Moe’s Southwest Grill to Open 50 Restaurants in Russia

Fast-Casual Concept Signs Agreement, First Location Set for Moscow 

Atlanta, GA (February 21, 2012) – Moe’s Southwest Grill, the fast-growing restaurant franchise best known for its flavorful southwest fare and distinct brand culture, has signed a substantial international deal that will bring its restaurants into Russia for the first time. Glaventer Investments, LTD will open 50 Moe’s locations in Russia over the next ten years, the first of which is scheduled to open in Moscow this year.

“I’m confident that Moe’s will thrive in Russia,” said Paul Damico, President of Moe’s Southwest Grill. “Especially after research through Aurelian Global Holdings revealed a great opportunity for consistent growth over the next ten years in the Russian fast-casual segment.”

With the new deal, Moe’s Southwest Grill will have 50 new locations to add to its burgeoning international resume by the early 2020s. These new restaurants will help boost the local economies by adding an additional 1,000 jobs into the market. In addition, Moe’s parent company FOCUS Brands, the franchisor and operator of 3,300 Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Auntie Annes® Pretzels and Schlotzsky’s® locations, has a robust international infrastructure that currently supports more than 820 locations in 53 countries, and is poised to support significant international growth for Moe’s.

With the addition of locations in Russia, Moe’s will continue expanding overseas since their first international deal signed in 2011 for 40 restaurants in Turkey. Aurelian Global Holdings, a diversified financial services boutique based inNew York City, was the exclusive advisor on the Russian transaction.