Carl's Jr. plans to open 100 restaurants in India over the next 10 years
Carl's Jr. plans to open 100 restaurants in India over the next 10 years

American burger chain Carl's Jr., has announced the opening of its new restaurant in Gurugram. Operated by Cybiz BrightStar Restaurants, which is owned by CybizCorp, the new restaurant has added new offerings to its menu such as char grilled chicken patties, premium all white meat chicken breasts and delectable mutton burgers to locals, the company said in a statement.

The company said, the launch is a part of their master franchise agreement in Northern and Western India, between Cybiz and CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., ('CKE'), parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, to bring 100 restaurants to India over the next 10 years.

Brad Sommer, VP, Franchise operations & development, CKE, said, "We're excited to continue expanding in India with the opening of a new restaurant at one of India’s most prime locations- Gold Course Road One Horizon Centre."

He further said, "Our premium yet affordably priced menu items really resonate with the diverse, rich flavours of the Indian palate, and we can’t wait for fans to try our thick, 100 percent unadulterated paneer patty coated with a rich spice blend or our 100 percent real white meat chicken breast marinated in a flavour mix of sauces and spices paired with a hand-scooped ice-cream shake."

Carl’s Jr. believes that Gurugram is an ideal location to showcase its authentic menu which is specially designed for the Indian palate including the option of a honey wheat or lettuce-wrapped burger, juicy mutton burgers with four different flavors- korma mutton, mint mutton, awesome onion mutton and mutton famous star.

The new restaurant will also offer an all-you-can-drink soft beverages bar and partial table service.

Samira Chopra, Director, Cybiz BrightStar Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.(Carl's Jr. India), said, "We are pleased to expand our brand to a whole new audience in Gurugram. Given the exceptional response we’ve had in Saket, Pacific Mall and Mall of India to our premium, bigger and char grilled burgers, we expect the same level of enthusiasm for the brand in Gurugram."

Following the launch in Gurugram, Carl’s Jr. will be opening additional restaurants in the Delhi/NCR region before moving to other territories with sub-franchisees, they said.

 
Stay on top – Get the daily news from Indian Retailer in your inbox
The Malabar Coast Announces Expansion Plans in Five New Locations by End of 2025
The Malabar Coast Announces Expansion Plans in Five New Locations by End of 2025
 

The Malabar Coast by The Appumm House, a well-known brand in South Indian coastal cuisine, is excited to announce their expansion plans; to open in five more locations, including important cities like Delhi NCR and Kolkata by the end of 2025. Since its founding in 2020 by Satish Bhatia and Priyanka Tiwari, the business has acquired a loyal audience owing to its genuine flavors and effective quick-service dining concept.

The Malabar Coast is well known for providing an immersive culinary experience via the coastal regions of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Chettinad, Mangalore, Goa, and certain Sri Lankan specialties. It currently has three lively locations in Gurgaon, Noida, and Indore.

"Our mission has always been to bring the rich and diverse flavours of coastal India closer to our patrons. With this expansion, we aim to introduce even more communities to our authentic offerings while continuing to uphold the quality and tradition that define our brand,” said Mr. Satish Bhatia, Co-Founder of The Malabar Coast.

Since its establishment, The Malabar Coast has established a reputation for providing outstanding dining experiences by fusing lively interior design with effective service. The brand's dedication to conserve India's coastal culinary legacy while adjusting the changing demands of contemporary customers is demonstrated by this next stage of growth.

 

 

Next Story
Mumbai’s Award-Winning Luxury Asian Dining Destination, KOKO Arrives in Hyderabad
Mumbai’s Award-Winning Luxury Asian Dining Destination, KOKO Arrives in Hyderabad
 

The much-anticipated debut of KOKO, the renowned luxury Asian restaurant from Pebble Street Hospitality, as Hyderabad's first independent premium Asian eating destination has finally arrived. With its unique fusion of refinement and contemporary charm, KOKO, this has its roots in Mumbai’s renowned culinary scene and is renowned for its inventive Cantonese and Japanese cuisine, promises to redefine the city’s culinary scene with its superb cuisine and iconic design.

