Dine Brands International confirmed plans to open five new IHOP restaurants across the western Kingdom of Saudi Arabi. The cities set to debut include Jeddah, Mecca, Medina and cities along the Red Sea coast, with the first location scheduled to open in Jeddah in early 2023, a press release reported.
“We are thrilled to bring IHOP's world-famous pancakes back to guests throughout sunny Saudi Arabia,” said Tony Moralejo, president, International, Dine Brands Global, Inc. “We've seen success and strong consumer demand in the Middle East and believe KSA to be a critical market for our continued growth in the region.”
The agreement secured with IHOP Franchisee Ahmed Marashde represents persistent efforts to expand in the Middle Eastern region, following a successful launch in Cairo, Egypt at the Cairo Festival City Mall and continued ghost kitchen expansion within the region.
"Ahmed brings over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including time as a former CEO of one of the largest international Applebee's franchisees. Through this experience he has proven to be a valued leader and outstanding operator. Ahmed’s experience and knowledge of suppliers, real estate and local conditions make him the ideal franchise partner for Dine and IHOP," Moralejo said.
The new IHOP restaurants will offer its signature dining experience, offering a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections, including its pancakes, breakfast combos, omelettes, burgers, hand-crafted melts, burritos and bowls, among various other items.
"We can't wait to introduce IHOP to Saudi Arabia. With a population of over 35 million, one of the world's youngest populations, and the largest economy in the Middle East, KSA is an ideal market for introducing and growing the IHOP brand," Marashde said. “We are confident these new IHOP locations will spread happiness and leave guests with a smile on their faces.”
The company is currently hiring qualified franchisees to develop potential markets throughout the Middle East and promote further growth in North America, Asia and Latin America.