March 2007: Dispatches
SALEM
Pizza, long a favorite with kids and college students, is also
in demand in the Middle East. “Pizza is very popular over
there,” says Richard Page, vice president of franchise
development for Salem-based Figaro’s Italian Pizza. The
national chain known for its baked and take-and-bake pizzas,
signed a franchise agreement with Sense Gourmet, a subsidiary of
Abu-Dhabi-based Foodco
Holding. The agreement calls for a minimum of 50
franchises in eight countries including the United Arab
Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Although Pizza Hut already has locations in
the Middle East, the Al Dhahry family, owners of Foodco
Holding, felt strongly that a niche product like Figaro’s
would do very well. Figaro’s currently has 114 locations
in 20 states and Canada. The first of the Middle Eastern
locations will open in the summer.
The JELD-WEN
Foundation of Klamath Falls pledged $2.5 million to
Willamette University
at the end of January. The donation will create an endowed
chair in Free Enterprise at the Atkinson Graduate School of
Management. It is the largest donation in the graduate
school’s history. Willamette’s is one of two MBA
programs in the United States dually accredited for Business
Administration and Public Administration.
Have an opinion?
E-mail feedback@oregonbusiness.com
