Impact of Taco Bell Franchise on Indian Fast Food Industry

After having KFC and Pizza Hut as successful brands in India, Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) is now focusing on developing Taco Bell as the third brand in India. As a part of its strategy, the fast food restaurant operator opened the first Taco Bell restaurant in Bangalore, India.

The sluggish sales in the U.S. have prompted Yum! and other international food chains, to focus more on emerging markets, such as India, which still remains untapped fully. The company remains confident about the success of Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant brand, whose menu features tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and Crunchwraps with menu pricing starting as low as 35 cents. 

Taco Bell faces competition in USA from Baja Fresh, Chipotle,Taco Johns,Taco Bell,Taco Cabana,Taco time, Del Taco. India is a virgin market for Mexican Food. With the saturation of the U.S. market and the recession taking its toll on restaurants, the industry is concentrating more on the overseas market. Apart from India, Yum! operates Taco Bell restaurants in Canada, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Guam, Iceland, Philippines, Dubai, Spain and Cyprus. As of fiscal 2009, the company operated over 250 Taco Bell restaurants outside the U.S. 

Louisville, Kentucky-based company, Yum!, plans to accelerate its expansion in India. The company, which currently operates about 158 Pizza Hut restaurants in 34 cities and 72 KFC outlets in 13 cities in India, plans to increase its total restaurant count to 1,000 by 2015.

The Indian market has been virtually recession-proof providing ample growth opportunities. Yum! plans to tap India's organized food and beverage market, which is growing rapidly. Yum!’s restaurants in India, which are managed by Niren Chaudhary, faces stiff competition from other fast-food chains such as McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) and Domino’s Pizza Inc. (DPZ).

Taco Bell India Strategy

- 100 Taco Bells by 2015

- Price Range between Rs. 18 and Rs. 79

- Unlimited Pepsi Refills at Rs. 35. 

- 22 Mexican Food Varieties, 11 Vegetarian and 11 Non Vegetarian

- Will offer Mexican fast food like tacos, burritos and quesdillos, apart from Nachos

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Taco Bell Franchise finally launches in Bangalore

Yum! is Largest and Fastest Growing Restaurant Company in India and Building Taco Bell into Third Powerhouse Global Brand. 

24th May 2010: Yum International announces the grand opening of the first Taco Bell in India by its international division, Yum! Restaurants International (YRI). Yum! is the leading restaurant company in India with its KFC and Pizza Hut brands. The introduction of the first Taco Bell in India reflects the Company's strategy of creating a third global brand.

After much speculation, Taco Bell Food Franchise finally launches in India. It was rumoured to be in talks with several corporations for its franchise rights and it was even considering launching by themselves. The current Taco Bell restaurant is managed directly by Yum India. It is not sure as of now, in terms of how is it, that Taco Bell aims to expand. Since, they are currently aiming at 100 Taco Bell restaurants by 2015. Taco Bell was slated to launch two locations in India in 2009 

"We're delighted to be offering Taco Bell to consumers in India, a key growth market in our global portfolio," said Graham Allan, president, Yum! Restaurants International. "Based on customer feedback so far, we expect it will become extremely popular, just as it is in the United States. The Mexican-style food is perfect for the Indian taste palate and we will be offering a variety of vegetarian meals as well so that everyone can enjoy it."

Yum!'s new Taco Bell international restaurant, located in Bangalore, India, is the country's first experience with the Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant brand. Taco Bell's "Think Outside the Bun" positioning and brand essence is expected to resonate extremely well with India's young population. The new Taco Bell India menu features tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and Crunchwraps, including spicier products tailored to the Indian market. The menu offers breakthrough value priced items starting at 35 cents. In addition, fifty percent of the menu features a vegetarian range of products specially created for Indian consumers including potato paneer burritos and crunchy potato tacos, among others.

"We are confident that Taco Bell will redefine the eating-out market in India with incredible taste catering to many consumer segments, day parts and occasions at an unmatched price," said Niren Chaudhary, managing director, Yum! Restaurants International India. "We are excited to be opening the first Taco Bell in India and we plan to expand it nationally as an incredibly vibrant and youthful brand."

