Pollo Tropical is on track to open its first restaurant outside the Americas.
Florida-based Pollo Tropical has developed a franchise agreement with Delhi-based Paramount Cuisines to operate its brand in India, extending its presence beyond the Latin America and Caribbean trade regions.
Paramount Cuisines, a subsidiary of Paramount Group, is committed to open a minimum of 10 Pollo Tropical locations in the National Capital Region, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh between 2013 and 2016.
Pollo Tropical’s expansion to India is the culmination of a year-long effort that began with its participation in the US Department of Commerce-sponsored Franchise Trade Mission to India.
“Our fresh, marinated grilled chicken is a natural for India, and will enhance our already-strong vegetarian options to expand our appeal, said Marc Mushkin, senior VP of international development for Pollo Tropical.
Due to the potential for growth, Pollo Tropical plans to award franchises in other regions of India, coinciding with the entry of numerous international restaurant brands throughout the country.
According to the US Commercial Service, India’s middle class will grow 10 fold by 2025. Experts predict Delhi’s capital region will be the world’s largest metropolis by that date, and it is regarded as the hub of Indian consumer society – with more than 50 major shopping malls already in operation and dozens under development.
“We traveled all over the world searching for a grilled chicken restaurant chain that would be embraced by our country. As soon as we tasted the flavor of Pollo Tropical, we knew our search was over,” said Paramount CEO Manjit Singh Saini.
Pollo Tropical, a part of Fiesta Restaurant Group, owns and operates 90 locations in the US (Florida and Georgia) plus three licensed units located on college campuses in Florida. The company has more than 30 international franchised locations in Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, Trinidad, Venezuela, and Costa Rica and has agreements in place for additional franchised units in Guatemala, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
The restaurant concept is known for its open flame grilled chicken, marinated in a proprietary blend of tropical fruit juices and spices.
GB
