Gama Hospitality strikes seal with Swiss GFA
KOLKATA: Global Franchise Architects <GFA> the Swiss builder, operator and franchiser of speciality food brands is planning to have a pan-India presence by 2010 and bring in all brands in its portfolio to the Indian market.
GFA, which operates in the emerging markets of Africa and Asia, has been present in the Indian market since 1996 with one of its flagship brands ‘Pizza Corner’. GFA has gradually introduced four brands in India but has so far been confined to the south Indian markets with 62 stores.
Fred Mouawad, chairman and CEO of GFA Global Corp, said that by 2010, the company was planning to scale up its presence by opening 100 stores across India. GFA signed a master franchise agreement on Tuesday with Kolkata-based Gama Hospitality Pvt Ltd for the launch of GFA brands in eastern India.
According to Mouawad, two GFA brands – Coffee World and The Cream & Fudge Factory – will be initially opened in Kolkata. For a pan-India presence, GFA claims that it is currently in talks with potential franchisees in the northern and western parts of the country and the partners would be finalized soon.
The founder and director of Gama Hospitality Pvt Ltd, Gaurav Agarwala, said the company would be investing Rs 52 crore to ramp up GFA brands in eastern India. ‘Our first outlet is coming up at Ballygunge and will be ready before the pujas, which will be followed by ones in South City, Forum and New Empire within the next three months,’ Agarwala said.
Gama Hospitalityplans to open 35 outlets across the eastern states in the next 18 to 24 months especially in the Tier I and II cities, occupying about 42,000 sq ft and providing employment to 500.
According to GFA, ‘Coffee World’ specialises in beverages and sandwiches. The décor has been carefully chosen to host family and business meets. ‘Pizza Corner’ has been conceptualised to give customers a wide choice of pizzas including palate. The Cream and Fudge Factory is a range of super premium smooth and creamy ice creams and ‘Donut Baker’ will offer a wide range of doughnuts, Gama Hospitality will pay royalty to GFA Global Corp as per the master franchise agreement signed by the two companies.
‘We have many plans with Gama Hospitality. We have made a beginning with the GFA brands but gradually would have our own food brands. We would also diversify into night clubs and snack bar businesses in the future.’ Agarwala said.
