McD’s, Quiznos Also Make News In India

In addition to Dunkin’ Donuts and as recently reported, Yum! Brands, McDonald’s and other chains are making inroads in feeding India’s fast-growing fast-food appetite. McDonald’s opened 33 new restaurants in the country in 2010, and its Indian franchisee plans to set up 30 new restaurants in the southern and western parts of the country this year. Hardcastle Restaurants Private Ltd. vice chairman Amit Jatia told Reuters his firm would invest $111 million in India over the next few years. According to www.mcdonaldsindia.com, that would give Hardcastle 250 McDonald’s restaurants in the two regions, up from 106 now.

On a smaller scale, Denver-based Quiznos will open five of its sandwich stores in southern India by the end of the year. The master franchisee, Arjun Valluri, plans to open at least 40 Quiznos in southern cities including Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi and Hyderabad. Valluri currently operates 15 Xreme Sports Bar units.