Arby’s, the American fast-food restaurant chain, has entered into an exclusive development agreement with Saudi Arabia-based Shahia Foods Limited Company for significant expansion across the Kingdom, with the first restaurant expected to open in late 2022.
Shahia Foods is one of the region’s premier multi-unit restaurant operators and the master licensee for Dunkin’ in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The agreement with Shahia Foods marks Arby’s first-ever entry into Saudi Arabia and its largest expansion into the Middle East market to date.
Founded in 1964, Arby’s is the second-largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world. Part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, Arby’s currently operates more than 3,500 restaurants globally, including more than 150 locations across Canada, Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and Egypt.
Michael Haley President & MD International Inspire Brands
“We are thrilled to expand our strong relationship with Shahia Foods to bring Arby’s premium meat stacks to guests across Saudi Arabia. As a fast-growing region with the potential for hundreds of Arby’s locations, the Middle East is an important cornerstone in the next chapter of the brand’s global expansion. We are confident in Arby’s runway for continued growth across the region and beyond.”
Arby’s Fast Crafted guest experience combines a unique blend of quick-service with the quality and made-for-you care of fast-casual. The brand’s menu offers a wide variety of proteins ranging from tender roast beef sliced to order, to beef brisket smoked for many hours over a wood fire, to slow-roasted chicken, as well as a lineup of signature sides designed to complement the meal.
“Arby’s differentiated market positioning and convenient guest experience are a perfect complement to our thriving Dunkin’ business. With a wide variety of delicious meat stacks served fresh every day, the brand is uniquely positioned to meet local preferences and will resonate strongly with Saudi guests,” said Mr. Saud Abdullah Al Athel, CEO of Shahia Foods Limited Company.
