Quiznos has signed a master franchise agreement that will enable the opening of its first location in India. The agreement was signed as part of the company’s international development initiative and calls for the opening of five Quiznos locations in India by the end of the year. The first will open in May 2011.
Quiznos awarded master franchising rights for Southern India, including Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai and Hyderabad, to Arjun Valluri, an experienced franchisee who has brought a variety of restaurant concepts to southern India. He owns 15 Xtreme Sports Bar locations and 3 Caffe Latte concepts, and plans to open at least 40 Quiznos locations in India at an accelerated pace.
Store menus in India will feature Quiznos’ signature toasted sandwiches and flatbread Sammies, as well as the chef-inspired salads, sides and desserts for which Quiznos is known. The menu also will feature some local customization, including new sauces and dressings reflecting the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine, Indian grains incorporated into the bread and a broader variety of vegetarian selections. The locations in India also will offer coffee and yogurt.
“There is a strong customer preference toward hot food in India, and Quiznos toasted sandwiches and unmatched quality made the brand a clear and compelling fit for this market,” Valluri said. “Quiznos is a well-known and respected brand and we have already received phenomenal response from individuals who want to own a Quiznos location in India. This speaks to the strength and success of the brand, and I am excited to help establish the foundation and continuation for Quiznos success in India.”
Prior to his restaurant business ventures, Valluri served as founder and CEO of Intelligroup Inc., providing systems integration and IT outsourcing services with more than 3,000 professional employees worldwide.
Over the next few years, Quiznos plans to grow the brand’s international footprint to more than 40 countries and territories, with target markets in Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
