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GLENDALE, California, USA – DineEquity, Inc, parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar? and IHOP? Restaurants, said that it has opened the first IHOP restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The restaurant, located in “Le Mall,” is part of a seven-brand restaurant destination in Jeddah, which opened 14 December 2013.
The opening represents the fifth restaurant for the brand in the region since 2012 under its multi-franchise agreement with M.H. Alshaya Co., a leading international franchise operator, which has launches IHOP locations in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The agreement between Alshaya and IHOP Franchise Company, LLC, allows for the development of 40 restaurants across the Middle East and North Africa region, with plans to expand to markets including Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt.
The new restaurant features IHOP restaurant’s pancakes, waffles, omelettes and breakfast favourites, as well as a full complement of lunch and dinner items. It will be open Saturday through Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. and on Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 2 a.m.
“We are delighted to add Saudi Arabia to the expanding list of countries where guests can enjoy the great food and service that are the hallmarks of IHOP restaurants everywhere,” said Julia Stewart, chairman and CEO, DineEquity Inc., and interim president, International House of Pancakes, LLC. “Our restaurants in this region have already proven that there is a great demand for our menu in this market, thanks to the tremendous job Alshaya has done in bringing their unparalleled expertise and high standards of excellence to our restaurants there. We look forward to working together to open additional locations throughout the region.”
Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman, M.H. Alshaya Co., commented: “We have already had good success with our IHOP restaurant locations and the brand’s debut in KSA supports our objective of introducing internationally-recognised brands to new customers in new markets across the Middle East. We have every confidence that we will find the same level of excitement and demand from our guests in KSA that we have experienced in other markets in the region.”
“Our ultimate goal in expanding IHOP restaurants throughout the world has always been to ensure they provide the high level of excellence that has built our brand into a truly international one,” said Daniel del Olmo, president, International, DineEquity, Inc. “Alshaya has done a tremendous job in establishing our presence in this key region, continuing to expand our locations while making sure every restaurant is providing our guests with a great IHOP experience.”