Fast food giant McDonald's is looking to increase its presence in south India by adding five outlets in the region.
Amit Jatia, joint venture partner and MD, Mc Donald's (western and southern region), said, "We want to make our presence felt in southern India in the next three years by adopting a focused approached."
McDonald's does not have as strong a presence in the south as it does in western and northern India. "We are currently finalising locations in the south," added Jatia.
"We will be adding four stores in Hyderabad in the next six months. While we will open our third store in Bangalore shortly a few more are also in the pipeline," said Jatia. "In south India we will invest Rs 3 crore per store in addition to the real estate costs."
"Initially we intend to focus on Bangalore and Hyderabad and then spread across the region," said Jatia. "Our method will be to open more stores in one city rather than one store in many cities."
Delhi Bureau adds:
Looking to double its turnover every two years, McDonald's India has plans of expanding to the east and consolidating itself further in the north. Of the 25 new restaurants that McDonalds is planning to open in 2006, 65 percent will be in the north and the east, said Vikram Bakshi, managing director, McDonald's India (North and East).
The fast food chain has 88 outlets across India and has a strong presence in the north, where it has 56 restaurants.
Its initial target of opening the first outlet in Kolkata by 2007 has been pushed back by a few months to this year-end. Bakshi said he was looking to open at least 10 restaurants in the city by 2010. McDonald's is looking for suitable vendors and distributors in the east.
The company is also looking to adding juices and new beverages to its menu.
Without disclosing any financial details, Bakshi said McDonald's has been growing at 40 percent per annum. Recently, the company had announced that it would be investing Rs 400 crore for increasing capacity, supplies and opening new restaurants.
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