Brinker International has announced the opening of the first Maggiano's location in Saudi Arabia, which also marks the only franchised Maggiano's restaurant outside of the United States.

Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes - authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts.

The new Maggiano's is operated by Jawad Business Group. Jawad, a Brinker business partner for five years, opened the first Chili's Grill & Bar location in India this year and also franchises 10 other Chili's locations in Bahrain.

Jawad, a Brinker business partner for five years, opened the first Chili's Grill & Bar location in India this year and also franchises 10 other Chili's locations in Bahrain.

'Our global business development team is continuing to grow our brands and we are excited about the opportunities the Maggiano's brand will bring internationally, as well as to the Saudi Arabia market,' said John Reale, president of global business development for Brinker International.

'This opening brings us closer to our goal of 500 restaurants outside the United States by 2014,' Reale added.

Maggiano's in Saudi Arabia offers authentic, made from scratch Italian cuisine. It seats 278 guests and offers multiple dining areas. The restaurant is located on Al Tahlia Street, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is open daily from noon until midnight.

Maggiano's Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The opening of the Maggiano's in Saudi Arabia brings the total to 45 locations globally. Maggiano's is one of three restaurant brands in the portfolio of Dallas-based Brinker International, one of the world's largest casual dining companies, with nearly 1,700 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories.

Other Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill.-TradeArabia News Service