Chili's Franchisee Plans 10 More Locations in UAE, Oman
Emirates International Restaurants Starts New Round of Development With Opening of 12th Location at Mall of Emirates
Emirates International Restaurants has opened the first of 10 new Chili's restaurants planned for the United Arab Emirates and Oman through a development agreement announced today by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT).
With its opening at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai on Nov. 12, Emirates International Restaurants now operates 12 Chili's restaurants, including 11 in the United Arab Emirates and one in Oman. In total, there are 28 franchised Chili's currently open throughout the Middle East. Other franchisees operate Chili's locations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon.
Bill Simon, senior vice president of global business development for Brinker, said Brinker expects to have more than 70 restaurants open in the region by 2008.
"With an increased demand for casual dining in the region and an iconic brand that appeals strongly to guests seeking bold and robust flavor profiles, we continue to be upbeat about the growth potential for Chili's and our other concepts in the Middle East," said Simon. "Emirates International has been a tremendous partner for Brinker in both their demonstrated operational excellence and their ability to position, translate and market the Chili's brand to local consumers in the Gulf region, and we are excited to be working with them on this next stage of their development."
Emirates International Restaurants, which opened its first Chili's in Dubai in 1997, is headed by Mohamed Saleh Bin Lahej.
Brinker International owns, operates or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants 49 states and 24 countries and territories. Dallas-based Brinker's brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano's Little Italy and Corner Bakery Cafe.
With its opening at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai on Nov. 12, Emirates International Restaurants now operates 12 Chili's restaurants, including 11 in the United Arab Emirates and one in Oman. In total, there are 28 franchised Chili's currently open throughout the Middle East. Other franchisees operate Chili's locations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon.
Bill Simon, senior vice president of global business development for Brinker, said Brinker expects to have more than 70 restaurants open in the region by 2008.
"With an increased demand for casual dining in the region and an iconic brand that appeals strongly to guests seeking bold and robust flavor profiles, we continue to be upbeat about the growth potential for Chili's and our other concepts in the Middle East," said Simon. "Emirates International has been a tremendous partner for Brinker in both their demonstrated operational excellence and their ability to position, translate and market the Chili's brand to local consumers in the Gulf region, and we are excited to be working with them on this next stage of their development."
Emirates International Restaurants, which opened its first Chili's in Dubai in 1997, is headed by Mohamed Saleh Bin Lahej.
Brinker International owns, operates or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants 49 states and 24 countries and territories. Dallas-based Brinker's brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano's Little Italy and Corner Bakery Cafe.
