With its dedicated hotel and restaurant division, as well as hospitality experience within the Indian and US hospitality markets, Numbers Only approached News Cafe with an initial roll-out proposal. Three key geographic regions were proposed in cosmopolitan suburbs of Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. A master licence and royalty fee was negotiated, with the official deal signed in February 2009.
Alan van der Westhuizen, News Cafe GM, restaurant division, said: “We are very excited to be breaking new territories within India. Unlike other parts of the globe, there is much money and potential within the Indian economy. An enormous expatriate community exists with the presence of major corporations utilising the country's colossal workforce. As such, initial reactions to the contemporary SA News Cafe brand have been incredibly positive.”
The 200-seater Delhi store is situated within an affluent suburb, on the third floor of an upmarket retail mall, with décor comparable to that of any existing SA News Cafe interior. Subtle differences have, however, been incorporated through the use of more jewel colours in fabrics. In terms of building materials, less wood and more locally quarried granite can be found on the floors, walls and counter tops.
Select changes to the menu have also been effected. Due to the trading hours of the store (10am to 2am) the breakfast menu has been reduced considerably. Spicy flavours of a few local dishes have been added, along with rice, an Indian staple. After much deliberation, beef remains on the menu, despite the customary religious beliefs of the local Hindi population. This is in order to cater specifically to the thriving international community of the store neighbourhood.
Concluded Van der Westhuizen: “We are pleased to have found a like-minded partner in India, who shares our professional and service-driven approach to business. As the News Cafe brand continues to take root and flourish outside of SA borders, we hope to give our international competitors, such as T.G.I. Friday's, Hard Rock Café and Smokehouse Grill, a run for their money.”
With shop fittings currently underway in Hyderabad, the second News Cafe store opening is expected mid-January 2010, with Mumbai following end-March 2010.