Traditional Asian grandeur and sleek, contemporary elements are balanced in KOKO's interior design and carefully selected materials. The entrance's striking red archway welcomes guests and serves as a strong visual cue for the opulence inside. The room features marble floors and lacquered wood accents, which are contrasted with brass fixtures and luxurious velvet furnishings.

The 10,000 square foot area is modeled after the grandeur of Chinese imperial architecture and style. One of the most notable features is the Red Tunnel, a curved hallway with gentle red LED lights that is meant to evoke mystery and suspense. Sarah Sham, an award-winning architect and interior designer from Essajees Atelier, created the room.

Commenting on the same, Ryan and Keenan Tham, Founders of Pebble Street Hospitality, said, “KOKO means grand, and the brand was conceived as a celebration of luxury and grandeur in the Asian dining scene. We set out to create a space that feels larger than life—a destination where every detail invites guests to revel in a sense of exclusivity and sophistication. Every element, from the craftsmanship of the cuisine to the detail in the design, speaks to our commitment to offering an elevated, immersive experience for our guests.”

 

 

Next Story
Chef Kunal Kapur’s Restaurant 'Pincode' Opens In Abu Dhabi
Chef Kunal Kapur’s Restaurant 'Pincode' Opens In Abu Dhabi
 

The latest chapter in Chef Kunal Kapur's Pincode epic saga, which has taken place in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai, the busy streets of Delhi, and now the breathtaking skylines of Abu Dhabi, will take place at The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island. Kapur will serve his passionate interpretation of India's undiscovered flavors, created for the city's cosmopolitan pulse.

A gorgeous veil installation greets you as soon as you enter Pincode. The design, a masterwork by IDAG's Chetana Vij and Vikram Sharma, skillfully combines modern international inspirations with traditional Indian craftsmanship. India's rich legacy is reflected in the vivid color scheme of saffron, indigo, ruby, and emerald, while muted hues foster a chic yet inviting ambiance.  

By reworking traditional recipes, emphasizing ingredient-forward dishes, and reconstructing classic fare in new, inventive avatars that appeal to all senses, Chef Kunal is pushing the boundaries with this most recent endeavor. 

Chef Kunal Kapur, a global Culinary icon and the founder of Pincode, excitedly stated, "I’m absolutely thrilled to be expanding the Pincode family to the stunning city of Abu Dhabi. The energy and diversity of this city are infectious, and I can’t wait to share our passion for Indian cuisine with the people here."

 

Next Story
Mumbai Gets its First Kerala Kitchen and Urban Quarter Bar with Kerala Quarters
Mumbai Gets its First Kerala Kitchen and Urban Quarter Bar with Kerala Quarters
 

Flavour Pot Foods, which is well-known for celebrating India's lesser-known regional cuisines, introduced Mumbai to the rich flavors and treasures of North India. With its most recent project, Kerala Quarter, the company is now bringing attention to South India's undiscovered culinary gem. More than just a restaurant, it infuses Mumbai's busy Lower Parel with the essence and spirit of Kerala's rich culinary legacy.

Kerala Quarters stands out as a celebration of Kerala's unique cuisine in a modern yet traditional setting, paying homage to the state's remarkable flavors. The restaurant is run by a vibrant group of people who are committed to giving Keralan food its due in Mumbai.

Pankaj Gupta, Founder, Kerala Quarter shared, “Kerala’s food is far too diverse to be generalized under the broader umbrella of South Indian cuisine. At Kerala Quarters, we’re giving it the spotlight it truly deserves. Our aim is to bring the comfort food we cherish at home to our guests, but with a contemporary twist that resonates with today’s diners. While many restaurants take a traditional approach to Kerala cuisine, we’re focusing on the heart of the food, capturing its warmth and vibrancy without making it too serious.”

 

Next Story
Kamat Hotels India Promotes Upender Gupta as Executive Sous Chef
Kamat Hotels India Promotes Upender Gupta as Executive Sous Chef
 

Chef Upender Gupta has been promoted as Executive Sous Chef at The Orchid Hotel, Shimla by Kamat Hotels India Ltd, the country's top hospitality brand. Upender has 20 years of culinary experience, and his path is a tale of growth, passion, and dedication to quality.

