UAE-based Hotbrands International (HBI), a leading food services company, is planning to open more outlets in international and regional markets like the US, India, and GCC region, said a top official.

The expansion which builds on its current strength of 31 quick service and two casual dining restaurants in the UAE, is part of an ambitious growth strategy covering its popular multi-ethnic restaurant brands added Avinash Bal, vice chairman and CEO of HBI.

HBI, which rose to prominence with a chain of quick service and casual dining restaurants,  is also aggressively planning to expand on the success of its first Chinese fast-casual restaurant, Wok Chi, which opened in Sarasota in the US, with a new location secured in New York, and a third in Florida.

HBI is also eyeing expansion in the Indian market, where it operates four quick service restaurant outlets Shamiana and Santino’s. HBI will further boost its presence in the UAE with six more quick service restaurants and another casual dining restaurant this year. The HBI chain in the GCC region includes five restaurants in Oman, three restaurants in Bahrain and one in Qatar.

“As a company that has its roots firmly entrenched in the UAE, we are overwhelmed by the response to our first major launch in international markets with Wok Chi in the US,” said Bal.

“HBI is currently in a high growth phase and aims to move into new locations worldwide through Joint Venture partnerships.”

The award-winning food services company remains committed to creating innovative food concepts that enhance the overall customer experience. HBI is particularly well known for its Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) format led by the Shamiana brand. Currently, HBI’s QSR concepts include Indian (Shamiana), Chinese (Magic Wok), Italian (Santino’s), Thai (Sala Thai) and Japanese (Sugoi!) cuisines, which reflect the flavours and cultures of the countries they represent.

Its Casual Dining Restaurant (CDR) concept features Haru, which serves Japanese cuisine, and Pane Caldo for Italian cuisine. – TradeArabia News Service