Private karaoke company Lucky Voice has announced its expansion into the Middle East, starting with a franchise in Dubai. This is part of a long-term growth strategy for the up-market karaoke and cocktails concept, which plans to launch in other territories, as well as adding to its UK based owner-operated venues.
The announcement marks the fifth franchise for the Lucky Voice brand and its first in the UAE. The new site will be run by appointed Managing Director, Richard Drake, a Scottish expat who has been working in the hospitality industry in Dubai since 2010, when he was headhunted to bring the Jamie’s Italian Restaurant chain to the Middle East.
Whilst karaoke and cocktails will remain the key elements in the Dubai venue, it will also cater for the local market with an equally strong food offering. The main bar will be as much of a focus as the karaoke rooms, allowing for a discerning market used to multi-faceted venues offering restaurants, clubs and entertainment under one roof. The demographic is predicted to consist of a mix of Western expats, Emirati nationals and tourists, all with a high disposable income.
The hope is that the Dubai franchise will follow in the footsteps of the hugely successful Novus Leisure partnership in the UK. The bar and nightclub operator offers replicas of the Lucky Voice venues within their Tiger Tiger branded bars across the UK. Toby Smith (Novus CEO) says:
“We are now in the 10th year of our franchise partnership with Lucky Voice which encompasses four of our Tiger Tiger venues. Not only has the partnership been lucrative, but this strong branded concept has also had an ongoing beneficial impact on our Tiger Tiger offer as a whole.”
It is this approach that the company plans to roll out in other territories, with a focus on English-speaking locations with an understanding of the concept of private karaoke. Whilst the specifics vary according to individual cases, each Lucky Voice franchisee receives full and exclusive territory rights, extensive training and integration as well as ongoing access to the Lucky Voice Franchising team.
Nick Jones, Head of B2B Solutions at Lucky Voice, says:
“We see Dubai as a natural territory to expand into, with an amazing late-night leisure scene as well as an incredibly high service standard that fits with the Lucky Voice ethos. We plan to pursue our growth of the franchise operation in the UAE, but are placing an equal importance on other English-speaking territories with a like-minded approach to the leisure industry, in particular Canada and Australia.”
Richard Drake, Founder of Ledingham Drake Solutions – the delivery partners appointed by the Dubai franchisees, says:
“Lucky Voice pioneered private karaoke in the UK, so we are very much looking forward to assuming that mantle in Dubai. Whilst they undoubtedly have their differences, there are also key parallels between our respective demographics, which is why we are confident that the high standard of hospitality coupled with the uniqueness of the experience will work very successfully. We are very proud to become part of the Lucky Voice brand and look forward to introducing the people of Dubai to the delights of private karaoke.”
Those interested in pursuing Lucky Voice franchise opportunities can get in touch with Nick Jones via nick.jones@luckyvoice.com