Restaurant chain Java House has opened two full-service branches in Uasin Gishu and Kiambu counties, amid intensifying competition in the fast-casual dining sector.
The new branches, which are located in Eldoret and Ruaka, now bring its East African footprint to 102 outlets, with 95 branches in Kenya, four in Uganda, and three in Rwanda.
“Eldoret serves a critical transit corridor, and Ruaka has emerged as a vibrant hub where families and communities converge daily. By opening full-service branches here, we are extending our reach to where our customers already are,” Priscilla Gathungu, Java House Group CEO said.
While the coffee house has successfully opened streamlined outlets at petrol stations, including recent openings at Total Kimende and Eastern Bypass, which offer grab-and-go menus, coffee packs, and quick-service options, the Eldoret and Ruaka locations provide a more comprehensive dining experience with full menus and additional seating.
The latest additions follow the recent Mawanda branch opening in Kampala and a full-service outlet in Meru, demonstrating accelerated regional growth since the company's 1999 inception.
The aggressive expansion comes as competition heats up in Kenya's fast-food category. Simbisa Brands, owner of Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, Bakers Inn, and Creamy Inn outlets, plans to open an additional 55 branches in Kenya.
International chains like KFC and Subway continue growing their presence in major towns and cities where middle-class and affluent consumers are concentrated.
Java has diversified beyond traditional coffee house operations, building a portfolio that includes sister brands Kukito, Planet Yoghurt, and 360 Degrees Pizza, creating multiple revenue streams as businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions that hampered eating out.
“As we grow, our priority remains delivering freshly prepared meals, supporting local suppliers, creating jobs, and welcoming spaces where people can connect and share meaningful moments,” added Ms Gathungu.
