US casual dining chain Ruby Tuesday has established a franchise in Saudi Arabia through franchisee partner Marssana International Trading Co. The agreement includes four restaurants planned for the Central and Western provinces of Saudi Arabia, and marks Ruby Tuesday's second venture in the Middle East (there are currently Ruby Tuesdays in Salmiya and Kuwait City, Kuwait).

The Ruby Tuesday concept was established more than 30 years ago, when current Chairman and CEO Sandy Beall opened the first restaurant near the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Since then, the company has grown to 825 company-owned and franchised restaurants in 42 states, the District of Columbia and operations in locations around the world.

"Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing casual dining destinations in the Middle East," says Ruby Tuesday President - Franchising Mark Ingram. "Many companies have established regional headquarters there. Ruby Tuesday continues its efforts to expand its restaurants into increasingly significant and important market areas of that part of the world. This latest franchise development, added to the more than 800 restaurants currently operated by the company or its franchisees around the world, will allow us to offer complete dining services to one of the world's most important business areas."

Marssana International Trading Co. is a well-known and diversified organisation in Saudi Arabia with businesses in various industries, including automotive, real estate, manufacturing, trading and distribution. Managing Director Sheik Mohammed O. Balubaid (who is the son of the founder Omar A. Balubaid) adds: "Ruby Tuesday is a promising concept for the Saudi market and opens great opportunities for customer enthusiasm and loyalty."