Yum! Brands is focused on developing Taco Bell into its third global brand after KFC and Pizza Hut. Taco Bell is the second most profitable brand in the United States. Over the past few years, the Company has expanded Taco Bell beyond Canada and Puerto Rico to other markets including Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Guam, Iceland, Philippines, Dubai, Spain and Cyprus. Yum! is optimistic about the long-term potential of growing Taco Bell internationally. As of year-end 2009, there are more than 250 Taco Bell restaurants outside of the United States.

India is a key growth market for Yum! Brands due to its extremely young and large population of 1.1 billion people, growing middle class and emerging economy. Over the past 12 years, Yum! has become the largest and fastest growing restaurant company in India by successfully developing a strong infrastructure, highly-skilled workforce focused on providing outstanding customer service and innovative, localized menus offering value options. By 2015, the Company expects to have at least 1,000 restaurants in India, up from 230 restaurants as of year-end 2009.

KFC is the fastest growing quick-service restaurant brand in India with 72 restaurants in 13 cities as of year-end 2009. Yum! opened 27 new KFC restaurants in India in 2009, which is among the highest number of store openings in the country's quick-service restaurant industry. KFC is a young, vibrant brand in India from its contemporary restaurant designs featuring bold colors, open seating areas for large groups and flat-panel televisions to innovative marketing programs to unique signature products, including vegetarian items. Last year, the Company opened its first KFC Krushers beverage bar and store design in India highlighting YRI's popular new line of yogurt and fruit smoothies, dairy-based and soda-based drinks and teas.

Pizza Hut has been named the "Most Trusted Food Service Brand" in India for the fifth year by The Economic Times (India), ahead of all other Indian and global brands, demonstrating its popularity in the country. As of year-end 2009, there are 158 Pizza Huts in 34 cities offering a range of localized products including masala pizza, chicken tikka appetizers and spicy Indian drinks.

YRI is the largest division of Yum! Brands with more than 13,000 restaurants outside the U.S. and China Division. One of Yum! Brands' four key business strategies is to drive aggressive international expansion and build strong brands everywhere. In 2009, operating profit for YRI was $491 million. The year 2009 also marked the tenth year that YRI has opened more than 700 new restaurants outside the U.S. and China.

Way2Franchise.com take at Taco Bell Franchise is that they will spend some time creating awareness about Mexican Food. Mexican Food is not quite popular except for the metros that too enjoy some brief amount of awareness. Indian's havent really caught on to much of western cuisine, other than Burgers and Pizzas, thanks to one McDonalds and the many pizza companies. Mexican Food is still unknown to most. Initially, Indians may try out once a month or so, as it would be considered exotic, but during rest of the days, they would be back to the regular Indian stample diet. 

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Lite Bite intends to become Rs 500 crore brand by 2015

Feb 15, 2010: Lite Bite Foods, promoted by Amit Burman, vice chairman of FMCG major Dabur India, in his individual capacity, is aiming to become a Rs 500-crore food company by 2015. The company operates a bunch of eatery brands including Subway, Fresco, Asia 7, Punjab Grill, Baker Street and Pino's Pasta Pizza.

"The company is in the process of investing Rs 120 crore in next five years and is planning to open 250 eateries that would include its quick service restaurant (QSR) brands and casual dining restaurants over the next five years," Burman said while announcing the launch of Gautemala-based QSR brand, Pollo Campero, known for its fried chicken menu. 

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Sagar Ratna to expand overseas via franchising

New Delhi-based Sagar Ratna Hospitalities, owners of Swagath and Sagar Ratna chain of restaurants, will venture into overseas markets in the coming years. The company has already identified franchisees in places like Bangkok, in the UAE and Canada. It is planning to set up around 250 outlets in overseas markets in the next five years, Hospitality Biz India has reported, citing its top official.

“Our Bangkok outlet will be operational in the next 15 days. Two outlets -- one each of Swagath and Sagar Ratna -- will become operational in Ontario, and Toronto in Canada in April,” said Jayaram Banan, chairman and managing director, Sagar Ratna Hospitalities. Sagar Ratna already has an outlet in Singapore.

