A Bristol sandwich chain famed for its doorstop-sized sarnies is opening its first branch in Dubai.
Sandwich Sandwich has long had a solid fan base in Bristol, but since entering the London market last year has developed a major following, including among top footballers, musicians and chefs.
The Dubai opening is the family-run company's first franchise venture as it looks to expand internationally as well as in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
Nick Kleiner, who established Sandwich Sandwich in Cotham in 2010, said the franchise deal was a "historic milestone" for the business.
"What began as a tiny family shop in Bristol has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined, and it gives us immense pride to now bring our giant, colourful, and simply delicious sandwiches to the UAE," he said.
Conor Mckay, chief executive of The Sandwich Group, said: “I’m honoured to be the very first person trusted with a Sandwich Sandwich franchise and to hold the exclusivity rights for the brand across the UAE.
"Bringing the brand to Dubai as its first location outside the º£½ÇÊÓƵ isn’t just another franchise deal — it’s the arrival of what I believe is the best sandwich ever created now going global and Dubai is the perfect city to mark this first international step.â€
The Dubai branch is set to open in the first quarter of 2026, selling the company's popular stacked sandwiches, signature savouries and desserts.
"It’s beyond exciting — it’s exhilarating. Conor approached us just after we had opened our first London store, which was earlier than we anticipated, showing the real appetite for what we do," added Mr Kleiner.
"We are now fully ready to support our franchise partners with complete training manuals and systems from design to operations, and hands-on guidance, and this deal marks the beginning of what we believe will be a bold, global expansion with other franchise opportunities already expressing interest, we are now in the perfect position to fully explore them and share our sandwiches with even more people around the world.
"Dubai will soon get its first taste of the sandwiches that have taken both Bristol and London by storm — big flavours and bold fillings like you’ve never seen before.
"We can’t wait to serve Dubai, and this is just the first stop on what we hope will be a worldwide Sandwich Sandwich adventure."
The announcement comes just days before Sandwich Sandwich's latest London branch, on Tottenham Court Road, opens.
