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.