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American Organic Burger Chain Signs Middle East Franchise Deal

Elevation Burger finalizes multiunit agreement in the Middle East

Arlington, VA, February, 2010- Elevation Burger, the wildly successful Northern Virginia based chain known for its tasty organic burgers and patented fresh cut fries cooked in olive oil has signed a multi-unit franchising deal with investment banker, businessman, entrepreneur, and Kuwait native Ali Ashkanani. The innovative burger concept is already expanding rapidly throughout the United States, with five locations open in Falls Church, VA; Arlington, VA; Austin, TX; National Harbor, MD and Baltimore, MD and over fifty new locations in development across Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York and Florida.

Fransmart, the company that helped launch the ultra successful Five Guys Burgers & Fries chain, is leading the franchise development plans for Elevation Burger. "I am proud that Elevation Burger has rewarded me with their very first international franchise. It is exciting for us to team up and bring their tasty and healthier burgers to the Middle East. We look forward to serving the 'better burger' and to contribute to the success of Elevation Burger and its unique concept."

Ali is currently identifying strong retail real estate in Kuwait for his first location, and expects to have his first store open by mid-2010.

Says Hans Hess, Founder and CEO of Elevation Burger: "We are obviously very excited about our expansion to Kuwait and the Middle East region, and we're pleased to be working with Mr. Ashkanani in this endeavor. We believe the people of Kuwait will love our fresh, high-quality products and sustainable approach to business, and we look forward to serving them."

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Singapore Food Franchise Snackz It Expands to three Locations

Snackz It! tasty bites are created in a way for customers to eat while on the move. Hassle free is the key component common to every item on the menu. Snackz It, one of the Singapore food franchises, serves a combination of deep fried and noodle based items. Every item from Crispy Chicken, Crispy Pork to their noodles with oysters and chicken shreds is well accompanied by their signature seasoning powders including their spice peppers, chilli powder, plum powder and the wasabi powder. Creative quality food and our service culture is something we feel is very important and which defines our unique strengths. Customers can rely on our consistency and tastiness in every outlet! says Alex of Snackz It!.

Having been serving these tasty snacks in Singapore for over 3 years, Snackz It! Singapore food franchise now has 3 outlets and is preparing to roll out its franchise program to perpetuate its growth in Singapore and the region. The Singapore food franchise made its debut at the Franchising & Licensing Asia 2008, Suntec City, 16th 18th of October. Astreem Corporation is the franchise consultants for Snackz It! who are the franchise opportunities partner for businesses that are looking for franchise business opportunities.

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Monginis plans 50 outlets pan-India by 2010-end; seeks franchisees

4th February, 2010: After a recent store launch in Indore, Mumbai-based leading bakery chain, Monginis is now planning to open 50 more outlets across the country by the end of 2010. The company also plans to double its retail distribution from the current retail network of 15,000 stores across the country. The company is scouting four suitable franchise partners in cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, Raipur, Chennai and Bangalore. For opening new stores, on an average, Monginis is looking at the locations with the minimum carpet area of 200 sq ft, ImagesFood has reported.

“After Indore, the cities where we are planning to roll out our exclusive cake shops are Kanpur, Lucknow, Raipur, Chennai and Bangalore. We are currently looking out for suitable franchising partners for these locations and it will take some time for us to decide on Monginis’ manufacturing franchisee,” quoted Zoher Khorakiwala, CMD of Monginis Pvt Ltd in the report.

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Papa Bello to acquire Indian Concept, to franchise eventually

Feb. 2, 2010) Papa Bello Enterprises Inc., the operator or franchisor of about 20 Papa Bello Pizza restaurants, is continuing its buying spree with the planned acquisition of Royal India Express, a fast-casual Indian concept in San Diego. Last October Papa Bello acquired Pastore's of Rosedale Inc., a Baltimore-based restaurant, deli and bakery concept, and Kebab Cafe, a quick-service operation specializing in Middle Eastern food in La Jolla, Calif. Pastore's two outlets generated revenues of about $1.4 million in 2009, the company said.

