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GFA plans to open 24 outlets in India by Aug ‘09

18 Apr 2009

Geneva-based Global Franchise Architects (GFA) that builds, operates and franchises brands including Coffee World, Pizza Corner, The Donut Baker and The Cream & Fudge Factory is looking at expansions in India and abroad. Joseph Cherian, MD, GFA said "At present we have 76 outlets across all brands and we would like to touch the 100 mark by July-August this year. Our main markets are India and Thailand."

The company is also looking at increasing the number of outlets of its ice cream brand, The Cream & Fudge Factory. GFA has combination store formats abroad which usually have two of its brands under the same roof and plans are on to get that format to India too. "We are looking to have combination stores with Pizza Corner and Cream and Fudge in India by the end of this month. We are also looking at master franchisee this year and are in conversation with a few players for our Cream & Fudge outlets. The newer brands will expand on master franchising and area franchising primarily," said Cherian.

GFA has also recently entered into a master franchise agreement with Spencer's to open 60 Pizza Corner and Coffee World Express stores in Spencer Stores in the next 18 months. Speaking about franchising as a model Cherian said, "The model of franchising is successful primarily because real estate prices play an important role in the return on investment. Last year rental rates shot up, however we see a respite this year with many real estate companies offering cheaper options. Many people want to diversify and food is a good option."

Internationally, Cherian said that the company was looking at opening a store in Geneva, six Cream & Fudge Factory outlets in Oman and a New York Deli outlet in Muscat. GFA has also signed new master franchisees for The Cream & Fudge Factory and Coffee World outlets in Vietnam and Muscat and both are scheduled to open December, 2009. The company is also looking at expanding in Khartoum, Sudan where it will open combination stores with Pizza Corner, Coffee World and New York Deli.

— ImagesFood.com Bureau