With Libya recovering from the civil war which erupted back in 2011, several investment groups are now eyeing this Middle Eastern country as a possible location to do business. Earlier this year, the first US franchise for sale, Cinnabon, was successfully put up in downtown Tripoli.

Compared to other Cinnabon franchises for sale, this branch is fairly large with a surface area of 7,500 square feet. The bakery-café is situated in one of the busiest streets within Tripoli’s business district, and has attracted truckloads of customers during its opening earlier in July 2. During the store’s first week of operation, the company says it was able to generate $45,000 in sales.

Focus Brands International, the parent company of the Atlanta-based bakery, has already amassed over 900 locations in 51 countries. Moreover, it plans to open four more Cinnabon branches in Libya within a span of ten years.

“Ultimately, we think there’s an even larger opportunity in the country for us,” says Mike Shattuck, president of Focus Brands International.

According to Shattuck, his company has received numerous inquiries from Libyans pertaining to different franchises for sale. Out of the numerous brands offered by the firm, the Cinnabon franchise for sale received the most inquiries.

“They were already familiar with the brand and wanted to bring it to Libya,” said Shattuck. “We were in every major market in the Middle East. Expanding into Libya made sense as part of our emerging market strategy.”

Original plans of the Cinnabon push were actually scheduled as early as the first quarter of 2011 – franchise partners were already selected, as well as a suitable location.

However, the civil revolt erupted without warning as the first shipment of products was on its way, thereby causing a delay with the establishment’s opening date. “We quickly halted everything because the revolution happened,” said Shattuck. “Fortunately we were able to secure the location and it made it without serious damage.”

Aside from Focus Brands International, there are other firms looking to bring their franchises for sale to Libya. Chuck Dittrich, executive director of US-Libya Business Association, says that American business interest in growing within this country.

“In the new Libya, people are seeing franchising as an opportunity to become entrepreneurs,” said Dittrich. He went on to explain how acquiring a franchise for sale could give any individual a better shot at operating a commercial establishment successfully for years to come.