Food Quest Restaurants Management has signed a franchise deal with the Habit Restaurants - the brand’s first international agreement - for the development of 50 new restaurants across the GCC over the next 10 years.

Founded in 1969 in Southern California, The Habit currently owns and operates over 100 restaurants in the United States.

Voted as America’s best tasting burger in a leading consumer magazine, The Habit Burger Grill is a fast casual restaurant that specialises in fresh, made-to-order, char-grilled burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Food Quest has been given the exclusive rights to open restaurants in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman – with the first Habit Burger Grill expected to open its doors to diners in the UAE this year.

Darryl Bearer, general manager of Food Quest, said: “We are thrilled to bring The Habit Burger Grill to the United Arab Emirates and the entire GCC region.

“We have been great fans of The Habit brand and their signature made-to-order char-grilled burgers.”

Russ Bendel, The Habit’s chief executive officer, said: “Food Quest is a great restaurant operator and franchise business partner and we are proud to be working together to introduce The Habit Burger Grill brand to the Middle East.

“We are very impressed with their team’s passion for delivering quality food and genuine hospitality all at a great value which aligns perfectly with The Habit’s core principles.” - TradeArabia News Service