First El Chico Restaurant Opens In Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia

Mr. Ali Al Sagri, Chief Operating and Commercial Officer of the Safari Group of Companies and Mr. John D. Harkey, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Restaurants Operations, Inc. (CRO), a US-based restaurant corporation, jointly announced the grand opening of the first El Chico restaurant in the city of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tahlia Street.

El Chico is a Tex-Mex restaurant brand with a unique Hispanic flavor. Its exceptional blend of sauces and spices has made El Chico one of the highest quality food and service providers, offering appetizing Mexican cuisine in a simple, relaxed atmosphere.

Safari Group is a Saudi based group of companies with its headquarters in Riyadh. Safari has recently formed a new company, Unique Hospitality Company (UHC), a fully owned subsidiary of Safari Group. In order to realize the vision of the group's founder/Chairman Mr. Saleh Al Sagri, in attaining a leadership position in the restaurant segment of the Kingdom through the creation of a chain of boutique restaurants representing selected and exclusive global brands. This vision has been fueled by the passion of Mr. Ali Al Sagri, group COO. Ali aims to undertake this exciting challenge, with the expert leadership of Mr. Talal Azhari, a veteran with 34 years experience in the operation and development of restaurant brands. The business plan endeavors to develop five restaurants across the Kingdom under the El Chico casual dining restaurant brand.

The El Chico brand is owned by CRO, a Dallas, Texas based company operating 117 restaurants. The CRO portfolio of brands includes Cantina Laredo, Cool River Caf�, Silver Fox, Good Eats, Lucky's and III Forks brands.

Mr. Harkey said, "US franchise concepts such as those under the CRO umbrella have attracted international franchise partners for three main reasons: strong brand identification, sophisticated distribution networks and well-defined, proven operating systems." CRO has development agreements in place to build 100 restaurants over the next seven years including restaurants now operating in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Cairo.

"The Middle East franchising market is a multi-billion sector with strong growth potential. The region's multicultural population is also growing and bringing with it a hearty appetite for varied cuisine," said CRO representative Rafik Farouk, Director of International Franchise Development and Operations.

Mr. Ali Sagri remarked, "UHC is the latest addition of the Safari group and is a result of the Chairman's strategic decision of diversifying into specialized retail business that will stand out for their quality operation and unique products. This diversification will also allow us to spread our risk across a range of businesses." "We are honored and excited," said General Manager Talal Azhari, "to have been selected by CRO group, as the exclusive franchisee for the development and operation of the El Chico Brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Consequently, our first opening will reflect our commitment to do so in a manner that will deliver the highest standard of food, quality and service for all our guests."

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