Sbe partners with Alshaya to take Katsuya by S+ARCK brand international

The partnership will see the first two Katsuya by S+ARCK restaurants open in Kuwait and Dubai in 2013, with plans to develop up to 17 restaurants across the region by 2017.

The partnership agreement also creates the potential to expand the brand into additional locations in the Middle East and other regions where Alshaya has an established presence.

Featuring the dynamic pairing of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and design impresario Philippe Starck, Katsuya by S+ARCK restaurants comprise a collection of top Zagat rated destinations, offering a menu of innovative sushi and Robata dishes uniquely adapted for the American palate.

Since its launch in 2008, Katsuya by S+ARCK has won acclaim from restaurant critics, Hollywood celebrities and customers alike for its signature dishes including the Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice and the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. Katsuya by S+ARCK has been meticulously designed to provide guests with an engaging and interactive culinary experience.

"It's an honor to partner with a global retail franchise leader like Alshaya to expand the Katsuya brand into the Middle East," said Sam Nazarian, Sbe Founder, Chairman and CEO.

"Since our first location opened in Los Angeles in 2006, Katsuya has established itself as one of the most relevant restaurant brands in North America. Not only has it become a piece of pop-culture, it's extremely successful from an operational perspective as well. The Katsuya experience has resonated powerfully in the US and we're confident in our ability to create similar success in the Middle East," he added.

"The cuisine, service and design of Katsuya by S+ARCK restaurants combine to create an exciting dining destination that we believe will have strong appeal in this region," commented Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co.

"We are delighted to partner with Sbe to deliver the international expansion of this innovative dining experience which supports our goal of introducing outstanding new Food concepts to consumers in the Middle East," he added.

"The Katsuya brand is one we've grown for nearly a decade and we're humbled by the success it's had over the years," added Matt Erickson, Senior Vice President, Sbe Restaurant Group. "Partnering with Alshaya represents the next chapter of growth for the brand and serves as a blueprint for our expansion model in other international markets as well," he concluded.