GFA to open 40 stores in India

Global Franchise Architects (GFA) has announced an aggressive expansion drive under which it plans to open a total of 40 stores across all its brands in India this year.

With a growth rate of over 25 per cent in the last couple of years and having crossed the 100 store-mark in India this year, GFA shareholders are investing a gigantic Rs 40 crore to support its initiatives. The brand that holds Pizza Corner, Donut Baker, Coffee World and Cream & Fudge, currently operates over 100 stores in the country. As a part of GFA’s forthcoming strategy, while Pizza Corner will largely grow through corporate stores, the franchise business model will continue. 75 per cent of the Pizza Corner outlets have been opened under the franchise business model and the remaining are company-owned outlets. However, the strategy is taking a turn this year with plans of GFA owning at least 45 per cent of its outlets and franchising the remaining. The investments will be prominently used to expand in South India.