He started out in the Baikunth Resort in Kasauli, where he became an expert in the tastes of Indian grills and curries. Here, he developed his passion for outdoor cooking, which he further developed when working at Club Mahindra Resorts, where he revolutionized dining experiences at multiple locations.

Upender has distinguished himself with his inventiveness and leadership since joining The Orchid Hotel Shimla in 2022. His effectiveness as the HoD has earned him this promotion.

 “I’m excited to lead our talented kitchen team and create memorable dining experiences for our esteemed guests. I look forward to exploring new culinary ideas and continuing to deliver sustainable and top-quality cuisine,” shared Upender.

 

 

Next Story
Chor Bizarre Reopens Authentic Kashmiri Cuisine in a Themed Setting
Chor Bizarre Reopens Authentic Kashmiri Cuisine in a Themed Setting
 

Hotel Broadway, located on Asaf Ali Road in New Delhi, is currently undergoing room refurbishments, but its themed restaurant, Chor Bizarre, remains open to guests. Known for its authentic regional Indian cuisine, the restaurant specializes in signature Kashmiri dishes, offering a unique dining experience that highlights India’s rich culinary heritage.  

Chor Bizarre first opened its doors in 1990, becoming India’s first themed restaurant. With its distinct 'thieves market' ambiance, it quickly gained iconic status for its regional dishes and eclectic atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its Kashmiri offerings, having introduced the Wazwan—a traditional 36-course Kashmiri feast—as well as other delicacies from Kashmiri Pandit kitchens to diners beyond the valley, through both pop-ups and permanent locations across the country and internationally.  

Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman of Old World Hospitality, the parent company behind Chor Bizarre said, “Chor Bizarre was the first restaurant I opened in 1990. Since then we have launched many others. However, reopening this one is homecoming for me. It was a labour of love then, as it is now. The entire team looks forward to welcoming you back to another era.”  

Chef Srinivas A, who has been with Old World Hospitality for 17 years, continues to lead the culinary team at Chor Bizarre. While the menu includes new dishes, Chef Srinivas ensures that the restaurant’s signature Kashmiri offerings remain a key part of the dining experience. The restaurant’s beverage programme, curated by Varun Sharma, Head of Bars, complements the food offerings with an array of cocktails that enhance the regional flavors.

Chor Bizarre’s menu reflects India’s diverse culinary landscape, with a focus on North Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers an array of vegetarian dishes, chaats, and other specialties from various parts of India. The Wazwan remains a highlight, with select dishes available to diners who want a taste of the legendary Kashmiri feast.  

Chor Bizarre also pays homage to some of Old Delhi’s most iconic street food vendors through its pop-up offerings. The restaurant’s “Chaat Mobile” serves popular street food items such as papdi chaat, kalmi vadas, aloo chaat, and Japani samosa. These beloved street foods are available at an all-you-can-eat price of Rs 499 (including taxes), and are hygienically prepared, offering a convenient yet authentic way to experience traditional Indian snacks.

The restaurant’s interior design, created by Rashmi Khattar, has remained a key element of the Chor Bizarre experience. The décor blends eclectic furniture, vintage pieces, and quirky items collected from across India. The interiors, inspired by a literal ‘chor bazaar,’ feature handpicked furniture, tableware, and curios. Signature items include a four-poster bed, a 1927 Fiat, and a Singer sewing machine table, all contributing to the restaurant’s distinct atmosphere.  

The design philosophy of Chor Bizarre is best described as “nothing matches, yet everything gels,” with its eclectic mix of art, kitsch, and Indian influences. The setting is completed with retro Bollywood tunes, evoking a sense of nostalgia for diners.

Chor Bizarre continues to offer a rich and varied dining experience that merges cultural tradition with a quirky, vibrant aesthetic. The restaurant remains a unique destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Indian regional cuisine in a setting that transports them to another time.

 

Next Story
India Sweet House Secures Strategic Investment, Lays the Foundation for an IPO
India Sweet House Secures Strategic Investment, Lays the Foundation for an IPO
 

One of the confectionery industry's fastest-growing companies, India Sweet House, has raised a substantial sum of money in its pre-IPO investment round, which was headed by Viney Equity Market LLP. For this funding round, IntelliFin Private Limited served as the only advisor. Strong investor trust in the brand's quick growth and creative take on traditional Indian snacks and sweets is shown in this investment. In order to start its first public offering (IPO), the company is currently getting ready to submit its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to the stock exchange.

