
While there, we met the franchise owner, who was kind enough to answer questions from customers as well as help around the store. He shared his excitement about bringing Cinnabon to Kenya, expressing confidence that the brand’s high-quality products and exceptional service would appeal to the local market.
Cinnabon has joined a growing list of American food chains establishing a presence in Kenya, including brands like Papa John’s, KFC, and Burger King. The entry of these brands reflects the rising demand for international food experiences in Kenya, where an increasing middle class is looking for global culinary options.
The choice of Village Market as the first location aligns with Cinnabon’s strategy to appeal to an upscale clientele, as the mall attracts both locals and tourists looking for unique shopping and dining experiences.
Cinnabon is now present in only three African countries: Egypt, South Africa, and now Kenya. This move is part of a broader expansion strategy to introduce the brand to more markets across the continent.
For Kenyans, the arrival of Cinnabon offers a new indulgent treat to enjoy while shopping or socializing, and judging by the long lines, it seems the brand is off to a sweet start in Kenya.
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