New outlet first of many franchise outlets within franchise scheme launched by Dubai-based Japanese restaurant chain as part of global expansion plans; future outlets scheduled in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Qatar

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 August 2007: Sumo International, the holding company for Sumo Sushi & Bento, one of Dubai's favourite Japanese restaurant chains, has announced that it will open its first franchised location in the Garhoud area as part of its global franchise scheme. Sumo Sushi & Bento already own and operate three outlets in Dubai.

"This is an exciting time for the Sumo Sushi & Bento brand," said Alika Kailihiwa, Franchise Director, Sumo International. "Japanese cuisine is growing in its popularity around the Middle East and we would like to think that Sumo's formula of personal service, affordable cuisine and fresh ingredients have gone a long way towards making it popular across all nationalities. Our franchise scheme is geared to help expand the Sumo Sushi & Bento restaurants throughout the rest of the region."

The new franchise outlet, scheduled to be open to the public in September 2007, is being operated by B & K Company, owned by UAE nationals who are regular SUMO customers and familiar with the food and the service offered by the restaurant. Under the franchise agreement, Sumo International will lease the SUMO Sushi & Bento brand name and its operations systems to the franchisee, who shares the same vision and mission.

Sumo Sushi and Bento offers a competitive selection of fresh sushi and bento boxes and attractive corporate platters for events and company meetings. The restaurant's menu also includes special 'house' dishes such as 'Seaweed Garden Salad' for vegetarians, 'Crunchy Crazy Roll' and 'Tuna Lovers Bento".

"Though this outlet is owned by someone else, the new outlet will follow, enforce and practice ALL our systems," continued Kailihiwa.

Sumo International offers its franchisees assistance with comprehensive manuals on all aspects of operating a Sumo Sushi & Bento restaurant including pre-opening, operations and training, designed to ensure that the restaurant chain's ethics and standards are maintained in all its franchise outlets. The company also provides assistance with training, prototypical plans for the outlets, help with restaurant openings, and POS (point of sale) material for consistent branding.

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About Sumo International
Sumo International is the holding company responsible for the global standards for the SUMO brand including its well known restaurant chain, Sumo Sushi & Bento and its franchise outlets.

Sumo Sushi and Bento has gained a reputation as a successful family business through its commitment to providing high quality menus, a warm and relaxing atmosphere and excellent service. A wide selection of sushi, bento and salads are available for dine-in and delivery. For celebrations or corporate functions, Sumo Sushi and Bento also offers attractive sushi platters.

Sumo Sushi & Bento has also launched its franchise scheme open to potential franchisees throughout the Middle East. 

For further information please contact:
Dubai Media City
Building 10
Tel: 04 391 1041

Town Centre
Tel: 800 SUMO (800 7866)

Garhoud
Tel: 04 2830622

Mita Srinivasan
Market Buzz International
Tel: +971 4 3625484
Email: mita@themarketbuzz.net

© Press Release 2007