Hooters heads for the Middle East and other international news

Hooters heads for the Middle East
US restaurant chain Hooters is set to enter the Middle East with a venue likely to open in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The franchise rights for the chain in the territory, which features scantily clad waitresses as its trademark selling point, have been picked up by Jamal al-Shaheen, a Kuwaiti investor who ultimately intends to open three or so restaurants in the region. In a separate deal a Hooters is due to open in the region in Israel this year. Hooters has more than 430 restaurants in the USA and in 23 other countries.

Hyatt launches own wine brand
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has launched its own wine brand, Canvas, in partnership with Californian producer Folio Fine Wine Partners. The wine will come in three varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. Canvas is available at restaurants, bars and on room service menus across the 735-strong chain.

Fairmont to open resort in Anguilla
Fairmont Hotels is to open a new mixed-use resort on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Developed in partnership with Conch Bay Development, the resort is scheduled to open in 2010. It will have 400 acres of beachfront property, a hotel, Jack Nicklaus designed 18-hole golf course and a mixture of condominiums, villas and estate homes.

New Traders hotel for east Beijing
Shangri-La Hotels has signed a management agreement with Beijing's Super Shine Co. to operate a new Traders hotel on Xiao Yun Road in upper east Beijing. Opening in August 2008 in time for the Beijing Olympic Games the 419-bedroom will be situated within 20 minutes' drive of Beijing Capital International Airport. The building will house 2,000sq m of meeting and function space, a café, Chinese restaurant, 13 private dining rooms and a sports bar.

By Chris Druce

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