DENVER, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Smashburger is
expanding its presence in the Middle
East. Today, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant
announced a new partnership with Pearll
Investments LLC to grow the brand in Qatar and United
Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Doha, with 26 restaurants planned to open over
the next several years. Twenty-two of the 26 units will open in
United Arab Emirates and the
remaining four restaurants will open in Qatar.
The new agreement continues the rapid global expansion for the
brand. UAE and Qatar operations
will join Smashburger operations underway in Bahrain, Saudi
Arabia and Kuwait, as well
as new restaurants in the United
Kingdom and Egypt coming
later this year.
"Smashburger's international expansion has really taken off and
we're excited to be adding United Arab
Emirates and Qatar to our
portfolio of international countries," commented Scott Crane, President & CEO of Smashburger.
"Our new franchise partners are experienced restaurant operators
and we're confident they will help us grow the brand throughout
this part of the region. Dubai in
particular is an attractive destination for people all across the
world, and we're looking forward to bringing our made-to-order,
hand-crafted burgers to a community that is experiencing growth and
high traffic visibility year around."
Pearll Investments LLC, and its sister company Leemaar
Investment, are owned by Mr. Saif who owns and operates a multitude
of restaurant companies in the Middle
East and across the globe. The group has substantial
experience in running successful brands across the globe, including
restaurants located in the United
States. The group was looking to grow its restaurant
portfolio by partnering with a fast-casual partner and chose
Smashburger for its menu diversity and upscale guest
experience.
"Despite there being an ample number of fast casual restaurants
in this region, the industry has yet to reach its potential in
United Arab Emirates and
Qatar and we feel there is a huge
opportunity for brands such as Smashburger," commented Mr.
Abdel Hameed, Chairman of Pearll
Investments LLC. "Due to its focus on quality, taste, and wholesome
ingredients, we are certain Smashburger will be a success and we
look forward to bringing the fresh, smashed-to-order concept to the
Arabic community and replicating the success of the brand
internationally."
The Smashburger menu is centered on quality, fresh,
smashed-to-order burgers that are seared and seasoned on the grill
to lock-in natural juices. The menu features innovative burger
combinations, or guests can create their own burger or chicken
sandwich, customizing the bun, sauces, toppings and cheese.
Customers can pair burgers with irresistible sides, like seasoned
fries with rosemary, olive oil and garlic, haystack onions or fried
pickles, or indulge in a wide variety of additional menu items,
like fresh salads, premium handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes and craft
beer, all at a great value.
Smashburger has plans to open an additional 60-80 restaurants in
2016 including expansion across the globe and into new markets in
the United States. The brand
currently operates over 355 restaurants across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El
Salvador, Panama,
Costa Rica, Bahrain and Saudi
Arabia. Smashburger is actively seeking partners to spread
the global appetite for America's favorite food internationally in
Europe, Asia, South
America and beyond. Smashburger is also seeking additional
partners to help grow the presence in new markets in the United States.
For more information on becoming a Smashburger franchisee or to
locate a restaurant near you, please visit Smashburger.com.
Follow Smashburger on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
About Smashburger
Smashburger is a leading fast casual
"better burger" restaurant known for its fresh never
frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef® burgers that are
smashed on the grill to sear in the juices, creating an upscale
quality burger packed with flavor and served at a great value. In
addition to burgers, Smashburger offers grilled or crispy chicken
sandwiches, fresh salads, signature side items such as Haystack
onions and Veggie Frites, and hand-spun Haagen-Dazs®
shakes. On each market menu, Smashburger offers locally
inspired items like the regional burger, as well as regional sides
and local craft beer. Smashburger began in 2007 with the
vision of Rick Schaden and funding
by Consumer Capital Partners—the private equity firm that Rick and
his father Richard own. There are currently over 355 corporate
and franchise restaurants operating in 34 states and seven
countries. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com
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