Bennigan's, an Irish pub-themed casual dining restaurant chain in US, has signed a master franchise agreement with Al Aroud Group of companies to open 10 new outlets across the UAE and Turkey.

Marking an aggressive international expansion push, Bennigan's Franchising Company said the first restaurant in the UAE is expected to open next year.

"Bennigan's continues its strong comeback and we're thrilled to team up with such an excellent partner as the Al Aroud Group," remarked Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan's president & CEO.

"We're looking forward to delivering legendary experiences and warm hospitality to guests in the UAE and Turkey," he noted.

"Bennigan's is an iconic American brand that people all over the world know and love," said Saleh Al Aroud, principal of the group, a global leader in aviation, travel, tourism and related businesses. "We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship," he added.

Al Aroud becomes a direct franchisee that will own the master development rights throughout the UAE and Turkey, said Eric Taylor, Bennigan's VP of Development.
 
"We looked at many different restaurant brands and selected Bennigan's because of its impressive leadership, support teams and excellent business model," said Wassim Kabbani of Al Aroud Group, who will lead the business unit in the UAE and Turkey.

Al Aroud Group does business throughout the Mideast, Africa, Europe and Asia.

Since its start in 1999 as aviation company in the UAE, Al Aroud has grown into a diversified corporation that includes airline, information technology, financial services, travel solutions and trading divisions.-TradeArabia News Service