Rather than seeking private equity or venture money, as is customary for startups, the creators of India Sweet House have decided to go the IPO route. This calculated action demonstrates their long-term goal of developing a lucrative and sustainable company while remaining dedicated to generating wealth for their franchisees, partners, and investors.

Speaking on the investment, Anant Aggarwal, Managing Partner at Viney Equity Market LLP, said, "India Sweet House is an iconic brand that resonates deeply with our vision of backing businesses that reflect the richness and diversity of India. This investment aligns with our broader goal of nurturing small and medium enterprises, enabling them to scale while preserving their authenticity and values. We are excited about the growth prospects of the brand and are proud to be part of this journey."

Shwetha Rajashekar, Vishwanath Murthy and Rajesh Mehta, Co-Founders of India Sweet House expressed their excitement about the latest funding round, “We are thrilled to welcome Viney Equity Market LLP and their team as we embark on the next phase of our growth journey. Chittorgarh Infotech Limited also participated in this round. Opting for the IPO route will enable us to operate the business more profitably and expand our reach to a broader customer base across the country. We remain dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and tradition in all that we do.”

 

 

Next Story
Global Fusion Opens Their Fifth Outlet In Chembur, Mumbai
Global Fusion Opens Their Fifth Outlet In Chembur, Mumbai
 

The prestigious China Gate Group's flagship brand, Global Fusion, is happy to announce the opening of its fifth location in Chembur, Mumbai. Global Fusion has grown quickly after opening its first store in Sakinaka in 2013. They have their outlets in Worli, Bandra, Versova, and Chembur, all in Mumbai location.

The new location maintains the brand's heritage by prioritizing the creation of a cozy and welcoming ambiance, providing flawless service, and showcasing a variety of cuisines.

Visitors are welcome to savor delectable delights, which include an astounding assortment of over 80 authentic Asian dishes. With delectable house delicacies like the "Sassy Senorita" and the "Arigato," as well as the recently introduced Bar Menu, guests can enhance their experience. In order to further improve the eating experience, reservations will result in a 15% discount for patrons.

"With our Chembur location, we continue to uphold the legacy of delivering luxurious dining experiences that reflect the spirit of Global Fusion – a perfect blend of ambiance and exceptional cuisine," said Ankit Tamang, Director of China Gate Group.

 

Next Story
Subway consolidates global operations with new Miami headquarters
Subway consolidates global operations with new Miami headquarters
 

Subway, one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, has officially opened its new global dual-headquarters in the Waterford Business District.

The new global dual-headquarters of Subway are situated at 1000 Sub Way, a street named after the brand by the Miami-Dade County.

The headquarters' design is distinctive and aims to support Subway's transformation plans, which seek to improve all facets of the business, including workspaces.

The brand's new headquarters' strategic location enables an even closer partnership with the Independent Purchasing Cooperative, a Miami-based purchasing and supply chain cooperative owned by Subway franchisees. I believe that Miami's thriving business environment and diverse cultural heritage make it the perfect spot for Subway to continue evolving as part of its ongoing transformation journey, said, John Chidsey, Subway's CEO.

The office is equipped with an Innovation Center and Mock Restaurant, a first for Subway, and a contemporary open layout with various collaborative areas, a high-end fitness center, and a roomy cafeteria.

Subway's Innovation Center and Mock Restaurant serve as a "think tank" for ongoing food innovation, enabling employees to consistently work together with the culinary team to develop new sandwich creations and products like proteins or sauces.

Designed to simulate an authentic Subway restaurant, the Mock Restaurant provides a dedicated area to test products in a genuine setting, enabling the brand to refine its operations and explore new prospects to enhance the customer experience.

Subway is the biggest occupant of the building, renting two and a half floors across levels six, seven, and ten, providing an awe-inspiring view of the city and abundant natural light.

The office houses around 150 Miami-based Subway workers, including staff from consumer-facing departments and the Latin America regional office. HLW was in charge of the architecture and design for the new office.

