Pancake House to Set Up Shop in Saudi Arabia
MANILA – The country’s leading chained casual dining operator is poised to broaden its presence in the Middle East region.
Max’s Group, Inc. (“MGI”) has forged a partnership with Al-Bader National Establishment for Real-Estate Development to open 12 Pancake House stores in Saudi Arabia within the next 5 years. This marks the first development agreement secured by MGI for 2018.
Pancake House is a homegrown favorite known for its classic bestsellers which includes pancakes, waffles, tacos, spaghetti and pan-fried chicken.
“Our international business continues to build on its momentum sustained from last year. We are excited with the prospect of entering a familiar territory this time around with another one of our loved brands. We believe the brand’s attributes and offerings will successfully make its way into the mainstream population,” said Max’s Group, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Robert F. Trota.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Al-Bader National Establishment for Real-Estate Development is primarily engaged in real estate trading, property development, commercial operations of shopping malls and furnished apartments. It recently entered the food and beverage business by selectively partnering with reputable global food names. Equipped with a strong real estate background, it plans to invest in complementary industries such as food and tourism.
“We are excited to bring Pancake house to Saudi Arabia. We have been searching for a renowned brand to spearhead our venture into the food sector with the intention to deploy a substantial amount of investment. We find the brand’s assorted menu mix and all-day dining concept appealing to various demographic profiles. Moreover, we have experienced the brand ourselves as customers, and are now thrilled to become part of the Max’s Group family. We thank them for entrusting us and look forward to a lasting partnership,” stated Al- Bader National Establishment for Real-Estate Development Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Badr Hamdi Hamed Albalawi.
MGI is set to further accelerate international expansion activities with a target of 20-30 new outlets for 2018 primarily across core brands Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House and Yellow Cab Pizza. It aims to end the year with around 75-80 stores abroad.
Pancake House currently operates 7 overseas franchised outlets in Malaysia and United Arab Emirates. It plans to add at least 2 more branches in the United Arab Emirates and open its first store in Qatar in 2018.