Arby’s (Atlanta) has opened its first restaurant in Saudi Arabia, in the capital city of Riyadh. The new outlet features a menu that mixes the brand’s U.S. sandwiches offerings with items exclusive to the Middle East locale.
“Arby’s entry into Saudi Arabia is another exciting milestone for the brands international growth story,” said Michael Haley, President and Managing Director of International for Inspire Brands, Arby’s parent company. “We are very pleased with our Dunkin’ collaboration with Shahia Foods and are excited to expand our portfolio with them and bring our authority in meat quality and flavor to new guests in a rapidly growing region.”
Shahia Foods is a multi-unit restaurant operator in the region, and the master franchisee for Dunkin’ in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
In addition to menu items found at its U.S. outlets, Arby’s Riyadh-only offerings include a smoked brisket Philly, which builds on Arby’s signature beef brisket with the addition of roasted vegetables and melted Swiss cheese, and a smokey barbeque chicken sandwich with pulled chicken marinated in shawarma spices covered with Arby’s smoky BBQ sauce.
“Adapting restaurants for international tastes is always a fun challenge, and we’re excited to share what makes Arby’s such a unique and celebrated brand in the U.S. with what are sure to be craveable new favorites,” said Shahia Foods’ CEO Saud Abdullah Al Athel. “The team worked tirelessly to create a dining experience and menu offering that will resonate strongly with Saudi guests while firmly rooted in the original Arby’s experience.”
The Riyadh Arby’s is near Al Nakheel Mall. It has a drive-through, 2900 square feet of space and a seating capacity of 70.
Founded in 1964, Arby’s has with more than 3200 restaurants in the U.S. and about 180 locations across eight other countries. Its international growth plans include further units in Saudi Arabia and southeast Mexico.