News

Subway growth targets Saudi Arabia

November 28, 2010

Subway is spreading throughout Saudi Arabia, footlong by footlong. Shamel Food Company, master franchisee of the chain in the country, has opened nine new outlets this year, and plans to open two more before the New Year.

This will bring the total number of Subway units in the Kingdom to 43. The brand also has four mobile-cart outlets deployed throughout Riyadh, Dammam, Al Khobar, Jubail, Jeddah, Al Madinah, Rabigh, Taif, Abha, Khamis Mushayt, Qasim, Jizan and Tabuk.

According to AmeInfo, there has been a growing demand for healthier food options throughout Saudi Arabia, which was an impetus in the chain’s growth plan.

Subway received the Healthy Food Ambassador Award 2009 from the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia and the Health Awareness Ambassador Award from the Riyadh chapter of World Health Organization (WHO).

Shamel Food first introduced the brand to the Middle East in 1992. Subway Restaurants first announced its expansion plans in the Middle East in 2007.

The chain continues to expand its operations with the objective of opening 1,000 outlets by 2015 throughout the Middle East and African markets.

From the story:

"This year has witnessed the largest expansion of the Subway restaurants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our rapid expansion has been driven by the increased awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits in the Kingdom, resulted by the persistent awareness campaigns led by health authorities and ministries. Subway remained consistent in its mission to effectively contribute to enhancing a healthy eating culture,” said Mohsen Mousa, managing director of Shamel Food.