Newstrack

Encore to invest Rs 100 crore

To open Rajdhani in Dubai, London

Bhavika Jhaveri - Mumbai

Mumbai-based Encore Hotels plans to invest Rs 100 crore by the end of 2007 in the initial phase of expansion of its brand of restaurants and hotels in India and abroad. The company has set its sights to open 100 Rajdhani, 25 Fine Dine and 15 business hotels in India and abroad by 2009.

Kamlesh Barot, director, Encore Hotels, says, "Seeing the tremendous response to the Rajdhani thali, we decided to expand into Dubai. We are taking over the Woodlands restaurant located in the Al Karama district. The restaurant offers Gujarati thali on its menu which is its USP, as there is no restaurant present in that segment in Dubai." Encore is also looking at opening a franchise outlet in London, which is still at an early stage of discussion. Encore already has presence overseas - India Quay, Australia and Revival - The Indian Restaurant in Vietnam.

Encore has also charted out its expansion route wherein by end of 2006-07 it will have 15 Rajdhanis spread across India in Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkatta, Indore, Nagpur, Pune, Jaipur and Nathdwara. Currently, Rajdhani is present in nine cities in India and two Fine Dine outlets in Mumbai including malls and multiplexes.

Speaking about its business hotels, Encore is looking to tap the Southern market with 50 to 100-room business hotels in Bangalore and Kerala. Currently, it has its presence in Nashik, Baroda and Lonavla.