IndiaRetailBiz

“We have signed up regional franchises in Rajasthan and Gujarat with a business model comprising 60 per cent equity and 40 per cent franchise. These will then open chains in these states. We are also scouting for a location to open a Nirula’s in Mumbai on our own.” — Samir Kuckreja, Managing Director, Nirula’s.

Nirula’s, the Delhi-based 54 years old well-known hospitality chain, which currently operates restaurants and hotels at over 50 locations, most of which are situated in the North Zone, is embarking on a major expansion drive.

Nirula’s, according to a Business Standard report, have decided to set up 35 new restaurants across the country at an investment of Rs 200 crore. For this, they have already signed regional franchises in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Nirula’s operates its restaurants under various formats that include Express, FCU (Food Court Units), FSU (Fuel Station Units), and Ice Cream Kiosks. Nirula has also opened a stand alone casual dining restaurant called ‘Nirula’s Potpourri’ at Connaugh Place. Apart from restaurants, Nirula’s also operate two hotels; one each in Noida and Panipat.

Happy with the performance of its transit location outlet at New Delhi Airport, the company is looking at setting up new express counters and ice cream kiosks at airports, railways, and bus stations. It will also set up new express outlets at IOC petrol stations under an agreement signed earlier in 2005 by the company.

While Nirula’s, who are under pressure on account of rising real estate prices, have an association with Pasarvanath are also exploring opportunities with other real estate developers.

Nirula’s hospitality business, originally set up in 1934 at Connaught Place as HOTEL INDIA by Narula Brothers, has in 2006 been acquired by a group of private investors comprising Navis Capital Partners and its present Managing Director Samir Kuckreja.

Apart from new graphics, logos, menu panels and packaging, in a massive brand revamp exercise, the new management, while retaining the brand name and logo of “Nirula’s”, has created new sub-brand logos for Nirula’s ice-creams, Pastry Shop, delivery business and others.