Dodo Brands: A Tech-Driven Pizza Revolution in the UAE. Can you own it too?

We ordered pizza from Dodo, and it was just pizza without any tech. Let’s find some tech there.

So what is Dodo?

Dodo Brands, primarily known for its Dodo Pizza chain, is making a significant impact in the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Founded by Fedor Ovchinnikov, who opened his first pizzeria in Syktyvkar in 2011, Dodo Pizza has rapidly expanded its footprint by combining traditional pizza delivery with cutting-edge digital technology. Recently, this innovative company marked its presence in the United Arab Emirates.

Global Reach and Growth

As of 2024, Dodo Pizza boasts an impressive 1,111 stores across 22 countries. Last year in 2023 company achieved with system sales reaching $910 million—a remarkable 11.7% increase from the previous year. This exponential growth earned Dodo Pizza the title of “World’s Fastest Growing Pizza Chain” by Technomic in 2021, placing it in direct competition with industry giants like Domino’s, Papa John’s, and Pizza Hut.

Expansion into the UAE

Dodo Pizza has now established its presence in the United Arab Emirates. The opening event marked the brand’s entry into the competitive Dubai market in 2023, our team was there last year, documented by Crunch Dubai. Crunch Dubai’s team thinks this expansion demonstrates Dodo’s commitment to growth in the Middle East region.

We ordered DoDo pizza in the office of Crunch Dubai

The early feedback from the UAE market has been promising. The Crunch Dubai team, composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds including CIS countries, the UK, UAE, Egypt, and India, sampled Dodo’s offerings. While the pizza received positive reviews, it was a unique menu item—rolls with dates and cream cheese—that stood out. This dish received a perfect score from Egyptian tasters, highlighting Dodo’s ability to cater to local tastes while maintaining its global appeal.

Technology at the Core

“Some people simply can’t wrap their head around this: why would a foodservice franchise go through so much trouble to build its own tech platform when there is no shortage of ready-made solutions on the market?”

Maxim Kotin

Chief storyteller

What sets Dodo Pizza apart is its proprietary digital technology, Dodo IS. This cloud-based platform is the backbone of the company’s operations, covering every aspect of the business from ordering and delivery to supply chain management and data-driven decision-making. The system provides real-time reports and forecasts, enabling timely, data-based decisions across the entire network.

“Dodo IS is a SaaS solution which means non-stop development of the platform with regular updates. 
To ensure the entire work of the system only the Internet is required. There is no need for complex software and hardware management.” – says Dodo Website

Does Dodo has Brand Philosophy?

Dodo Pizza’s mission is to provide an unmatched personalized and responsive experience using its digital systems. The brand successfully blends the warmth of a local business with the service standards of a global brand, creating a unique position in the market.

Franchise Model, what is included?

At the heart of Dodo’s growth strategy is its franchise model. The company actively seeks strategic partners, particularly master franchise and multi-unit operators in target regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America. The franchise terms include a $150,000 country fee, a 5% royalty fee, and a $5,000 per store fee. Notably, Dodo Brands provides its proprietary technology free of charge to franchisees as part of the package, along with full operational support.

If you want to bring Dodo to your city, reach out to Dodo’s franchise manager. For those interested in joining the Dodo Brands success story, more information on franchising opportunities can be obtained from Anton Deryagin, Head of International Franchising, at [email protected].

Future Outlook

With its successful entry into the UAE market and positive reception from diverse customer groups, Dodo Brands is poised for further regional expansion. The company’s ability to adapt its menu to local tastes while maintaining its tech-driven operational model suggests a promising future in the competitive world of fast food.

Dodo Brands’ entry into the UAE market represents another milestone in its global expansion strategy. By combining innovative technology, adaptable menus, and a strong franchise model, Dodo is carving out a unique space in the QSR sector. As it continues to grow and evolve, Dodo Brands is not just selling pizza—it’s offering a glimpse into the future of fast food.

Read other Articles about Dodo on Crunch Dubai:

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