Applebee’s, the world’s largest casual dining restaurant chain is expanding is footprint across the Middle East with plans to add at least five new restaurants annually.

The recently opened restaurants include Jazan in Saudi Arabia, Sahara centre in Sharjah, UAE as well as the first Applebee’s in Egypt. Building on the brands key principle of 'neighbourhood experience', Applebee's offers diners an authentic affordable American casual dining experience, a company statement said.

Gary Moore, regional general manager, Applebee’s, Europe & Mena, said, “As the restaurant business continues to boom in the region, Applebee’s sees more opportunities and growth here. We place a great amount of emphasis on the associations we develop in neighbourhoods. With that in mind, we plan to establish a strong presence within communities with the new openings, while our outlets in the malls will continue to showcase what our brand can do.”

Presently, Applebee’s operates 34 restaurants in the Middle East which includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt, and employs over 2,000 people.

The new outlets will also result in creating over 500 job opportunities for candidates exploring a career in the hospitality industry.

In addition to the expansion, Applebee’s recently embarked on a re-branding exercise across all outlets in the region. Imbibing the local flavour, Applebee's interiors now represent a culturally rich canvas with the amalgamation of Middle East and American icons. – TradeArabia News Service