Nusret Gökçe, popularly known as Salt Bae, is reportedly exploring opportunities to expand his Nusr-Et steakhouse brand to Saudi Arabia's Neom, Jeddah, and Mecca following the closure of his Riyadh location in early 2024.
“Normally, you know we have a very good relationship with the Saudi people," he told Arabian Business." Many come to Nusr-Et in Istanbul. All Saudis love Nusr-Et, they love the brand, they love our food, and we love Saudi."
Despite the closure of his restaurant in Riyadh, Gökçe remains optimistic about his brand's future in Saudi Arabia, and said that he realized he needed to open his restaurant in a different location. While he aims to first open in Mecca and Jeddah, he is also eyeing the futuristic city of Neom.
This expansion is part of a broader strategy to grow his restaurant empire, which includes planned openings in global cities like Mexico City, Monaco, Milan, Rome, and Cappadocia in 2025. Gökçe's brand has gained substantial popularity, attributed in part to his iconic salt-sprinkling technique that went viral in 2016.
Salt Bae's restaurants are renowned not only for their quality steaks but also for their lavish decor and dynamic dining experience, drawing celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and David Beckham.
With over 30 locations worldwide, including high-profile cities like Dubai (which remains his most profitable location), New York, Miami, and London, Gökçe's establishments continue to attract a global clientele, enhancing his reputation as a leading figure in the international culinary scene.
