Mirah Hospitality to set up 10 MUCB outlets

Will look at franchise post consolidation

SANJEEV BHAR – New Delhi

Mirah Hospitality, a Mirah Group venture, which has exclusive franchise rights from the Manchester United Food & Beverage Asia to promote the Manchester United Cafe Bar (MUCB) brand in India (except Bengaluru), has lined up a series of restaurants and cafe bars as part of its expansion plans. Speaking to Express Hospitality, Prashant Narula, AVP – F&B Division, said, “We already have two outlets in Mumbai and recently opened two in Delhi and Gurgaon. Wiht such a great beginning we are now looking at establishing at least 10 operational outlets by the end of 2011 pan-India.” The company is trying to establish a niche segment where sports and entertainment will amalgamate with food in restaurant and cafe format. “The restaurant has to have a minimum of 3000 sq ft of carpet space with 200 covers. Depending on the size and location, the outlet could be either termed restaurant or cafe. The brand has a strong equity of its own and we will ensure that there is emphasis on giving a unique experience to diners,” he added.

The company, at the time of reporting, was scheduled to open one cafe bar in Goa by December end and one in Malad (Mumbai) in January 2011. “We are also in negotiations for a MUCB in Kolkata which could be operational by February in 2011. We are, in the first phase, investing `30-40 crore accrued internally for 10 restaurants in 10 key locations by 2011 end,” he informed. The company already has a presence in Mumbai with two locations and has opened in Gurgaon and Vasant Vihar. “There is a proposition for a third outlet in western Delhi. Chandigarh is another city where we wish to move in. Though for the time being, our concentration is on owning and developing MUCB outlets, we may be looking at expanding through franchise model post our consoludation phase,” summed Narula.