Royal India Express, which was created by brothers Sam and Jag Kambo, the developers of Kebab Cafe, operates one outlet in the Horton Plaza and is exploring additional sites in Southern California. The deal is expected to close later this month. James Price, chief executive of Papa Bello, said the company "is in excellent position to expand with the four operating concepts." The company earlier said it had plans to open 10 corporate Kebab Cafe locations in 2010 and expected to franchise the Pastore's concept as Pastore's Italian Bistro & Pizzeria.

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Subway ranked No 1 Global Franchise Opportunity

Subway is a pretty safe bet, according to Entrepreneur magazine. The Milford-based restaurant chain recently was recognized by the national publication as the No. 1 franchise opportunity for 2010, marking the 17th time out of the past 23 years that it has received the distinction. It also has been recognized by the magazine for the past several years as the No. 1 global franchise of the year.

"We're very proud of Subway and the way it has grown," Milford Mayor James Richetelli said of the company that started as a small sandwich shop in Bridgeport. "That growth has been in good part due to the many Milford residents that work there." Subway originally was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck as Pete's Super Submarines at 3851 Main St., across from Jewett Avenue in Bridgeport. Since opening its first franchise unit in 1974 in Wallingford, Subway has grown to more than 32,000 independently-owned stores with about 150,000 workers in 90 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Zambia. There are nearly 23,000 stores in the United States, according to Subway's Web site. As of December 2007, Subway sales totaled $13.2 billion worldwide, including $8.2 billion in the United States.

Subway, which is Connecticut Retail Merchant Association's 2009 Retailer of the Year, will surpass McDonald's as the fast-food chain with the most outlets worldwide, according to Entrepreneur magazine. "We think this is a reflection of the strong system we have in place and the thousands of hard-working franchisees we have out there," said Subway spokesman Kevin Kane, adding that Subway's latest campaign, the "$5 foot long," came from Miami franchisee Stuart Frankel. "Some of our best initiatives have come from them."

Messages left with Entrepreneur seeking comment were not returned. Doctor's Associates Inc., Subway's privately held franchisor, employs about 600 people at its headquarters at 325 Bic Drive, Milford, and has regional offices in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Beirut, Lebanon; Brisbane, Australia; Miami and Singapore. The franchisor, which also is referred to as DAI, got its name because Buck was a scientist with a doctoral degree, and DeLuca had aspirations of becoming a doctor. DeLuca began the business when he was 17 with a $1,000 loan from Buck, his family friend and partner, who suggested opening a sandwich shop to pay for college. In addition to being a boon to the city's economy, Subway also is a staunch supporter of local events, Richetelli said.

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American Food Franchise Sizzler looking for better things in 2010

After two years of halted growth, the more than 50-year-old Sizzler chain is setting the stage for a franchise push with a new restaurant design, an upgraded menu and a new management team — the head of which actually wants to buy the chain. Kerry Kramp, president and chief executive of the Culver City, Calif.-based Sizzler USA, said in an interview with Nation’s Restaurant News that he has spent the past 18 months revamping the 191-unit “family casual” chain to become “recession proof.” He now wants to buy Sizzler from its current owners, if or when the economy improves and funding becomes available.

“We think we’ve captured what today’s consumers want,” Kramp said during lunch last week at a Sizzler restaurant in the Inglewood neighborhood of Los Angeles. “Better food, more reasonable prices and more oriented to family.” He added in a later interview this week: “My goal is to buy the company and have it be owned by management.”   

Today, Sizzler is owned by Australia-based Pacific Equity Partners, or PEP, which brought Kramp on as chief executive in 2008. PEP had then been considering the sale of the brand, but shelved those plans because of declining market conditions. PEP also owns Sizzler International, which includes 83 locations in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and China.

Since Kramp took the helm, about 30 underperforming Sizzler locations have been closed. Kramp said Sizzler USA’s sales have remained positive through the economic downturn, however, despite the fact that many of the chain’s units are located in the hard-hit market of Southern California. For fiscal 2009, Sizzler booked systemwide sales of $252 million and boasted an average unit volume of about $1.8 million among units sized between 5,000- and 6,000-square feet. The chain’s average check totals $11.82. Of the chain’s 191 units in 14 states and Puerto Rico, 159 are franchised and 32 are company-operated.

