Steak Escape Expands to Middle East

The authentic flavors of South Philly have traveled to the opposite side of the globe with the opening of the first Steak Escape restaurant on the island country of Bahrain and a second restaurant scheduled to open next month.

The new restaurants are the result of a partnership between Columbus-based Escape Enterprises Ltd., and Al-Emtyaz, which plans to open multiple Steak Escape restaurants within the region of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

The first Steak Escape in Bahrain opened late November at the City Centre Mall in the state of Manama. The menu features legendary Steak Escape favorites like the Grand Escape and Grand Chicken sandwiches and wraps, plus Smashed Potatoes and fresh-cut Fries. Local flavors have also been added, including the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Chipotle Hamour (a popular fish) Sub Sandwiches.

The second location will open in April in a strip center in the Juffair region, near a U.S. military base. Meanwhile, Al-Emtyaz also plans to open a Steak Escape restaurant in Saudi Arabia by the end of the year in partnership with franchise group Seven Corners, with additional restaurants in the works for 2010.

“Middle East citizens like the steaks, and people like to see their food cooked in front of their eyes using fresh ingredients. This is common everywhere, and especially in the Middle East,” says Wael Chehade, senior operations manager for Al-Emtyaz.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to introduce the Cheesesteak to a whole new audience,” said Ken Smith, chairman of Escape Enterprises.