Global Franchise Architects invests Rs 40 crore in its India operations

Geneva-based Global Franchise Architects which runs food brands like Pizza Corner and Donut Bakers is investing Rs 40 crore to expand operations at its Indian subsidiary.

The funding will be primarily used for the growth of Pizza Corner according to Joseph Cherian, CEO of GFA Global. "The organised food sector in India is growing rapidly and the pizza category is growing at 25 %" said Cherian.

The company keen to capture a slice of the growing action in India's pizza industry which is valued at Rs 1200 crore, had been scouting for risk capital for over a year now.

However a lack of consensus on valuation has stymied plans to raise private equity funding.

GFA is also changing its franchise strategy for its flagship Pizza Corner brand. So far, almost 75% of the 60 Pizza Corner stores in India are owned by franchisees. However, as the company expands into new markets it will have a majority of corporate- owned stores in the next few years.

The brand plans to launch 25 stores in the next nine months, primarily in South India.. "Once we have a sustainable model in one region, it is easier to expand, because entry cost is always large in the back end," said Cherian. The company has posted an increase in India revenues by 25% annually for the past couple of years.

New York Pizza and Fried Chicken opens in Vijayawada

New York Pizza and Fried Chicken (NYPFC) has launched its first outlet in Vijayawada and its fourth franchise in Andhra Pradesh. 

Announcing the launch of the new restaurant, NYPFC manager Yada Srimannarayana Murthy said that the franchise will provide American dishes with an Indian touch for the customers. “The restaurant was launched after observing the tastes and studying the project in different countries,” said Murthy. 

Meanwhile, Pizza Hut also made its foray into the city with the launch of its first restaurant in the LEPL Icon Mall on Friday. With a seating capacity of 110 the restaurant is decorated in trademark Pizza Hut style with warm lighting and mood graphics on the walls. The welcoming waiters are more than willing to make the city people aware of wide ranging menu from signature pan pizzas and pastas to appetizers and beverages. 

Speaking on this occasion Pizza Hut India Brand general manager Sandeep Kataria said that they were proud of this new launch and positive that it will offer a great dining experience and much more to the people of Vijayawada. 

UK's PizzaExpress to debut in India soon; hires CEO

The UK-based casual dining restaurant chain PizzaExpress has kicked off the process of starting its India operation, almost eight months after signing a 50-50 joint venture partnership with Bharti Family Office. As a first step, a chief executive officer (CEO) has been hired for the India business, and the company is learnt to be looking at a year-end launch of the chain. The first few outlets of the PizzaExpress chain are expected to open in metros like Mumbai and Delhi, reports Business Standard.

Ramit Mittal, son of Rakesh Mittal, vice-chairman and managing director of Bharti Enterprises and elder brother of Bharti Group chairman Sunil Mittal, is spearheading the PizzaExpress project from the Bharti Family Office side. Bharti Family Office is an initiative of the promoters of the Bharti group through their personal investments. The Bharti group’s business interest ranges from telecom to media to retail. 

Since Ramit Mittal, 33, is already based in Mumbai as co-founder and joint managing director of Bulldog Media and Entertainment, PizzaExpress is likely to have its India headquarters in the same city, people close to the development say. 

An official representing the joint venture confirmed that Vivek Mathur, who’s coming from the Godrej group, has been appointed CEO for PizzaExpress India. Over the next two to three months, many more senior and middle-level appointments are slated to take place. 

Mathur was executive director and president (marketing, sales and innovation) at Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. Prior to that, he was managing director at Godrej Hershey Ltd and chief operating officer (marketing, sales) at Godrej Sara Lee. He has also worked with Tata Global Beverages Ltd and Hindustan Unilever Ltd. 

“The joint venture is making progress as per our plans. We continue to work on developing the brand, business and team in India. However, at this stage, we don’t have anything specific to share,” a company spokesperson was quoted as saying in the report. 

California Pizza Kitchen to expedite Indian expansion

Mar 11, 2011

California Pizza Kitchen Inc is trying to step up its growth plans in India with the second restaurant in Mumbai. The restaurant will be opened in association with its franchise partner JSMGGC India Pvt Ltd, a joint-venture between Mumbai-based JSM Corporation and Dubai-based Gourmet Gulf Company.

California Pizza Kitchen opened its first restaurant in India in 2009, after it entered into an agreement with this franchise partner to do business here.

Further, the company plans to open at least 15 restaurants in India over the next 10 years.

The Los Angeles-based chain opened the first Indian restaurant in the commercial district of Bandra Kurla Complex. This is a 4,000 square feet restaurant, seating 180 guests. The new restaurant will have the same square feet coverage but an increased seating capacity. It will be located in High Street Phoenix, Mumbai’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. Both restaurants are strategically positioned for driving traffic.

California Pizza Kitchen currently owns and operates 207 restaurants and franchises 59 restaurants. The company is widening its presence internationally. There are currently 34 restaurants located in China, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, South Korea, Guam, India, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates.

Overseas development in Mexico, Asia and the Middle East is also on the cards. But California Pizza Kitchen will have to brave tremendous competitive pressure in the markets it is eying for expansion.