MH Alshaya Co has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with leading US restaurant brand, The Cheesecake Factory, to build and operate its restaurants in the Middle East.

The first two restaurants are scheduled to open in Dubai and Kuwait in 2012.

The partnership announcement represents the first international expansion for The Cheesecake Factory.

Founded in 1978, The Cheesecake Factory is a highly successful upscale casual dining concept in America, with over 160 restaurants serving a full menu range, including its famous cheesecakes such as Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, and Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake.

Alshaya expects to develop a portfolio of restaurants over the next five years across the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The franchise agreement also gives Alshaya the opportunity to expand into other markets, including the rest of the Middle East, North Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey.

Alshaya already partners with a number of leading food service brands including Starbucks, Dean & Deluca, PF Chang’s, Pinkberry, Le Pain Quotidien, Asha’s and Pizza Express. In 2010 it signed agreements with three more US food concepts: Shake Shack, Potbelly and Texas Roadhouse, all of which are expected to open their first outlets in 2011.

“The quality and popularity of The Cheesecake Factory brand, coupled with our local market expertise, as well as our track record of launching and operating high-profile American brands in the Middle East, produces a winning combination,” said Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of MH Alshaya Co.-TradeArabia News Service