NEW YORK – Katsuya and Umami burger, restaurant brands from hospitality company sbe, will expand into Saudi Arabia for the first time with 10 locations. The restaurants will partner with Bulldozer Group, an investment and brand management company that develops, owns and operates F&B, hospitality and entertainment concepts across the Middle East and Europe.

“We are incredibly proud to bring two of our award-winning brands, Katsuya and Umami Burger, to Saudi Arabia and to continue our global expansion of these brands after our successful launch in Mexico, Japan, Bahamas, and Middle East,” said sbe founder and CEO Sam Nazarian.

The first Katsuya and Umami Burger will open in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh with the help of Bulldozer. The companies are seeking locations around 5,000 sq. ft. for Umami Burger and 8,000 sq. ft. for Katsuya.

“With the opening of two prestigious restaurant brands, Katsuya and Umami, we aim to bring the finest ingredients, high-quality cuisine and impeccable service to enhance the gastronomical offering of the Kingdom,” said Evgeny Kuzin, co-founder and managing partner of Bulldozer Group. “By partnering with sbe, we have combined our expertise and passion to provide excellent hospitality brands that are tailored to suit the KSA (Kingdom of Saudia Arabia) market preferences.”

Umami Burger operates 28 international locations, including 16 restaurants in the US. Umami plans to continue its global growth by opening new restaurants throughout the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific region.

Katsuya has 15 locations worldwide, including Los Angeles, South Beach, Dubai, Manama, Kuwait City, Doha and a new site opening in Venice, Italy, in early 2020.