مجموعة صالح بن لاحج
3 posts since 2012 · 1 opening · 1 closure · 1 market
Closure at Dubai Mall
No more steakburgers in Dubai: Steak 'n Shake closes in UAE
Forget about grabbing a steakburger in Dubai or Abu Dhabi the next time you drop by the emirates. Steak 'n Shake's two restaurants in the United Arab Emirates have closed, after less than a year dishing up steakburgers and shakes. The Indianapolis burger chain, which last year launched an ambitious international expansion, said the recent closings of the UAE locations had to do with a change in franchisees. "We have decided to move forward with a new franchise partner. The UAE is an important market for us in the Middle East, and it requires a franchise partner who has the resources to select great real estate and can meet our agreed upon growth schedule," a company spokesperson said. Both UAE restaurants were in malls. A Dec. 13 note on the Steak 'n Shake UAE Facebook page, which has 6,228 likes, thanks "the overwhelming support and loyalty of our fans" and tells followers that "Steak 'n Shake is no longer part of Saleh Bin Lahej Group - Hospitality Division." Several customers registered their disappointment on Facebook. One said, "We were really craving for your burger yesterday only to find out that it's closed. You should open one in Dubai Marina." The closings won't slow Steak 'n Shake's overseas expansion, the spokesperson said. "The closure has zero impact on our international growth plans, neither in Europe nor in the Middle East. In addition to our most current openings in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, we continue to sign up new deals in Pakistan and in negotiations in several other countries in the Middle East, none of which has been negatively affected by the changeover in UAE. In Europe, we continue to sign up new franchisees throughout France, Spain, Italy and in negotiations in other European countries." Last year Steak 'n Shake also opened locations on the French Riviera in Cannes and on the Spanish tourist island of Ibiza. Call Star reporter Jeff Swiatek at (317) 444-6483. Follow him on Twitter: @JeffSwiatek.
United Arab Emirates · 6 Jan 2015
Expansion Plan
America’s Steak n Shake to open 40 outlets in UAE
Steak n Shake, the pioneer and market leader of the premium burgers segment of the restaurant industry, announced its first international development agreement, which will bring this notable "better burger" chain to the Middle East. Steak n Shake has signed an exclusive area development agreement with the Saleh Bin Lahej Group to open 40 restaurants throughout the UAE. This agreement represents the initial expansion of the "better burger" brand outside the continental United States. The Saleh Bin Lahej Group is in the vanguard of international franchise operators of major restaurant brands such as Chili's, Macaroni Grill, Black Canyon Asian Cuisine, El Chico Mexican Restaurant, The Pizza Company, and Cantina Laredo. The new partnership further develops the Saleh Bin Lahej Group Hospitality Division, which has grown impressively in recent years as demand for international brands in the Middle East has burgeoned. Sardar Biglari, Chairman of Biglari Holdings, which owns Steak n Shake, said: "We are excited about turning Steak n Shake into a global brand. I am honored to be partners with Mohammed Saleh Bin Lahej, a visionary who is taking an iconic American brand to the UAE as our introductory international partner. He has been responsible for creating a company dedicated to high, unmatched operating standards within the industry. Like us, he does not compromise on quality and always considers the customer first. I am delighted he will make Steak n Shake history by opening in UAE, a country that is simply remarkable for its achievements. UAE will be the springboard from which we plan to grow the Steak n Shake brand in multiple dimensions and in many other countries." Mohammed Saleh Bin Lahej, Group Chief Executive Officer of Saleh Bin Lahej Group, said: "I am confident that our partnership with Steak n Shake will prove to be prosperous and will mark a notable achievement for both parties. It is our pleasure to carry such a reputable brand in the fast casual industry here in the UAE. We have always taken pride in our company with the ability to pioneer breakthrough brands that have continuously allowed us to serve and connect with a diverse range of customers." Steak n Shake expects to open its first location in Dubai during 2013.
United Arab Emirates · 9 Oct 2012
