CAIRO: DineEquity, Applebee's parent company, signed a “multi-restaurant franchise agreement” with AMECO Foods, which will launch 10 new locations of Applebee's in Egypt. “Applebee's is a global brand that represents top quality and fresh ideas in a warm environment,” said Sam Boraie, president of AMECO Foods in a statement. “AMECO is proud to join the Applebee's approved US vendors the first year, and transitioning to about 75 percent approved Egyptian suppliers in the second year.” Late last month, DineEquity, the parent company of Applebee's and International House of Pancakes (IHOP), also said it would introduce IHOP in the Middle East for the first time by opening 40 franchises in Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, and Lebanon, the company announced in a statement on its website. Currently, there is only one Applebee's location in Egypt located in Cairo's island strict, Zamalek, on the Blue Nile Boat. The new Cairo restaurant is expected to open by July 2012. Applebee's expansion and IHOP's introduction in Egypt is not AMECO's first project in Egypt. Working closely with the US Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, the chamber has helped AMECO facilitate the supply chain process of introducing 30 Dairy Queen locations in the country. Cairo is currently set to be the latest on DineEquity's growing list of international destinations to expand, according to the statement. “AMECO's commitment to bringing the Applebee's neighborhood experience to life in Egypt makes them a strong franchise partner for us,” said Mike Archer, president of Applebee's Services, Inc. “It's exciting for us to be introducing Applebee's to neighborhoods throughout Egypt.” The décor of Applebee's Egypt-based restaurants will be specifically designed to reflect the country. Menus will also carry custom food and beverage items that “reflect the neighborhood” of the country. Usually, Applebee's international locations customize 20 percent of their menu according to the countries they are located in. “DineEquity is evolving and expanding both our brands around the world and we see international expansion as a critical part of Applebee's continued growth and brand development,” said Julia Stewart, DineEquity's CEO and Chairman. Stewart added that she is optimistic and excited about expanding the chain into Egypt. “Guests all over the world enjoy our great-tasting food and gathering at their neighborhood Applebee's with friends and family, and we are excited to team up with AMECO to bring that experience to Egypt,” she said in the statement. Applebee's alone currently has more than 3,500 international locations. DineEquity's locations in the Middle East include 26 restaurants in Jordan, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, as well as Qatar. With a bigger presence in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar operates in 147 locations in 15 countries outside the US. DineEquity is a US company based in Glendale, California.
