Nirula’s, a favourite destination for the Delhi food lovers, is going set its foot on the foreign shore by the next fiscal. The move is now presently at planning stage, studying the markets of the countries like the UK, UAE, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The company has this plan both for Potpourri, the casual dining restaurant brand, and its quick-service-outlets. The food chain has also sketched a pan-India expansion plan. It will be entering the financial capital, Mumbai by the third quarter of this year and plans to have 30-40 outlets in Mumbai in the next three years. Nirula`s is also looking at expanding its domestic presence in different parts of Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. In total, the chain plans to open 150 outlets across India in three years. An investment of Rs.150 to Rs.200 crore has been set aside for the domestic expansion plan. For its overseas venture, Nirula’s is open to both joint venture and equity participation. By 2012-13, Nirula`s is looking at opening 20 odd outlets outside India. The company is also looking at exporting its ice-cream and confectionary in the near future. Nirula`s is also in talks with three to four budget hotel chains in the country for running food business at the hotels. Nirula’s will explore the concept of retail food business on a contract basis in hotels, similar to what Sayaji Hotel has with Ginger Hotels for its newly launched chain Buffet Junction. The company spokesperson reveals that Nirula’s is looking for regional franchisee in India. The required carpet area differs with the type of format. The family restaurant should be 7000 to 9000 sq mt. Nirula`s also has more compact formats which range from between 100 to 400 sq. ft and are perfectly tailored to fit in high-traffic locations. These formats include Express outlets, Food Court Units and Ice cream kiosks. After entering Mumbai, the company plans to open outlets in Bangalore and Kolkata.
