M.H. Alshaya Co. signs agreement with P.F. Chang's for expansion in Middle East

Since it started in 1993 the fast-growing chain has built a reputation in the United States for high-quality Asian food. P.F. Chang's appeal is a meal that aspires to a harmony of taste, texture, colour and aroma by balancing the Chinese principles of t'sai and fan.

Fan foods include rice, noodles, grains and dumplings; vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood are t'sai foods.

"We looked at a number of potential development partners in the Middle East and Alshaya is the best. We are excited to be working with them to extend our wonderful dining experience to numerous Middle Eastern markets."

said Rick Federico, co-CEO and Chairman of the Board, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.

The first location is scheduled to open by the end of 2009 in The Avenues Mall, Kuwait, and will be one of the biggest P.F. Chang's in the world. The second location will open in Dubai during the first quarter of 2010. Future locations are also planned for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan and Oman.

"We are delighted to partner with P.F. Chang's China Bistro to develop their restaurants throughout the Middle East," said Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co.

"P.F. Chang's offers delicious Asian-inspired cuisine in an energetic, up-tempo atmosphere and we believe we can use our expertise and local market knowledge to capitalize on their tremendous potential throughout the Middle East."