Saleh Bin Lahej Group brings world famous brand to region

Dubai, March 25th 2007 - The Saleh Bin Lahej Group Hospitality Division, franchise holders for the popular restaurant chain Chili's, has added leading Italian casual dining restaurant, Romano's Macaroni Grill, to its eatery portfolio.

To celebrate Romano's Macaroni Grill's arrival, an official launch saw Romano's Macaroni Grill's Director of Operations, Sean Woodfall; prepare a selection of Italian cuisine with the help of invited guests and media to add to the authentic yet casual atmosphere that Romano's Macaroni Grill is well known for around the world.

Established in 1988 in a converted old roadhouse building in Leon Springs, Texas, USA, Romano's Macaroni Grill, part of the Brinker International portfolio, has seen success unfold before its eyes with the restaurant expanding to more than 240 locations in 7 countries worldwide.  Highly trained chefs prepare a plethora of classic Italian dishes, including, grilled specialties; fresh seafood; crisp salads; brick oven pizzas and numerous pasta dishes, in its open kitchens.

Commenting on their decision to locate in Dubai, Brinker International President of Global Development, Greg Walther said, "Over the past 10 years, the Saleh Bin Lahej Group has become one of the most successful international Chili's franchisees.  That combined with Dubai being one of the most important and rapidly growing global cities, makes it a very attractive and important market for Brinker International. 

"Italian heritage and cuisine complement the Middle East's dining preferences very well, bringing everyone the opportunity to enjoy fantastic Italian cuisine in an authentic atmosphere.  A perfect meeting place for good conversation between good friends and families," added Mr. Walther.

The approach being to take everything Italian - great food, a large gathering place next to a kitchen and a family-like atmosphere - and turn it into a social gathering place makes RMG a unique restaurant.  In doing so, Romano's Macaroni Grill has become a highly recognized brand in casual dining worldwide.

"As part of the Brinker International group, we have already enjoyed great success with the Chili's brand, and foresee the same for Romano's Macaroni Grill.  By bringing Italian heritage of Romano's Macaroni Grill to Dubai we are providing our valued patrons with a true and lasting taste sensation," commented Mohammed Saleh Bin Lahej, Vice Chairman, Saleh Bin Lahej Group.

Dubai is the first in a list of locations where we plan to launch Romano's Macaroni Grill, as well as Egypt, Oman and other Emirates," Mohammed Saleh Bin Lahej, added.

With almost two decades of perfecting Italian cuisine, Romano's Macaroni Grill is yet another popular franchise to be managed by the Saleh Bin Lahej Group who already operate Chili's, The Pizza Company, Black Canyon Thai Cuisine, Bread Talk, Swensen's and Oscar's established in the region.

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Editor's Note:
Established in 1988 Romano's Macaroni Grill is a leading casual Italian restaurant with 241 locations (232 USA, 9 international) in 42 US states and 7 countries worldwide. In 1989 Romano's Macaroni Grill merged with Brinker International (NYSE: EAT) and is the second-largest brand in its restaurant portfolio.

For more information, please contact:
Arafaat Ali Khan / Sandy Barqawi
Perspective Public Relations
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Email: arafaat@perspectivepr-me.com / sandy@perspectivepr-me.com

© Press Release 2007