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Restaurant
entrepreneur Arfan Razak (aka Raz) of Curry Lounge Ltd is spicing up
the industry with an inspiring franchise venture that reaches right
across the globe.
An outlet in Willesden Green,
London, kicks off the roll-out before Christmas, with venues in
Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham being considered early next year.
An opening in the Ocean Point
area of Los Angeles is also under way according to Raz, with a view
to launching in Autumn 2009, as well as an impressive hotel site in Dubai.
"There is a growing need
for healthy, authentic Indian cuisine in the restaurant industry as
people's tastes have vastly evolved in recent times," Raz comments.
"Public food knowledge is
on the rise, leading customers to rightly expect fresh ingredients,
locally sourced produce and quality meat, with exceptional restaurant
service - diners will not accept the oily one-pot curries that seem
to have been embedded in our nation for such a long period."
Having opened the first Curry
Lounge restaurant in Nottingham in 2007, the brand has gone from strength-to-strength
since its appearance on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares series
late last year.
"Gordon's advice was
invaluable to turning the business around. Maybe, one day I will be
able to return the favour," Raz continues.
An increase in the number of
franchise enquiries has occurred, with like-minded entrepreneurs
approaching the company for franchise opportunities, due to the
restaurant's recognition in the television series and the committed
training program in place.
Prior to trading, Curry Lounge
provides owners with everything needed to set-up a restaurant, from
site locations, building advice, supplier deals and menu selections,
to HR, in-store operations and business management skills.
The same strategy will be catered
to each location, with franchisees running their business to local
needs to the Curry Lounge framework and advice.
Raz will be investing
approximately £70K into the initial set-up and operation of the
franchise business, and is currently in search of a franchise agent
to locate possible venues that show a gap in the market for real
Indian food.
Having been voted one of the top
five Asian entrepreneurs in the East Midlands in 2008 by the Midlands
Business Awards, this franchise venture is a recipe for great
restaurant success.
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