Popular US restaurant franchise looks towards Dubai

An immensely popular US-based restaurant chain is looking to expand into the lucrative Middle Eastern market.Beef 'O' Brady's has been incredibly successful in America and bosses at the firm have now outlined their intention to develop the brand in Dubai through franchising.Originally from Tampa, Florida, the organisation has become famous for its Buffalo-style chicken wings and its sporting theme.It is already in the process of setting up outlets in Kuwait, Doha, Mongolia and Saudi Arabia and it seems the UAE is the next target.Chief development officer at Beef 'O' Brady's James Walker feels the eating establishment will be well received in the Gulf."From the food to the atmosphere, Beef 'O' Brady's boasts universal appeal, and that's why we're confident the brand will receive a glowing ovation in Dubai once we identify an appropriate franchise partner," he remarked.The company confirmed it has pencilled in meetings with potential investors on April 4th and the first ever international version of the restaurant will open in Saudi Arabia during the same month.Having already opened 214 outlets across 22 states in the US, it is fair to assume the firm's leaders know what they are doing.Of course, Dubai's gastronomic culture is very different to the one in the US, but Beef 'O' Brady's chiefs insisted that the menu will be tailored to suit local communities in the Middle East.Dubai is renowned for its gourmet eateries, which is hardly surprising given its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous.A host of world-class chefs have opened establishments in the emirate in the past, including the likes of Gordon Ramsay.He recently told tabloid! that Dubai is a "fantastic city" and he is planning to open another restaurant in the area.The celebrity chef had run the popular Verre eatery until 2011 and he felt his team were the catalyst for the fine dining boom that has gripped Dubai in recent years.