Latest news with #Nusr-EtSteakhouse
FACT
06-02-2025
- Business
- FACT
Salt Bae in talks for steakhouses in Jeddah, Makkah and Neom
Few chefs are recognisable from a single pose. Strut forward, Salt Bae. Now, the Turkish chef has revealed his desire to expand in Saudi Arabia, and open restaurants in Jeddah, Makkah and Neom. While the details have not yet been confirmed, here's what we do know. Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gökçe, told Arabian Business : 'We're in talks with the Saudis about the future. We will come back soon and strong. We decided we must open in a better location. I want to open in Mecca and Jeddah first. Once those are successful, we'll move into the new Neom project.' In November 2021, he opened Nusr-Et Steakhouse in U Walk, Riyadh. The restaurant closed in April 2024, and he's now looking for a new location. The concept is famous for its luxurious offerings, including steaks, spaghetti, and ribs. Nusret hails from Senkaya, Turkey. In 2010, he opened his first restaurant in Istanbul. In 2014, he opened a restaurant in Dubai, which remains one of his most popular restaurants worldwide. He has venues across the globe, including Doha, London, and Los Angeles. Over the years (and sprinkles of salt), he has amassed a substantial social media following—53 million followers and counting. Videos and images of the chef seasoning food in his unique way have gone viral, making him one of the world's most talked-about foodie stars. Plus, his ponytail, white T-shirt, and round sunglasses have added to the allure and created his signature image. Check in with FACT for the latest things to do in Saudi Arabia. GO: Visit for more information.
Leaders
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Salt Bae Eyes Saudi Arabia Return: New Ventures Ignite Culinary Passion
Famous chef Nusret Gökçe, known as Salt Bae, has revealed that he is preparing an exciting comeback to Saudi Arabia with determined, innovative spirit. The Turkish butcher-turned-restaurateur confirmed he is in talks to bring his signature Nusr-Et steakhouse to the Kingdom with potential openings in Jeddah, Makkah and even the ambitious NEOM project. This follows the closure of his Riyadh steakhouse in April 2024, which operated for under two years. His Nusr-Et Steakhouse chain spans 28 global locations. By 2022, it achieved $225 million in sales, marking 57% growth since 2018. Recent expansions target Mexico City, Milan, and Rome, while operations paused in Dallas and Las Vegas. In an interview with Arabian Business, the Turkish chef confirmed his potential return to Saudi Arabia. 'We're in talks with the Saudis about the future. We will come back soon and strong,' he said. 'We have a very good relationship with the Saudi people,' he explained, adding that plans are already underway for venues in Jeddah, Makkah and NEOM. Luxury Dining and World Cup Controversy Gökçe defended his high-end pricing, stating, 'Our product is the best. You pay for quality and service.' Menus feature gold-leaf steaks, like the £850 Tomahawk, drawing global attention. Despite criticism, his Instagram-driven brand thrives, leveraging celebrity visits from Lionel Messi and Leonardo DiCaprio. Airport expansions, including a 2023 Istanbul outlet, aim to broaden accessibility. Outside of his restaurants, he faced criticism in 2022 for appearing on the pitch at the end of the World Cup final in Qatar. Salt Bae admitted, 'It was my mistake. If I knew the rules, I would never have touched it. Normally, people talk about the World Cup for a few months. But since I touched it, people are still talking about me. 'Next World Cup, even if I have the chance, I'll never touch the World Cup. I will go to the stadium to see the match, but I'll never touch it again.' The incident fueled lasting media scrutiny. However, his social media mastery—boasting 50 million followers—continues to drive engagement, blending culinary artistry with viral theatrics. Future Vision: Culinary Innovation and Community Impact Beyond expansion, Gökçe emphasizes sustainability, redirecting food waste to shelters and recycling oil into biodiesel in Turkey. He aims to replicate these initiatives globally, aligning with Saudi sustainability goals. His temporary Jeddah Season pop-up in 2019 hinted at deeper regional ties, now solidified through the potential partnerships. Ultimately, Salt Bae promises a dynamic return, igniting local pride while elevating Saudi Arabia's gourmet landscape with fervent innovation truly. Short link : Post Views: 4
