MOUNT OLIVE (AP) — An eastern North Carolina restaurant chain is heading to the Middle East.
The Goldsboro News-Argus reports that Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries says Al Rumaithy, an international company based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, has committed to 15 restaurants.
Al Rumaithy also has an option for another 70 restaurants across the Middle East.
Hwy 55 founder and owner Kenney Moore said Monday that the restaurants with their iconic 1950s theme and classic American fare attracted Al Rumaithy.
In April, the fast-food chain changed its name from Andy’s Burgers, Shakes & Fries. It has more than 100 restaurants statewide and has plans to add nearly 300 stores and 6,000 employees as it expands into Virginia, South Carolina and Florida in the next seven years.