NEW DELHI, June 10: Australia-based The Crêpe Café has entered the Indian food and beverage market and is planning to open around 50 stores in the next three years.
It specialises in made-to-order traditional savouries like sweet crepes, waffles, pancakes, omelettes and other fat-free delicacies in a contemporary café atmosphere, with trendy designs and a cosy ambience.
The Crêpe Café, a part of BFC Retail Group, has partnered with World Iconic Brands and Franchise India for its master franchise in India.
“Our expansion target is to open around 50 stores in the coming 3 years and reach around 100 stores in next five years with an investments of Rs 80 lakh per store,” BFC Group Chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Corgnet said.
He further added, “We are planning to open two shops in the next three months and 7-8 more by the end of this year.”
The company is adopting small floor concept between 700 to 800 sq feet area, which can accommodate around 35 to 40 seats.
“It is easier to find such locations and its cheaper,” Pierre added.
The Crêpe Café would also little tweak its menu by adapting to Indian food habits and targeting kids, family and young professionals.
“We are targeting an average of Rs 300 to Rs 400 (per customer), which is very much achievable,” he said, adding that it would place the brand as “affordable premium”.
According to Franchise India Chairman Gaurav Marya, the market size in India for food and beverages industry is forecasted to be approximately USD 46 billion by 2020.
“There are is an assortment of opportunities for elevating food and beverage businesses and staying on top with changing customer needs and understanding their millennial preferences. Coffee shops and café culture is now welcomed in India with open arms,” he said.
Started in 2001 by French-Australian entrepreneurs in Queensland, Australia, The Crêpe Café is spread throughout the country.
In 2007, The Crêpe Café expanded into the Middle East. (PTI)