Previously, Subway declared its decision to relocate its headquarters in Connecticut to an innovative and contemporary location in Shelton, Connecticut. All of the current Milford-based team's responsibilities will move to the new space later this year.

 

Next Story
Restaurant Brands International to acquire Firehouse Subs for $1.0 billion
Restaurant Brands International to acquire Firehouse Subs for $1.0 billion
 

Owners of Burger King, Tim Hortns, Restaurant Brands International Inc has acquired Florida based sandwich chain Firehouse Restaurant Group Inc for $1.0 billion in an all-cash transaction. 

The transaction offers significant long-term unit growth potential to drive attractive returns for all stakeholders and is expected to be immediately accretive to RBI's diluted net earnings per share.

“Firehouse Subs is a special brand with a talented team, impressive culture and community focus that resonates with guests and closely aligns with our core values at RBI. We see tremendous potential to accelerate U.S. and international growth at Firehouse Subs with RBI's development expertise, global franchisee network and digital capabilities,’ shared José Cil, Chief Executive Officer of RBI  who is excited to welcome the Firehouse Subs team to the RBI family and to continue their ambitious dream of building the world's most loved restaurant brands.

Firehouse Subs adds a strong and loved restaurant brand with attractive unit economics in a complementary category to RBI's existing family of iconic quick service restaurant ("QSR") brands, Tim Hortons®, Burger King®, and Popeyes®.

Founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of culture rooted in public service, creating hot and hearty subs piled high with the highest quality meats and cheeses and a commitment to saving lives through the establishment of the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation®. 

The brand is a strong and growing player within the $30 billion U.S. QSR sandwich category and since 2010 has increased its number of restaurants 3x to ~1,200 and its system-wide sales1 4x to an expected approximately $1.1 billion for 2021.

This momentum extends into 2021, with October year to date U.S. comparable sales2 versus 2019 of 20%. The brand benefits from a strong family of franchisees who own and operate 97% of the brand's restaurants across 46 U.S. States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Firehouse Subs is expected to generate roughly $50 million of 2021E Adjusted EBITDA3.

“At Firehouse Subs we are united in our commitment to and passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service, and public safety. Joining the RBI family of brands provides an energizing opportunity to assist more communities, not only across America and Canada, but around the globe.  The donations we generate for our Foundation through our restaurants means changing and saving lives, so we can't wait to accelerate our journey at home and around the world,” added Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse Subs.

Firehouse Subs is frequently rated the #1 brand in its QSR sandwich category for food quality and has one of the strongest brand-love ratings in its category – driven by the Foundation that has now granted $62.5 million in essential life-saving equipment and other support to public safety organizations.

 

Next Story
Casual dining restaurant Sly Granny collaborates with Darima Farms
Casual dining restaurant Sly Granny collaborates with Darima Farms
 

Since its inception, trying new things is common place when it comes to the menu at Sly Granny.

 

Carefully selected brands are chosen to collaborate with the venue, brands that have similar values of sustainability, sustenance and satisfaction. This time around, Sly Granny is thrilled to associate with one of India’s finest cheesemakers, Darima Farms.

 

A ‘make in India’ initiative that has gone on to carve a name for themselves in a predominantly ‘imported’ category of ingredients, Darima is a definitive pioneer in Indian artisan cheese making.

 

The limited menu will be available at the restaurant from 4th October’21 till 25th October’21.

 

“An aspect that is important to brand Sly Granny is teaming up with local brands that are making a mark in their domain. In today's time, we have some quality 'Made in India' brands. It is always a pleasure to work with these brands. Darima Farms has a lovely variety of cheeses and we have included few of the most flavourful of the lot to create this menu,” shared Chef Utkarsh Bhalla, Brand Chef, Sly Granny.

Darima Farms is an artisanal cheese making unit nestled in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. It was started by Saurabh Vinayek and Arvind Chawla in November 2016.

 

Next Story
Taco Bell reaches 50th restaurant milestone in India
Taco Bell reaches 50th restaurant milestone in India
 

Taco Bell, the world’s leading Mexican-inspired restaurant brand, has launched its 50th restaurant in Bangalore at Mantri Square Mall, completing an important milestone in its India journey.

