Kwal’s Catering has opened India’s its first Ihop restaurant, making it the 19th country for the US franchisor DineEquity.
Known for its breakfasts but also serving lunches and dinners, Ihop (International House of Pancakes) has been launched in CyberHub, Gurgaon. Kwal’s Catering, a multi-unit franchise organisation, plans to open another 19 outlets throughout northern and southern India over the next decade.
As well as American favourites, the restaurant will offer items modified to local palates and dietary preferences. Half of the menu will be vegetarian, the pancakes will be eggless, and extra options will include lamb.
The restaurant design includes key elements of the brand’s Californian heritage, including a pancake station, an open kitchen and a fresh-juice bar.
“From my very first experience with IHOP’s food and atmosphere, I felt it was a concept that belonged in India,” says Kwal’s Group MD Sameer Lamba.
The anticipated addition of 20 Ihop restaurants in India is expected to generate at least 1000 jobs, he says.
DineEquity has more than 3700 restaurants spanning 19 countries, with about 400 franchisees. There are more than 1700 Ihop outlets internationally, including the Philippines.
Kwal’s Group runs and manages 26 food courts and is still expanding. It has a large catering infrastructure in four cities.
