Kuwait’s Alshaya to launch MidEast's first Texas Roadhouse

Kuwait’s MH Alshaya Co has partnered with Texas Roadhouse to launch the US-based steakhouse chain into the Middle East market.

The opening marks the Texas-themed restaurant chain’s debut outside the US and the first outlet will open in Dubai Mall.

“We have major expansion plans for the Texas Roadhouse brand across the Middle East and The Dubai Mall location is the first step in that direction,” said Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of MH Alshaya Co.

"We are thrilled to have partnered with MH Alshaya Co. because of our shared passion and enthusiasm for providing high quality food and legendary service," added, Kent Taylor, founder and CEO of Texas Roadhouse.

Alshaya, one of the Gulf’s largest family-owned firms, has an extensive franchise portfolio that includes a string of US household name food and beverage brands.

The company has signed franchise deals this year with the Chicago-based chain Potbelly Sandwich Shop, New-York listed chain The Cheesecake Factory and the Shake Shack burger outlet.

Alshaya operates 2,000 stores across 15 countries, and counts brands such as Starbucks, Pizza Express, American Eagle, Boots and Pottery Barn in its portfolio.

The company employs around 20,000 people and operates 2,000 stores in 15 markets.

In November, the company said it planned to open 1,250 new stores over the next five years, creating an estimated 4,000 jobs.