This milestone was achieved after Taco Bell’s announcement earlier this year, where the brand announced its collaboration with Burman Hospitality Private Limited (BHPL) as its Master Franchise Partner and committed to launching 600 restaurants in India by 2029.

Gaurav Burman, Director, Burman Hospitality Private Limited, said, “BHPL partnered with Taco Bell International for India in 2015. Over the last four years, we have had the good fortune of building a team of over 1,300 employees who have all worked tirelessly to deliver the best product and experience possible to our many loyal consumers. I am extraordinarily proud of what the team has achieved; they have innovated the offering, the food, the ambience and we now have the best casual dining offering in the country.”

Ankush Tuli, Managing Director of Taco Bell APAC, stated, “It gives us great pleasure to celebrate Taco Bell’s 50 restaurants in India with the newest launch in the city where our India journey started – Bangalore. We are extremely excited about this milestone as this achievement embodies the love and appreciation that our fans have shown us over the years.”

“We are grateful to have Burman Hospitality as our partners in India who have been instrumental in bringing Taco Bell’s unique social experience of food to life in India and we look forward to celebrating many more such milestones in partnership with them,” he added.

New Taco Bell in Bangalore

Taco Bell’s 50th restaurant is conveniently situated on the third-floor food court of the buzzing Mantri Square Mall.

The brand experience provides made-to-order and customizable tacos and burritos and other specialties with bold flavors, quality ingredients, breakthrough value, and best in class customer service.

Its extensive menu offers signature vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like the Naked Chicken Taco, 7 Layer Burrito, Chickstar Wrap, and Cheese Quesadilla, as well as desserts including the iconic Chocodilla.

Taco Bell aims to make India largest market outside the US

Taco Bell’s association with Burman Hospitality Private Limited is targeted at making India its largest market outside the United States. The restaurant chain continues to expand rapidly, with a new restaurant being unveiled every 10 days.

Currently, Taco Bell has a presence in 11 key cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, and Mysore, among others.

Burman stated, “I could not be happier that we have hit the magnificent milestone of 50 restaurants with the opening of our Mantri Square Mall restaurant. We will continue to work feverishly to bring our offerings to the four corners of India and strive to open 600 restaurants by 2029, which means we are now launching a new restaurant every 10 days. We are hugely grateful to our customers without whom this journey would not have been possible.”

 

Next Story
Burger King to expand presence in Europe by entering 3 Baltic states
Burger King to expand presence in Europe by entering 3 Baltic states
 

Burger King has signed a deal with Tallink Grupp to launch new locations in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in an effort to drive sales. With this, the QSR chain will mark its foray into the three new Baltic states, as well as expand its presence in Europe.

The company has granted the exclusive development rights for the Baltic countries to Tallink Grupp.

David Shear, President, Burger King and Popeyes EMEA, said, “We are excited to develop beautiful new Burger King restaurants and introduce guests in the Baltics to our iconic brand featuring our great-tasting food with Tallink Grupp.”

“We are confident that guests will enjoy our world-famous flame-grilled flavour, including our iconic Whopper sandwich, and experience our brand their way through personalised digital innovation,” he added.

Tallink eyes to launch its first restaurants in Latvia and Lithuania in the first half of 2020, whereas it will start operations in Estonia this winter.

Tallink Grupp, CEO of Paavo Nõgene, stated, “Tallink made history in 2016 when we brought Burger King’s first restaurants on board ships, and now we are making history again, bringing the iconic Whopper sandwich, as well as the rest of the popular Burger King menu offerings to the people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.”

Want to invest in a QSR franchise? Visit Franchise India 2019, Asia’s Biggest Franchise & Retail Show, and give wings to your entrepreneurial dreams.

 

Next Story
Mumbaikars to soon get a flavor of South-East Asian cuisine at Shizusan
Mumbaikars to soon get a flavor of South-East Asian cuisine at Shizusan
 

Lite Bite Foods, one of India’s largest and most dynamic food and beverage retail companies, has opened an outlet of one of its brands, Shizusan, at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla in Mumbai.

The restaurant’s menu comprises delicacies from China, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Korea. These include Siricha Blush Sushi, Pulled Chicken Bao, Rainbow Maki Sushi, Crystal Vegetable Dumpling, Mapo Tofu, Slow-cooked silken tofu with pearl garlic sauce, Massaman Curry, Slow-cooked lamb shank with gallian, onions and potatoes, and Shui Zhu Yu Fish.

