News

Charley's Grilled Subs beefs up international presence

February 13, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs, a 454-unit restaurant chain, has grown to 15restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, the most recent of which opened Jan. 19 at the Dubai International Airport in Terminal 1.

The Dubai expansion is led by businessman Mohammad Al Madani, chairman & CEO, Al Madani Group of Companies (AMG). In addition to overseeing the development in the UAE, the group this month also signed a partnership agreement with Charley’s for exclusive master franchising of the sandwich chain for Saudi Arabia and Oman.

The recent opening is significant since Dubai airport is the 14^th busiest airport in the world and is a window to the Middle East, Europe and Asia. In 2010, the airport was visited by more than 43 million passengers.

Airports have been a steady point for Charley’s growth since the company first located in Pittsburgh International Airport in 1991. Since then, Charley’s airport presence has grown to eight other airport locations domestically. The Dubai airport marks the country’s first international airport presence.

Charley’s operates in 46 states and 16 countries including Japan, Germany and Saudi Arabia, and has been well received in international markets.

“Grilled sandwiches like the Philly Steak have long been a part of many cultures around the world, which is one of several factors that makes a concept like Charley’s well-suited for both airport and international expansion,” said Bob Wright, Charley’s president and chief operating officer. “Partnering with a seasoned franchise veteran like Mohammad Al Madani is beneficial to us internationally because he can help carry out our brand mission in other countries.”

Charley’s was founded in 1986 by the company’s CEO, Charley Shin. Plans call for the franchise to have at least 500 restaurants open by the end of 2012.