Così Inc. expands international reach with license agreements for Middle East

The first Così™ restaurant is scheduled to open in March 2007 at Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi.

Under its agreement with Così Inc., Al Tayer Group holds exclusive rights to operate Così™ in the GCC and Lebanon.

"We are tremendously excited to have as strong a partner as Al Tayer Group to bring Così™ to the Middle East. We are confident that consumers in the region will enjoy our unique and sophisticated menu", said Kevin Armstrong, President and CEO of Così, Inc.

Based in Illinois, USA and with more than 120 locations across various states in the USA, Così™ is a premium convenience (fast casual dining) restaurant. This is Così Inc.'s first foray into the international market. It follows the company's ambitious expansion plans, coming from a start in 1996, as a single restaurant based on a small Parisian Cafe, to a dynamic growth company, as it is today.

Così™ distinguishes itself by offering a unique blend of distinctive food coupled with great experience in a tasteful restaurant. Their proprietary recipes, unique flavors and complete beverage selections are unrivaled, inviting and delicious. Its motto of "Simply Good Taste™" represents both, its food offerings as well as design principles. It appeals to guests who want to dine in a warm, relaxed environment for a Così™ morning, afternoon or evening catch-up.

"We're pleased to introduce a successful and well loved brand such as Così™ to the Middle East market. The fast paced growth in the region offers unique opportunities for both Così™ and Al Tayer Group in the F&B sector. The association with only leading global brands, like Così™, is in tandem with the Group's growth and diversification plan",

said Khalid Al Tayer, Group General Manager - Business Development, Al Tayer Group. He added, "Così™ is an award winning brand which differentiates itself by striving to make the ordinary extraordinary. We're confident that in the Middle East too Così™ will continue to live up to it's motto of - "Simply Good Taste".

At the center of the Così™ experience is the hearth, an open-flame stone oven prominently displayed in each restaurant, reminiscent of a comfortable gathering place where people have met for centuries to enjoy good food and conversation. The distinctive menu at Così™ includes a wide variety of sandwiches nestled in its signature flatbread, salads tossed to order, pizzas, soups, bagels, unique gourmet beverages and desserts.

From the hand-tossed Signature Salad to the Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Sandwich served on delicious warm flatbread, to the comfortable, urbane and contemporary atmosphere - Così™ equals taste in both food and attitude. A place where all elements combine to stimulate the senses and create a lasting impression.

The restaurant encourages a culture that is both guest-centered and performance-based. With a commitment to delivering a premium convenience experience to the consumer, Così™ has a strong operating business model and an experienced team driven by passion to create excellence for its customers.