Dine Brands International has announced plans to open up to five IHOP restaurants across western Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and cities along the Red Sea coast, with the first location scheduled to open in Jeddah in early 2023. The franchisor of F&B brands signed with franchisee Ahmed Marashde. The IHOP brand has seen successful openings in Cairo and with ghost kitchens in the region.
“We are thrilled to bring IHOP’s world-famous pancakes back to guests throughout sunny Saudi Arabia,” said Tony Moralejo, president, international, Dine Brands Global, Inc.
“We’ve seen success and strong consumer demand in the Middle East and believe KSA to be a critical market for our continued growth in the region. Ahmed brings over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including time as a former CEO of one of the largest international Applebee’s franchisees.
“Through this experience, he has proven to be a valued leader and outstanding operator. Ahmed’s experience and knowledge of suppliers, real estate, and local conditions make him the ideal franchise partner for Dine and IHOP.”
The new IHOP units will offer casual dining spaces for guests to enjoy the brand’s variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items.
“We can’t wait to introduce IHOP to Saudi Arabia. With a population of over 35 million, one of the world’s youngest populations, and the largest economy in the Middle East, KSA is an ideal market for introducing and growing the IHOP brand,” said Ahmed Marashde, founder and CEO of Haseed Trading L.L.C., an IHOP franchisee.
“We are confident these new IHOP locations will spread happiness and leave guests with a smile on their faces.”
