Nordsee, Europe's largest fish restaurant chain based in Bremerhaven, Germany, with over 400 outlets across Europe, has begun implementing its ambitious expansion plan for the Mena region by opening its first outlet at the Dubai Mall.

Nordsee, the ultimate name in seafood casual dining in Europe, plans to replicate its successful concept in the region, in partnership with Cairo-based Ocean Fresh Enterprise, master franchisee of Nordsee for the Mena region, and part of the reputed Lokma Group.

The Nordsee Dubai outlet features a range of fish-based soups and salads, hot snacks, sandwiches, meals, shrimps on skewers and lobster specialities.

“We have found the right partner in the Lokma Group, which has extensive regional expertise in the logistics of handling fresh produce. This is important because all our fish is flown in straight from Germany with the stamp of quality that has made Nordsee such a huge success across Europe,” said Christof Becker, managing director of Nordsee.

“Nordsee fish dishes are unique because they are prepared without bones and scales. They are more westernised and each outlet provides a variety of options, including exotic salads and sandwiches,” stated Yehia Enany, vice chairman, Lokma Group.

“We have plans to open 30 Nordsee outlets across the Mena region in five years. Our immediate plans include opening two large restaurants in Cairo and one food court outlet in City Centre, Mirdif, Dubai, in early 2010,” added Enany.

Nordsee has over 400 stores in Europe, including owned stores in Germany and Austria. It has franchise stores in Switzerland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Spain and Turkey.

Nordsee runs three different models of stores: the food court outlets (serving hot and cold snacks and mini-meals); restaurants (more extensive and elaborate menu than food court outlets) and seafood buffets (fresh fish, lobsters and fish salads).-TradeArabia News Service