Prahlad Kakkar to take restaurant chain to Dubai

'Sarson Da Sag' outlets in Gujarat by Diwali

The renowned ad film maker Prahlad Kakkar is all set to expand his restaurant business. He is all set to open outlest in Gujarat and will also take the restaurant chain to Dubai. Kakkar runs two restaurants in Mumbai: 'Papa Pancho' in Bandra and 'Sarson Da Sag' in association with Imax Adlabs at Vadala.

Kakkar will soon launch four more restaurants under the 'Sarson Da Sag' name "" three in India and one in Dubai. Of the three restaurants in India, two will come up in Ahmedabad and one in Mumbai.

The existing restaurants in Mumbai are serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian Punjabi dishes.

"At present, we are reviewing plans for restaurants in Dubai and Mumbai. On Diwali, we will launch two restaurants in Ahmedabad where we will start with vegetarian menu keeping in view the large vegetarian population in state. We may start non-vegetarian food after looking at the response," said Kakkar.

"We will run restaurants in Dubai and Mumbai on our own, added Kakkar indicating the Ahmedabad ventures will be on a franchisee basis.

Of the two restaurants in Gujarat, one will be a self-service outlet in new multiplex and the other will be a 100 seater in the heart of commercial area of Ahmedabad.

"We are targeting the middle class of Ahmedabad with a focus on flavour of home cook food and value for money for the customers. We are also interested in entering Surat in view of their taste for food and lifestyle," said Kakkar.

The specialities of 'Sarson Da Saga' is a traditionally cooked 'Ma ki Daal', which takes six hours to get prepared and varieties of Parathas amongst other north Indian dishes.

Talking on the sidelights of Vibrant Gujarat-2004, Kakkar opined that Gujarat is an under-utilised brand. "Gujarat is a tainted brand today due to the happenings in recent past. But it will not be a difficult task for Gujarat to attract investment. The investors are interested in returns and there is a huge potential in Gujarat compared with any other state in India," said Kakkar who was in Ahmedabad to attend seminar on eco-tourism.

"The state has a great possibilities to develop tourism industry considering the natural resources available here. The state possesses the largest coastal line in India as well the dessert in Katch to lure tourists. With the combination of beaches and dessert, Gujarat can offer experience of Goa and Rajasthan at one place," added Kakkar.

Talking about the current status of Gujarat as a tourist destination, Kakkar said: "It is not necessary to build great hotels in places such as Girnar to lure tourists. There is a need to create facilities where tourists feel at home and enjoy local environment."