Sbarro Expands Presence In The Middle East With New Eateries To Open In The United Arab Emirates

Leading Italian Eatery Inks Deal with Casual Restaurants, LLC to Open Twenty Locations

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Oct 11, 2013, 08:58 ET

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sbarro (http://www.sbarro.com) announced today that it has formalized a multi-location franchise partnership agreement with Casual Restaurants, LLC that will grow the brand's presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a first location slated to open in Dubai in the fall of 2013, the agreement includes the opening of 20 locations throughout the UAE over the next ten years. The partnership further expands Sbarro's footprint throughout the Middle East which includes eateries throughout Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, among others.

"Casual Restaurants are tremendous restaurateurs and will be terrific partners as we further expand Sbarro's presence in the Middle East," said Randy Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Sbarro. "The UAE, in particular, is an area of opportunity for Sbarro and the team at Casual Restaurants is perfectly suited to help lead our continued growth in this region."

Over the past year, Sbarro has significantly expanded its international presence forging franchise agreements across the globe including Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and the Philippines. The company currently operates more than 1,000 eateries across more than 40 countries.

"Sbarro has been very warmly received throughout the Middle East and we see a great opportunity for this brand in the UAE," said a spokesperson of Casual Restaurants. "Sbarro is also a great business partner that brings a tremendous level of support and knowledge, not to mention a terrific concept with a proven track record of success."

Casual Restaurants, LLC is an associate company of the highly successful and diversified business group, GEAP International (UAE) LLC, which has been operating in the Middle East for over 40 years.

About Sbarro
Since it first opened its doors as an Italian Salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has been a leader in driving the growth of the Italian restaurant category. Today, Sbarro team members bring a taste of the true Italian spirit to guests every day at its more than 1,000 eateries across more than 40 countries. An award-winning franchise organization, Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian food including pizza, pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, drinks and desserts. Sbarro is headquartered in Melville, NY. For more information, visit www.sbarro.com.

SOURCE Sbarro