Building on its already highly successful international market presence, Texas Chicken has already started making a play to become the largest fried chicken franchise in the Middle East. A new agreement finalized with experienced restaurant franchise partner, The Olayan Group, a diversified multinational enterprise, will lead to the opening of 63 new Texas Chicken restaurants over the next several years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, and Oman. The new Texas Chicken locations will further expand upon existing market presence.

"As we continue to strengthen our presence on the international stage, the Middle East plays a pivotal role in our expansion strategy. This is a strong consumer market with a rapidly growing taste for quality quick service foods and beverages. We are eager to position Texas Chicken at the forefront of that movement." said Tony Moralejo, Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer at Texas Chicken.

Leading the expansion, The Olayan Group will be leveraging its extensive experience in both quick-service restaurants and the Middle East region. The franchise giant already operates 32 major-brand quick-service restaurants in the UAE, and at least two more in Egypt. The Olayan Group will be solidifying their presence in these areas and aggressively pursuing new opportunities. Oman and Qatar will be new markets to be developed by Olayan leveraging their strength and familiarity with the quick-service restaurant industry to successfully grow the Texas Chicken brand.

"We have very ambitious goals for this region," continued Moralejo. "With this franchise relationship, we are confident that new patrons in the Middle East will share in the exceptional quality, service, and experience for which Texas Chicken is known worldwide."

The first of the many restaurants to come is already up and running in Mecca. It also happens to be one of the first on the international scene to showcase the new Texas Chicken STAR Initiative Design. Fresh, contemporary décor and an inviting dine-in experience are at the heart of the design update to restaurant interiors and exteriors. Future restaurants in the 63-location agreement will also feature elements of the STAR Image update. As well, it is planned that this new, huge Middle East market will see a number of menu variations inspired by regional tastes alongside the brand's classic offerings such as hand-battered fried chicken, sandwiches, home-style sides, and Honey Butter Biscuits.