NexCen Brands, Inc. has opened the first TAF, previously known as The Athlete’s Foot, franchised store in Lebanon. The store opened in Beirut, Lebanon, the capital and largest city of the country.


Khalid Al-Mutawa is the master developer for TAF Lebanon and owns the rights to develop TAF in Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt. Under an existing franchise agreement, 11 TAF stores have opened in Kuwait since 1997. In addition, Mr. Al-Mutawa is the master developer in Kuwait for Shoebox New York, another NexCen Brands retail footwear concept.


Kenneth J. Hall, CEO of NexCen Brands, Inc., stated, “By working with proven master developers, we are continuing to expand our retail and QSR franchised brands into new international markets. We are very pleased to strengthen TAF’s presence in the Middle East through this new franchised store in Beirut.”


Chris Dull, president of NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., the franchising subsidiary of NexCen Brands, stated, “The TAF store opening in Lebanon was a success, and the initial consumer response has been positive. We look forward to bringing the top branded athletic footwear to customers of the Habtoor Grand Mall, a premiere shopping destination in Beirut.”