KSA casual restaurants to see SR28.9bn growth by 2014

SAUDI Arabia’s casual dining restaurants segment is seeing rapid growth, with almost all the major international players either having already entered the Saudi market, signed up for franchising or are in the planning phase.The main markets are in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, whilst smaller markets are becoming attractive hubs for new venture. Factors like high disposable income, global exposure and limited sources of entertainment—along with the ever-increasing number of malls--present the industry with immense opportunity to capture a larger market share and expand at a much faster pace. By 2014, the number of outlets is expected to reach 17,000. Overall value is predicted to grow to a CAGRof 6% in constant value terms to reach SR28.9bn by 2014.