casual, "better burger" chain, has opened its sixth restaurant in the Kingdom. Located in Rekal Plaza at Anas Bin Malik Rd in Al Yasmin District of the Saudi capital, the restaurant marks the 20th international location for MOOYAH since it's launch in late 2013. Abdul Rahman Al-Dakheel, general director of Healthy Foods Company, cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the outlet here. The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of guests including diplomats, and businessmen, among others. Prominent among them were Dr Abdallah Bin Ahmed Al-Maghouth, member of the Investment and Securities at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Zamiruddin Ahmed, chief executive offer of the Healthy Foods; Duraid Saadaldin, business development specialist; Azher Sadat Nezam Uddin, administrative officer. The Riyadh restaurant is owned and operated by Healthy Food Company Ltd., which has a multi-unit development agreement with Menafex LLC, MOOYAH's international development partner. Healthy Food Company is led by Abdulrahman Al-Dakheel, general director of the company. «The burger business is very competitive in Saudi Arabia and around the world," said Abdulrahman Al -Dakheel. "We chose to bring MOOYAH from Dallas, Texas to Saudi Arabia as the quality of the food is simply the best of the "better burger" brands. We continue to open MOOYAH locations in Riyadh and will further expand in the Kingdom to let more people enjoy the high quality 100% Angus burgers that made MOOYAH famous in Dallas. Our restaurants are family friendly and offer a great value for consumers with a full menu range that includes chicken, vegetarian, and healthy options." Founded 10 years ago in Dallas, Texas, MOOYAH has experienced impressive growth, expanding from a regional Texas brand into a national player and a leader in the growing "better burger" segment of fast-casual dining. The brand currently operates in 10 countries and 17 US states. "2016 was a breakthrough year for MOOYAH. We introduced a broader menu and refined operations in our MOO2 initiative to give our guests more of what they want from the brand and set a foundation for the next 5 years growth," said COO Michael Mabry. "Our international development partner Menafex and their franchisees such as Healthy Food Company, do an excellent job representing MOOYAH, while adapting to the needs and challenges presented internationally." Menafex was founded on the concept of providing complete development strategy, brand adaptation and implementation, along with operations support for food service brands internationally. A core component of the success of Menafex is having experienced, dedicated, and brand-focused personnel based internationally near franchisees. Menafex is led by CEO and President Stephen Getty. "Healthy Food Company has shown a true commitment to the MOOYAH brand," Getty said. "We are fortunate to have partnered with passionate and committed franchisees like Healthy Food Company in Saudi Arabia and look forward to continued success of the MOOYAH brand in the Kingdom. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, "better burger" concept offering mouthwatering made-to -order burgers, French fries hand cut from Idaho potatoes, and real ice cream shakes." Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company serves fresh, lean American beef, all-natural Jennie turkey burgers, black bean veggie burgers, buns baked in house daily, real cheeses and toppings made from garden-fresh veggies. While many guests dine in-restaurant, MOOYAH also offers online ordering and carry out for guests on the go. In 2015, MOOYAH was ranked No. 46 in Fast Casual Magazine's annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, a list they have been included in for several years in a row. The brand also ranked 2nd in Best Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise Company, 4th in Best Restaurant Franchise Company, and 7th in Best Overall Franchises Company by Franchiserankings.com. — SG
