International F&B chains are targetting the Indian market like never before. Go to Fresc Co in Gurgaon, opened by a Spanish group, for your tapas and salads, says Anoothi Vishal
What is The Eat Out Group and what is Fresc Co, your first project in India?
We are a Spanish company that runs a chain of restaurants across all segments all over Europe and America as well as in the Middle East. Fresc Co is our brand with 60 restaurants in cities such as Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona and Rome.
It is a chain of casual, Mediterranean-style restaurants with a lot of emphasis on fresh products and healthy eating. We have recently opened our first outlet in India. It is really our first foray in Asia. The restaurant is located in Gurgaon and it is very different from what you have here.
What are your plans for India?
We have begun with Gurgaon but we will soon go to Delhi and the other metros. In the first year, we intend to set up about three restaurants in the country. But in the next six years, we are planning to set up 40 restaurants all over India at an investment of Rs 1.2 billion. We will go to cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and Pune soon with our products.
You chose to open your first restaurant in Asia (other than the Middle-East) in Gurgaon. Why?
We are looking at the Asian market very seriously and India and China are obviously high on our agenda. People kept telling us to open in China first but we chose India over it because we are more confident about this market. We feel it is closer to European sensibilities. I was here about one and a half years ago and found the Indian customers to be very well travelled, acquainted with international trends and ready for the kind of experience that we have to offer.
What can diners look forward to?
Fresc Co specialises in serving a large array of Mediterranean style salads, soups, grills, hot dishes, pastas, wood fired oven pizza and desserts in a smart dining environment. The restaurant also introduces a show kitchen within a Mediterranean-themed ambience.
Has your product been altered to suit Indian palates?
There has been some kind of customisation to cater to local needs and tastes. But otherwise, our salads and so forth are excellent and the same as you would get in Europe. However, we have priced the restaurant so that it remains accessible to the average customer with a meal per person being kept at Rs 300.