To boost sales and prepare for brand growth after two years of regrouping, Sizzler has developed a new prototype design and debuted a new menu. Two locations — the Inglewood location and another in Hesperia, Calif. — have been remodeled and saw sales increase by more than 20 percent, Kramp said. The new prototype includes a more “Americana” look, with light and dark woods, earth tones and stone walls. Colorful photos on the walls aim to reflect the specific neighborhood, and large flat-screen TVs hover over the dining room.

The cosmetic changes were designed to work easily as restaurant conversions in spaces that may previously have been an Applebee’s, for example, or even a Blockbuster video store, Kramp said.Indeed, Sizzler is hoping to take advantage of casual-dining locations that have closed and might be suitable for conversion. To help spur that growth, Sizzler has hired Mark Lyso as director of franchise development. Lyso previously spent 14 years with Famous Dave’s of America, helping that brand grow from two units to 175 locations.

Lyso joins a management team that includes Dennis Scott, who initially aided the brand as a consultant and last year was named chief of strategic development. Scott is co-founder of Buffets Inc., parent to the Old Country Buffet and HomeTown Buffet brands, where Kramp once served as chief executive. Sizzler also hired Steven McDermott, another Buffets Inc. alumnus, as chief financial officer last year. Michael Branigan, who has been with Sizzler USA for about 20 years, remains as vice president of marketing. In addition to its prototype and growth plans, Sizzler also is rolling out a new menu, which has been simplified and updated and includes new value-focused pricing. There are over 100+ Fast Food Franchise Opportunities, Food and Beverage Franchise Opportunities and Restaurant and Cafe Business Opportunities.  

The number of items was reduced by about 25 percent, and existing items, including the signature Malibu Chicken, have been updated or improved, Kramp said. Steaks, shrimp and salmon remain core items, but the new menu includes a grilled pork chop and value-focused combination meals. For example, steak, lobster, a baked potato and one trip to the salad bar is priced at $17.99 per person. Sizzler moved away from an all-you-can-eat buffet format years ago, but the extensive salad bar remains a key selling point at a time when consumers want more for their money, Kramp said. The salad bar includes hot appetizers, such as tacos and chicken wings, while the sundae bar features soft-serve ice cream, toppings and other desserts.

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Dubai Conference helps International food chains franchise in Middle East

25 Jan 2010: Uno Chicago Grill, Pizza Hut, Round Table Pizza and California Pizza Kitchen are just a handful of food franchise brands that have recently researched expansion in Dubai and other key Middle Eastern markets. Now their executives and others looking to get in on the hot nontraditional market have both a trade show and interactive conference tailored to the area’s food and beverage sector. In response to overwhelming demand, Gulfood, Dubai’s largest trade exhibition for food, drink, food service and hospitality equipment, is launching the inaugural Gulfood Conference, according to a company statement.

 

The Conference, titled “Global Trends in Food, Beverage and Processing,” will run alongside Gulfood, which takes place from Feb. 21 – 24, 2010, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.“Gulfood is the largest trade exhibition in the Middle East and is the gateway for penetration into the entire Middle East, North Africa and India regions,” according to Tara Rogers, spokesperson. “The highly developed infrastructure in Dubai in terms of logistics, trading platform, minimal bureaucracy, low taxation and geographical proximity makes the city an attractive and highly successful hub.”

The Middle East market offers several franchise and opportunities for Indian Entrepreneurs especially for education and food franchise brands. The four-day conference and knowledge exchange forum will offer delegates unprecedented access to the experts, analysts and visionaries who are shaping the business and developing the marketing strategies that will lead food, beverage and hospitality businesses into the next decade. “In addition to being the most important trade exhibition in the region for the food, beverage and hospitality industry, which showcases the latest products, services and technological breakthroughs, the Gulfood Conference has enormous value for companies who want to meet and learn from the experts, business leaders and the market analysts,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of Gulfood. “Not only will the Gulfood Conference provide valuable industry insight to allow companies to build a more profitable business, it will also offer practical tools for invigorating, expanding and launching new business channels.”

