Java House nears 100-Branch milestone with three new openings as part of aggressive expansion drive
In a strategic push towards achieving 100 branches across East Africa, leading casual dining brand Java House has opened three new outlets as it aims to meet its target by the first quarter of 2025. The latest additions, which bring Java House’s branch count to 97, are part of the company’s ongoing celebration of its 25th anniversary.
The first of these new branches opened in Thika, Kiambu County, marking Java’s 95th location in the region. Located at Shell New Gatitu at the entrance to Thika town, the branch is expected to offer residents a convenient venue for social gatherings, business meetings, and casual dining. The second location, a Java Express, opened in Kenol, Murang’a County, becoming the 96th branch, while the third, another Java Express, was inaugurated at Kisumu Airport, reaching the milestone of 97 branches.
Java House Group CEO Priscilla Gathungu expressed enthusiasm about the new branches, stating, “The Thika branch has been trading for a few days already, and we have received a warm welcome from the people of Thika, signaling that it was the right move. We are eager to be part of the community and welcome its residents to have their meetings, dates, and family moments at our restaurant.”
The Thika branch is Java’s 12th outlet to be located at a Shell petrol station, under a growing partnership with Vivo Energy. Hattour Soumaya, Finance Manager at Vivo Energy Kenya, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting the ongoing efforts to bring Java House outlets to Shell stations across the country.
L-R Hattour Soumaya, Finance Manager, Vivo Energy Kenya, Priscilla Gathungu, Java House Group CEO, and Alfred Wanyoike, Chairman, Thika District Business Association, during the opening of the new Java House in Thika, Kiambu County. The casual dining restaurant brand also expanded with new branches in Kenol, Murang’a County, in Kisumu at the airport, and in Kampala, Uganda, bringing their total number of locations to 97.
Alfred Wanyoike, Chairman of the Thika District Business Association, praised the new Thika branch as a significant development for the town as it seeks city status. “Having a Java in Thika not only provides leading dining options but also signals a path toward growth driven by the growing investor confidence,” he said.
In addition to expanding its branch network, Java House has emphasized community impact through partnerships with Food for Education and the World Food Programme and sponsorship of Kenya’s national volleyball teams. “Our roots are Kenyan, and by extension African, and we are committed to supporting the region in every way that we can,” Ms. Gathungu added, highlighting the brand’s commitment to making a positive social impact across the region.
Since beginning its anniversary celebrations, Java House has opened new outlets in Voi, Lang’ata, Loresho, and Kenol in Kenya, as well as in Muyenga and Najjera in Kampala, Uganda. As the brand approaches the 100-branch milestone, it remains focused on both growth and community development, aiming to serve more customers while creating local employment and empowering the areas it operates in.
