Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based burger chain Steak n Shake has expansion plans that are far afield of its base of operations in the Midwest, intending to open dozens of restaurants in the Middle East.
The firm has announced a development deal with conglomerate AB Holdings to establish 50 restaurants in Saudi Arabia in coming years. Steak n Shake expects to open its first location in Riyadh during the first half of 2014.
“The partnership with AB Holdings is an outstanding step in our continuous endeavor to become a global brand,” said Sardar Biglari, chairman of San Antonio, Texas-based Biglari Holdings Inc., which owns Steak n Shake.
Biglari noted that the eatery famous for its “steakburgers” now has commitments for 90 restaurants in the Middle East. Last year, Biglari Holdings forged a deal with franchise operator Saleh Bin Lahej Group to open 40 restaurants in the United Arab Emirates.
Founded in 1934, Steak n Shake currently counts more than 500 corporate and franchise restaurants around the world.
It has worked in recent years to move beyond its critical mass of restaurants in the Midwest. In 2012, it opened a high-profile, 20-seat location in New York City’s theatre district. This year, it started a West Coast expansion by entering the California market with a store in Santa Monica.
ArabianBusiness.com has reported that Steak n Shake is planning further global expansion, mainly in the Middle East and Europe.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.