Hardcastle to Invest Rs 850 Crore to add 250 McDonald's Outlets
Hardcastle to Invest Rs 850 Crore to add 250 McDonald's Outlets

Hardcastle Restaurants, McDonald's franchisee for West and South India is planning to invest up to Rs 850 crore to add 250 outlets within next 3-5 years.

"We will invest Rs 800-850 crore in the next three to five years to open 250 outlets in the West and South regions. This investment includes adding 175 to 200 McCafe coffee shops," Hardcastle Restaurants Vice-Chairman Amit Jatia told PTI.

McCafe, which was introduced in India in October 2013 is opened within a McDonald's outlet. At present Hardcastle operates 192 McDonald's outlets in west and south India.

"We have been evolving continuously. We have been re-imaging our outlets, adapting menu and expanding rapidly to grow in the Indian market. On the menu side, in the next 5 years we will do a lot more to bring McDonald's global products in India,” added Jatia.

When asked about the increasing competition in the burger category from players like KFC and Dunkin' Donuts, Jatia said: "McDonald's will continue to have a leadership position in the burger space. I believe that competition will only grow the western fast food segment of the market. India market is huge and there is ample space for all players."

McDonald's operations in North and East regions in India were used to be run by Connaught Plaza Restaurants through a joint venture with the US fast food chain. However, the partners are currently involved in a legal spat over management control.

 
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