Shizusan’s desserts consist of Matcha Philli Cake and Colbert Muss Cake.  The restaurant is also offering a host of cocktails that incorporate Asian ingredients, including Thy-me, Genie in a Bottle, Cu-Cu, etc.

Rohit Aggarwal, Director of Lite Bite Foods, said, “Shizusan is all about the culinary journey that explores South-East Asian cuisine that we want our guests to enjoy, and we have made sure to go to our highest potential to be able to do that. Even our cocktails are infused with Asian ingredients, which have been a result of a lot of trying, failures with eventual success.”

 

Next Story
Godrej Nature's Basket Launched Its Transformation Strategy
Godrej Nature's Basket Launched Its Transformation Strategy
 

Godrej Nature’s Basket (GNB), India’s pioneering food chain, launched its transformation strategy aimed at redefining India’s freshest and finest food experience. The company’s transformation is centered on being the go-to place for the customer’s Daily Food Delights. Geared towards being a quality fresh neighborhood store, the brand aims to meet both special and daily food needs of consumers. In line with this transformation, the Managing Director, Avani Davda, unveiled a refined and refreshed brand identity, today.

Tanya Dubash, Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer of Godrej Group, said that this marked a huge step forward in the brand’s journey. “Godrej Nature's Basket is a pioneer in the food and grocery space and we are committed to continually redefining the food retailing experience in India. Godrej Nature’s Basket is an exceedingly strong brand with immense potential and this transformation will ensure accelerated growth in a sustainable and innovative manner. The refreshed brand identity centered around the promise of “Daily Food Delights” is an expression of this transformation.”

Speaking about the company’s new value proposition, Avani Davda, said, “We embarked on our transformation journey a year ago and towards this, the business has invested significantly behind talent development at all levels and in technology to uplift employee experience by creating a cultural transformation. The other key areas included strengthening a robust world-class supply chain, creating enduring customer experiences and leveraging tech capabilities for enhanced retail processes.”

Avani further added, “Godrej Nature’s Basket has and continues to be an iconic and much loved brand, owing to the strong brand loyalty and equity among our customers. Our new brand promise manifests itself across various levels and will help us offer a more wholesome experience to our customers. As a part of this, in our vision to be a neighbourhood store for daily food needs, we will be focusing on specific categories, which have the potential to accelerate our growth story. One that we have identified is the ‘Fresh’ category, which contributes to over 40% of our revenues. We expect this to increase to 50 to % by FY18.” 

 

Next Story
McDonald's to invest Rs 750 crore in India
McDonald's to invest Rs 750 crore in India
 

McDonald’s India is planning to invest Rs 750 crore in the next five years to double the store count in the Southern and Western part of teh country.

"We currently have 213 restaurants, and are looking to add up to another 250 restaurants by 2020, which would entail an investment of Rs 750 crore," said Amit Jatia, Vice Chairman, Westlife Enterprise which operates McDonald’s outlet in India.

McDonald's, which was the first quick service restaurant (QSR) format to start operations in the country two decades ago, is now betting on alternative, healthy offerings in the face of competition.

Other international chain restaurants, most recently Burger King, besides Dominos, Pizza Hut and Dunkin Donuts among others, and food-on-demand delivery services are competing for consumer attention in the segment.

"While we do offer competitive order deliveries, our core focus will be the QSR format, which is robust for us globally," added Jatia.

The company's overarching strategy now is to offer "healthier beverages" to customers here.

"We are now betting big on our coffee. We have opened McCafe's within our outlets serving premium locally sourced arabica coffee at affordable prices," he said.

"We offer a range of smoothies, besides coffees and this encourages customers to opt for non-carbonated drinks," he added.

Started last year in the country, there are about 45 McCafes, which in the next two years is expected to go up to 140, he indicated.

The company will spend invest Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs per outlet, to set up McCafes.

McDonald's has also rejigged the food menu in the country to make it more healthy.

"We have brought down the calorie content in our sauces by 60-70 per cent, which has cut down the overall calories in the meal by 9 per cent," he said.

 

Next Story
Also Worth Reading