Burger King, a US-based fast food chain, has entered Chennai with the launch of its first outlet.

The 34th outlet, which will be operational from November 28, will be the first of the three stores in the city. Rajeev Varman, Chief Executive Officer, Burger King India, said the company has plans to open two more outlets in Chennai and are currently identifying suitable location in malls and high streets.

Keen on strengthening the existing markets, the company has plans to open 16 more stores by the year end before exploring other new avenues. “We will invest about ₹1.75-2.5 crore per store,” Varman said.

The fast food giant entered India November last year as a joint venture with Everstone Capital and so far has 34 company-operated outlets across the country.

Market focus The quick-service restaurant is gaining traction in India with the advent of fast-food players from the West. Rise in dual income families has resulted in more disposable incomes and parents with less time on their hands.

“That is one of reasons why the chain is catching up fast in India,” Varman said.

Stating that the segment is highly fragmented, Varman said, organised players occupy only about 1-2 per cent of that market, which presents a huge potential.

The company will be concentrating on markets like India where about 98 per cent of organised fast food industry is untapped and would guarantee faster growth for the chain.

Online delivery Burger King India has tied-up with two food aggregators, Swiggy and Scootsy, to cover its online food ordering and delivery. Though online delivery constitutes only about 15-20 per cent of the overall business, Varman said the chain in working on improving this area.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW