Al Rifai is a chain of Lebanese origin coffee, dried fruits and oriental sweets

founded in 1948 in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded as a shop offering coffee beans and
nuts. In the Middle East, Al Rifai is among the largest companies of coffee, nuts, dried
fruits and oriental sweets, with approximately 300 stores is 20 countries.
Al Rifai cafeteria offers an elaborated and vacuum-packed ground coffee. The franchise
includes the selling of hot drinks, organic juices, other drinks and also offers dried fruit
products, and a variety of nuts and oriental sweets. Al Rifai today has become a global
franchise. Al Rifai has become an emblem company in the Middle East
It was rumored for a while that Al Rifai open its doors in the lands of Latin
America, but is not expected to be in Panama. In a statement, the franchise owner
announced that they decided to open its headquarters in Panama. Two main reasons were
given. Currently, the regions of South America are under an economic chaos. Even though
Panama is included in this pack of countries with descending economy, the benefit of
Panama is the currency that has been completely dollarized and does not suffer from
devaluation, unlike other monetary units.
In addition, Soho Mall is considered by many, if not all, the most innovative and
sophisticated project nowadays. Soho Mall has been an adequate and accurate place for Al
Rifai to open its first doors, as several of its products have a line of luxurious food. The
location of the mall gives nothing but prestige and a good to the brand.
A private interview was done to the franchise owner. Although there were no topics
that were discussed in depth, the interviewee was able to extract many prominent points.
For instance, the franchise owner has envisioned to expand more stores. He revealed to the
interviewee that he was planning on opening other stores within the Panamanian territories
(also Venezuela and Colombia on the long run). As of right now, there are two known stores
that are open, One in Soho Mall, and the other one in Multiplaza. Three more stores are
being processed to open. Future stores will be opening in Towncenter, Altaplaza and
MetroMall.
A lot of effort has been put upon this Project, according to the franchise owner.
What has been a real shock, is that this entire Project was guided by a 21-year-old.

He further explained how his life style had changed from being a careless teenager that
would waste time and money on useless things, to someone more serious with his life.
Dedication and a lot of sweat is a must, when you are building your future from the ground.