Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (PSE: PIZZA), operator of the Philippines’ largest chained full-service restaurant, is set to expand its international footprint with the opening of the first Shakey’s Pizza store in the Middle East.

PIZZA, through wholly-owned subsidiary Shakey’s International Limited, recently signed a development agreement to build at least 10 Shakey’s Pizza outlets in the region. The first store is scheduled to open during the first half of 2017.

This marks PIZZA’s initial expansion into overseas markets, having owned the Shakey’s trademark across most of Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Oceania.

“This development represents a huge step forward for the Company as we build Shakey’s Pizza’s brand footprint in international markets,” said Vicente Gregorio, President of PIZZA.

“We are excited to bring the Fun, Family, Pizza experience to markets in the Middle East,” he added.

“We are confident that our signature products, including Shakey’s Thin Crust Pizza, Golden Crisp Chicken and Mojos Potatoes, will be well-received by Filipinos in the Middle East and other nationalities alike,” Gregorio said.

“The Shakey’s experience in the Philippines, along with Filipinos’ affinity towards the brand is something we have been looking forward to bring to international markets,” he added.

About PIZZA:

Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (PSE: PIZZA) is the operator of the Philippines’ leading pizza full-service restaurant and chained full-service restaurant. With an operating track record spanning more than 40 years, it operates a total of 184 outlets as of December 31, 2016.