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First Pizza Inn restaurant Franchise opens in Bangladesh

Pizza Inn has continued its worldwide franchise expansion with the opening of its first location in Bangladesh. The USA-based pizza restaurant chain has opened its first Bangladesh franchise in the capital city Dhaka. The Bangladesh restaurant is owned and operated by the Pizza Inn Master Franchise Owner S.A.K. Edramuzzaman of Mohammed Food & Allieds Private Limited.

Charlie Morrison, CEO of Pizza Inn, said: "We're excited about our expansion into Bangladesh as well as the entire Asia and Middle East region. It is a pleasure to provide our freshly made pizzas, pastas and other popular menu items to the local residents at affordable prices in one of the largest restaurants in our system."

Each Pizza Inn restaurant provide customers with a variety of specialty and traditional handcrafted pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts in a dine-in buffet format with additional delivery and carryout options

Humayun Hyder, Project Manager for the Pizza Inn Bangladesh Master Franchise Owner, said: "It is with immense pleasure that we have opened the first Pizza Inn in Bangladesh and our opening was greeted with great coverage from the television and print media. The opening was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism of the Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh and attended by many of the country's elite and prominent businessmen." 

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Fitch affirms Jubilant FoodWorks' Bank loan ratings

Dec 1 - Fitch Ratings has today affirmed Jubilant FoodWorks Limited's (JFL, earlier Dominos Pizza India Limited (DPIL)) National Long-term rating of 'A-(ind)'. The Outlook is Stable. Simultaneously, the agency has affirmed the ratings on its bank loans as follows: - Term loans aggregating INR850m: 'A-(ind)'; and - Fund based working capital limits amounting to INR30m: 'A-(ind)'/'F2+(ind)'; The rating affirmation reflects JFL's established presence in India's organised pizza industry with the largest market share. JFL is Domino's Pizza Overseas Franchising's (DP Overseas) exclusive master franchisee in India since 1995. 

The ratings are underpinned by JFL's strong and expanding operational network across India, its track record of managing the pizza business, its efficient working capital management and its strong brand recall. The ratings are also supported by the stable demand for JFL's products and the continued growth in the food services industry. In September 2009, JFL renewed its master franchise from DP Overseas for the period till 2024. However, concerns continue to emerge from its reliance on a single source of revenue - the master franchise from DP Overseas, and increase in competition from other pizza players and quick service restaurants. JFL has an ambitious plan to expand its chain in the coming years, which exposes it to execution and cost overrun risks. Fitch also notes that JFL was a loss making enterprise until FY05, and the net accumulated losses at FYE09 were INR732.72m. JFL continued to grow in FY09 both in operational size as well as revenues. While the number of stores increased from 182 at FYE08 to 241 at FYE09, the revenues increased by 32.89% from INR2.1bn in FY08 to INR2.8bn in FY09. 

Same store sales grew by 5.98%; however, net income declined to INR73.03m in FY09 from INR85.5m a year earlier due to increased interest costs arising from debt funded capex. The company continued to maintain its operating margins (op. EBITDA/revenues) at around 12%, in line with the trend over the earlier three years. Significant improvement in financial leverage (Total adjusted debt/op. EBITDAR), and substantial improvement in profitability on a consistent basis, backed by significant same-store sales growth, will positively impact its ratings. However, a higher than anticipated debt-funded capex leading to deterioration of financial leverage to over 5x (measured by Total adjusted debt/op. EBITDAR), and inability to achieve growth in revenues as anticipated will negatively affect ratings. At FYE09, the company had a total balance sheet debt of INR824.45m.

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ChicKing Franchise signs pact with Asiawide Franchise Consultants

ChicKing Fried Chicken, a rapidly growing fast-food chain promoted by Non Resident Indian businessman, has announced the signing of the franchise pact with the Asia’s leading franchising consulting company Asiawide Franchise based in Malaysia.

This strategic move will help ChicKing to expand more than 25 outlets in the countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore and other South East Asian countries. The expansion will be completed in three years. 

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Hungry for more, Subway Franchise embarks on expansion spree




The Subway Franchise serving, American made-to-order sandwiches and salads chain, plans to double its outlet count in Kolkata by next year-end to cater to



the city's growing appetite for health food. "In the next 12-14 months, we are targeting a 100% rise in store-count from seven at present to at least 15 by December 2010," Subway development partner for eastern India Rishi Bajoria says.



