Diners throughout Europe will soon be chowing down in restaurants with décor inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Memphis-based Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. has licensed the EAD International Group to open Elvis-themed restaurants throughout Eastern and Central Europe.

EAD International is based in Cyprus, with additional offices in Tbilisi, Georgia. The restaurant management company wants to expand worldwide and to develop its franchising network.

Countries like Greece, Turkey, Russia and others have been targeted for the opening and expansion of the “Elvis American Diner,” a restaurant concept that will feature an upscale food court with décor inspired by Elvis.

Two such restaurants are already open in the Eastern European country of Georgia – one in the National Philharmonic Building on Tbilisi’s main avenue and the second in Tbilisi’s new amusement park.

A third is slated for a shopping mall in that city.

Each restaurant within the EAD International Group will serve premium burgers, deli sandwiches, New York pizza, hand-scooped ice cream and other specialty menu items. There will be a counter where customers can watch most food get prepared.

The new concept speaks to the international flavor Elvis’ success engendered.

“We’ve seen his popularity continue to grow, especially in recent years,” said EPE president and CEO Jack Soden. “We believe this is partially because of the increase in exposure by an international audience to Elvis’ music and movies through social networking and the Internet.”

Among recent examples of Elvis’ international appeal:

- He recently was declared a posthumous honorary citizen of Budapest, Hungary, and a city park was named after him by Budapest Mayor Istvan Tarlos.

- His hit “A Little Less Conversation” was licensed for a TV commercial promoting a Japanese brand of canned coffee.

- 50,000 Elvis fans gathered in Hyde Park in London in late 2010 for an Elvis tribute concert hosted by Priscilla Presley and BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans.

- Edison Pena, one of the group of trapped miners in San Jose, Chile, visited Graceland for an Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration in January.