The restaurant said that the new 900sqft outlet is owned and operated by Khalil Asfour, of Vetra Investments. Mr Asfour also owns and operates a number of other concepts and has secured the rights to develop Baja Fresh's sister brand La Salsa, with plans to open its first location in Dubai later in 2010.

Mr Asfour said: "I am very excited to introduce the distinctive flavours of Baja Fresh to the sophisticated Dubai Market. The excellent food and service of the Baja Fresh concept is a great mach to the Dubai quality of living."

Charles Rink, president of Baja Fresh, said: "We are confident that our newest restaurant will be a great addition to the culturally diverse pallets of the city's residents and guests. We are proud to welcome Khalil Asfour as our first international franchisee. We look forward to future growth in Dubai, and other international locations."

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill serves Mexican flavours for lunch, dinner, dine-in, or take-out. All entrees are made with fire-grilled, chicken, steak and slow roasted pork carnitas. The restaurant also serves handmade guacamole and salsa bar hosting six salsas.