Black Tap has opened its doors in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). MJS Holding, a leading hospitality group in the Kingdom has announced the opening of the New York burger joint in partnership with UAE’sSunset Hospitality Group (SHG).
This is the first entry of the New York burger joint into Saudi Arabia’s capital and will offer diners its craft burgers and crazy milkshakes. The Riyadh location will sport a vibrant New York ambience that is found in similar branches across the globe, complete with neon signs, graffiti art, grey brick, and graphic black and white floor.
Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Sunset Hospitality Group, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tops our list when looking at Middle East expansion plans. The country’s food and beverage industry are the largest in the region, so our partnership with MJS Holding under Mohammed Jawa’s leadership will help us tap this significant market. Their invaluable knowledge and experience are a great tool in further strengthening and solidifying our presence in the region. We are delighted to enter this partnership and introduce Black Tap to Riyadh’s more than eight million residents, particularly the youth population who continue to become increasingly open to Western consumer trends.”
The casual eatery offers classic American cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, wings, French fries and loaded options. In addition, there is a dedicated Crazyshake station where customers can order different types of milkshakes.
Mohammed Jawa, founder of MJS Holding, said: “Our partnership with Sunset Hospitality Group to launch Black Tap is a testament to our ambition of delivering the world’s best and most diverse culinary offerings. KAFD embodies Saudi Arabia’s future and is rapidly becoming Riyadh’s go-to destination for businesses and entertainment. Opening our pipeline of restaurants, concepts and experiences will complement KAFD, which is recognised as a game-changing hub in the capital. We are excited to welcome Sunset’s exceptional portfolio of hospitality offerings and foster an enduring relationship with them.”
The upscale burger diner was designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Tokyo-based Studio Glitt whose legacy is filled with world-class eateries, from Zuma in Hong Kong, Boston, Riyadh, ROKA Riyadh, Mayfair, and Jeddah, among many others.
With 10,000 cassettes, 2,500 VHS tapes, over 140 sneakers, and 500 audio decks, boomboxes, incorporated into the design, Muramatsu has created a unique space.
Milad S. Nassereddine, CEO, MJS Holding, added: “It is an honour to partner with Sunset Hospitality Group and bring Black Tap to KAFD. SHG has fast become a leader in the Middle East’s hospitality industry with its diverse mix of exceptional hospitality concepts. We are excited to work with them and look forward to expanding our relationship with the group. It is the beginning of more partnership as we continue to deliver on our promise to offer a diversified dining experience.”
