Artcaffe Restaurant, a renowned chain of contemporary urban eateries, is a familiar name across Kenya. Founded in 2007 by Artcaffe Coffee and Bakery Limited, the first outlet was launched at Westgate Mall.
The restaurant was designed to cater to the middle and working-class population, offering a comfortable space for work meetings or leisure dining while enjoying a wide variety of meals. The concept quickly gained popularity, prompting the brand to expand, and it now boasts over 35 locations across Nairobi and its surrounding areas, situated in malls, shopping centers, and business hubs.
Although Artcaffe’s presence is widely known, its ownership often remains unclear to many. In 2010, Artcaffe Coffee and Bakery Limited transferred ownership of the restaurant to Artcaffe Group, a subsidiary of the Emerging Capital Partners (ECP) Fund IV. ECP, a private equity firm based in Washington, is dedicated to investing across Africa. With over USD 3.2 billion raised for investments, ECP has successfully managed over 60 deals, 59 exits, and more than 70 investments in 44 African countries. Notably, ECP is also the parent company of Java, another popular restaurant chain in Kenya.
The leadership of ECP is marked by its co-CEOs, Hurly Doddy and Vincent Le Guennou. Other influential figures within the organization include Managing Directors Carolyn Campbell, Bryce Fort, Paul Maasdorp, and Brice Lodugnon, alongside Directors Rudolph Bella and Renschke Volschenk. With its solid investment foundation and a wide portfolio, Artcaffe is poised to maintain its prominent position and continue thriving in Kenya’s competitive restaurant industry.
