Photo: Dunkin’ Kazakhstan
Dunkin’ has opened its first restaurant in Kazakhstan, in Almaty. Inspire Brands announced the opening in a press release on November 13 (inspirebrands.com). SGK Partners LLP will develop the brand. Its owners include Kusto Group founder Yerkin Tatishev.
What happened
The restaurant opened at the intersection of 42 Gogol Street and 73 Kunayev Street, near Panfilov Park. Inspire Brands describes it as a flagship location. Inside is a mural created especially for Almaty.
The menu includes signature doughnuts and espresso-based drinks. The company also introduced the Almaty Donut for the local market, describing it as inspired by local culture.
The restaurant has a four-tap system for serving drinks. These include nitro coffee, infused with nitrogen, and cold brew, coffee brewed with cold water. The company says guests can customise their drinks to suit their tastes.
Mural at the Dunkin’ restaurant in Almaty · Photo: Dunkin’ Kazakhstan
What this means
The opening marks the first step under Dunkin’s exclusive agreement with SGK Partners to develop and operate the brand’s restaurants. SGK Partners was set up specifically for this partnership with Inspire Brands and Dunkin’s launch in Kazakhstan.
The partnership calls for the chain to expand across the country. As it grows, SGK Partners plans to assess further development opportunities.
Opening of the first Dunkin’ in Kazakhstan · Photo: Dunkin’ Kazakhstan
Who is behind the launch
SGK Partners co-owner Yerkin Tatishev also founded Kusto Group. It is a diversified business group founded in Kazakhstan and headquartered in Singapore.
“This is a wonderful addition to our market,” Tatishev said of Dunkin’s opening.
Michael Haley, president and managing director of International at Inspire Brands, linked the launch to the brand’s expansion in Central Asia. He described the region as promising for long-term growth. That is the company’s assessment.
Drinks for guests at the opening · Photo: Dunkin’ Kazakhstan
The chain expanding in Kazakhstan
Dunkin’ was founded in 1950 and is part of the Inspire Brands restaurant group, which also owns Baskin-Robbins and Arby’s.
According to Inspire Brands, Dunkin’ has more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 markets. The chain now has its first restaurant in Kazakhstan. International chains enter the market through local partners: earlier, Mom’s Touch announced plans to open at least 50 restaurants with Shin-Line.
