"Pizza chain Dodo relocates to Kazakhstan with valid incorporation"
In a significant move, Dodo Brands, the parent company of popular pizza chain Dodo Pizza and coffee shop brand Drinkit, has completed its redomiciliation from the British Virgin Islands to the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) in Kazakhstan on June 12, 2025 [1][2][3].
The decision to relocate was influenced by several factors. Kazakhstan offers a more favorable legal and financial environment for Russian businesses, particularly after Moscow designated the British overseas territory as an "unfriendly country" following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 [1]. The AIFC, with its special economic zone and attractive conditions for multinational companies, aligns with Dodo Brands’ operational presence in Kazakhstan and its broader strategic goals [1][2][3]. Industry experts consider Kazakhstan a more stable and business-friendly jurisdiction for the company’s continued global expansion [1].
The redomiciliation underscores Dodo Brands’ strong operational presence in Kazakhstan. The company is currently the number one quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain in Kazakhstan by number of locations, highlighting the country’s importance in their regional market [2][3]. While exact Kazakhstan-specific outlet numbers are not explicitly stated, Dodo Pizza has over 1,300 restaurants globally in 26 countries, and it holds the top QSR position in Kazakhstan by outlet count, indicating a significant presence [1][2][3]. Given the scale, Kazakhstan likely hosts hundreds of these outlets, making it a core market for Dodo Brands.
The move is expected to improve the legal, financial, and strategic environment for Dodo Brands to continue growing internationally while maintaining a strong foothold in Kazakhstan. Dodo Pizza primarily develops through franchising, and it operates in nearly 15 countries worldwide. The chain of Dodo Pizza pizzerias and Drinkit coffee shops in Kazakhstan has been growing, with over 100 pizzerias operating in the country as of early June 2025, and 14 Drinkit coffee shops currently operational [1][2][3].
The first Dodo Pizza pizzeria was opened in 2011 in Syktyvkar. Since then, the brand has grown significantly, and it is now a well-known name in many countries. The redomiciliation of Dodo Brands to the AIFC marks the next step in the company’s journey, positioning it for continued growth and success in the global market.
Sources: [1] The Astana Times. (2025, June 12). Dodo Brands redomiciles to AIFC. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2025/06/dodo-brands-redomiciles-to-aifc/ [2] Forbes. (2025, June 14). Dodo Brands moves headquarters to Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2025/06/14/dodo-brands-moves-headquarters-to-kazakhstan/ [3] Bloomberg. (2025, June 15). Dodo Brands completes redomiciliation to Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-15/dodo-brands-completes-redomiciliation-to-kazakhstan-in-strategic-move
In the strategic move, Dodo Brands has chosen to align its operations with the financial industry of Kazakhstan, specifically the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), as Kazakhstan offers a favorable legal and financial environment for Russian businesses, making it a more business-friendly jurisdiction. The company's operational presence in Kazakhstan, as the leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain by number of locations, further supports this decision.
The relocation of Dodo Brands to the AIFC is expected to improve the legal, financial, and strategic environment for the company's continued international growth while maintaining a strong foothold in Kazakhstan, a key market with hundreds of Dodo Pizza and Drinkit outlets. This move could position Dodo Brands for continued success in the global market.