The chain which opened its first store in Kolkata at Woodburn Park in August 2005, has since grown steadily, adding a store each year with outlets at Salt Lake Sector V, New Alipore, Rashbehari connector and Mani Square. In the past three months though, there's been a spurt in activity with two stores being launched at South City and Bangur Avenue. In a few days, another will open at Forum, its eighth outlet in the city.



"The enthusiasm with which customers in Kolkata have embraced the footlongs and sandwiches is indicative of a shift to more healthy diet. Over the next year, we plan to fill the pockets that are currently not covered. These include Alipore, Park Street, Ganesh Chandra Avenue/Esplanade, New Market/Lindsay Street, Kankurgachi, Rashbehari/Lake Market and Ballygunge Phari/Syed Amir Ali Avenue," Bajoria said, adding that a second outlet was also on the cards at the Salt Lake IT hub since the outlet there had registered a 250% hike in sales since it opened three years ago.



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Indian restaurateur describes her entrepreneurial experience

Hit by the recession, an India restaurateur revamps from scratch.

When I moved to New York City from Calcutta, I wasn't planning a catering career. I had come to earn a master's degree in lighting design from Parsons the New School for Design. But as a foodie, I was dismayed by the city's Indian eateries: The good ones were pricey, while the more affordable restaurants served two-day-old curries.

It didn't take a genius to spot a market opportunity for good, low-priced Indian food. I focused on Indian-style sandwiches, which few restaurants were offering. After graduating, I took night classes in restaurant management. In late 2003 I partnered with a former classmate, Rupila Sethi, to open the Indian Bread Co., a cafe in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. We sold flat breads stuffed with fillings or rolled like wraps -- an adaptation of traditional Indian street food.

Business was good from day one, and we soon began to provide catering services. In fact, we catered the Republican National Convention in 2004. But by the end of that year, Rupila wanted to move on to other projects, so I bought her out. Sales rose for the next several years, and I even started negotiations to franchise the cafe concept.

Then the recession hit. Business slowed, and the franchising deal fell through. In February 2009 cafe sales fell 25% to $9,689, from $12,873 a year before. But even though I was losing money, I refused to give up on a proven concept.

Seeking investors, I pitched my cafe to contacts in the restaurant industry. I took on two equal partners: Surbhi Sahni, a pastry chef at Devi, a top Indian eatery in New York City; and Rajiv Tanwar, a lawyer and restaurateur. Surbhi contributed sweat equity, helping me revamp the kitchen and change the menus. Rajiv invested $75,000, which we used to fund improvements.

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DIL signs JV with Delhi International Airport (GMR Group) to roll out food retail chain

Devyani International Ltd (DIL), the Indian master franchisee of global food retail chains Pizza Hut, KFC and Costa Coffee, has reportedly entered into a joint venture (JV) with GMR Group to set up multiple food retail outlets at the Delhi International Airport.

DIL is also planning to set up food courts at Jaipur, Amritsar and Chandigarh airports, and has already put in tenders with the Airports Authority of India for the same. On an average, the investment on a food court of about 12,000 sq ft involves a cost of close to Rs 10 crore. 

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The Flipside of Social Media: YouTube prank forces Domino's Pizza franchise to close

You would have probably heard a lot of people extolling several benefits of Social Media Marketing, here is an example, of how a simple prank led to the downfall of a Dominos Franchisee. 

The owner of a North Carolina Domino's Pizza franchise that gained worldwide notoriety after two employees posted several gross videos on YouTube lost so much business because of the prank that he had to close up shop. The franchise in Conover, N.C., shut its doors last week, according to the local Hickory Daily Record. "My business was off 58 percent because of YouTube," owner Kevin Hendren told the paper.

Back on April 13, five video clips showing a Domino's Pizza employee performing unsavory acts with food showed up on YouTube. The videos, shot and posted by a second employee, became Internet sensations. Bloggers uncovered the identities of the employees, Kristy Hammonds, 31, and Michael Setzer, 32, who were arrested and charged with felony food tampering. Meanwhile, using social media tools, Domino's officials tried fighting the fire with fire by posting their own YouTube video denouncing the acts.

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