The delay to the re-opening of Nusr-Et Steakhouse’s flagship Dubai restaurant has not been caused by the financial pressures that have resulted in the chain’s closure of restaurants in the UK and the US, a spokesman for the company has told Arabian Business.
“There is no truth to the rumours about closures in the UAE. Absolutely wrong,” the executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. “We’ve been in Abu Dhabi for ten years and continue to generate profit and good money…
“We’re fully open and doing well,” he added. “The season is starting, and our focus is on investment and growth.”
He said the delay to the Dubai restaurant was purely logistical, and a third Dubai establishment is slated to open at Dubai Mall within six months.
The Jumeirah branch, closed since 15 August for a full redesign, was originally scheduled to reopen on 15 October, but will now resume operations on 21 October due to the scale of renovation works, he said.
In Saudi Arabia, Nusr-Et plans to open new restaurants, he added. This follows the 2024 closure of its Riyadh branch.
“We have two or three potential locations in Saudi. We’re taking our time because the market isn’t fully ready yet. No rush,” he said.
The expansion comes as Nusr-Et retreats from several Western markets. This year, the chain shut outlets in Beverly Hills, Dallas, Las Vegas, Boston and New York, leaving only two US restaurants – in Miami and Manhattan.
Its UK arm reported a £5.4 million ($6.8 million) loss in 2024 after writing down its US operations by £6.6 million ($8.8 million), according to The Telegraph.
Despite these headwinds, the company has said the Middle East remains the backbone of its operations, with strong demand in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul.
Nusr-Et – which serves gold-leafed steaks – is famous for its extravagant dining experiences. Viral bills from its UAE venues have drawn global attention – including one for AED 615,065 ($167,500) in Abu Dhabi in November, 2022.
While many may view such displays as excessive, fans see them as part of the Nusr-Et theatre – the mix of spectacle, luxury and social-media flair that turned Salt Bae, the Turkish butcher who went viral in 2017 for his flamboyant salt-sprinkling, into one of the world’s most recognisable hospitality figures.
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