Sunset Hospitality Group has revealed plans to aggressively expand its operations by the end of this year, with eight new outlets set to open across new markets, taking its current portfolio of 16 venues up to 24.

Antonio Gonzalez, chief executive officer of Sunset Hospitality Group commented: “ We are on the right business path, and we will continue to accelerate our expansion across the Middle East to further solidify our presence. Saudi Arabia tops our list when looking at Middle East expansion plans. With 29 million residents and an annual potential growth rate of 3.3 per cent, Saudi Arabia has the largest population in the GCC and is a great market to tap into, particularly its youth population who continue to become increasingly open to Western consumer trends"

"At the same time, our aim is to enter new markets such as the UK, with one outlet opening in 2019 and an additional two in 2020, as well as Central Europe, following the success of our first opening in Switzerland.”

In the second half of 2019 Sunset Hospitality Group is taking the Black Tap brand to Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and a further outlet to Erbil, Iraq. Greek Restaurant Ammos and Azure Beach Club, currently operating at Rixos Premium JBR Dubai, will both see second locations opening in the region, while Bahrain will welcome the acclaimed Stage nightclub.
 
The group also plans to enter the UK in 2019, with the Q4 opening of Sweet Chick in Central London. Gonzalez said: “Consumer trends in the UK are being driven by the younger age groups who eat out most frequently and Sunset Hospitality Group’s concept of informal and dining will cater to this segment.”
 
While the current focus is on international expansion, in October, Sunset Hospitality Group will launch its latest concept Mood - Rooftop Lounge, in Dubai.  The group is still eyeing the UAE market for further expansion and has plans to introduce new brands as well as open additional outlets in 2020.

Founded in 2011, Sunset Hospitality Group is known for bringing global dining concepts into the Middle East and Europe, including New York City’s famous Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. The group currently operates 13 dining venues, two beach clubs and one nightlife spot across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Geneva. - TradeArabia News Service