Quiznos Expands into India

By: Quiznos | 0 Shares 151 Reads

Prominent Local Businessman Partners with Quiznos to Introduce Toasty Tastes to Southern India

DENVER --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quiznos, pioneer of the toasted sandwich and one of the nation's premier restaurant chains for subs, salads and soups, today announced that a master franchise agreement has been signed to open the first Quiznos location in India as part of the company's international development initiative. Current plans call for the development of five Quiznos locations in India by the end of the year, the first of which is planned to open in May 2011.

Quiznos awarded master franchising rights for Southern India, including Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai and Hyderabad, to Arjun Valluri, an experienced and successful franchisee who has brought a variety of restaurant concepts to southern India. With 15 Xtreme Sports Bar locations and 3 Caffe Latte concepts, Valluri brings business savvy and understanding of the local market to the partnership with Quiznos, and plans to open at least 40 Quiznos locations in India at an accelerated pace.

"At Quiznos, we are well-positioned for tremendous international expansion. With shifting demographics, a young upcoming population and a growing affinity toward international brands among Indian consumers, our entrance into India represents an especially exciting opportunity for investment and growth," said Lee Vala, International Chief Development Officer, Quiznos. "Mr. Valluri is an exceptional partner whose experience and expertise in the local market, combined with Quiznos unparalleled strategy for international growth and localization, will fuel Quiznos success in this rapidly emerging economy."

Store menus in India will feature Quiznos' signature toasted sandwiches and flatbread Sammies, as well as the chef-inspired salads, sides and desserts for which Quiznos is known. The menu will also feature some local customization, including new custom sauces and dressings reflecting the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine, Indian grains incorporated into the bread and a broader variety of vegetarian selections. The locations in India will also offer coffee and yogurt to round out the menu and provide a complete dining experience typical of local customer preferences.

"There is a strong customer preference toward hot food in India, and Quiznos toasted sandwiches and unmatched quality made the brand a clear and compelling fit for this market," said Valluri. "Quiznos is a well-known and respected brand and we have already received phenomenal response from individuals who want to own a Quiznos location in India. This speaks to the strength and success of the brand, and I am excited to help establish the foundation and continuation for Quiznos success in India."

Prior to his restaurant business ventures, Valluri served as founder and CEO of Intelligroup, Inc., providing systems integration and IT outsourcing services with more than 3,000 professional employees worldwide. Valluri has also received numerous awards including the NJ Fast 50 and Fast 500 Awards, NJ Entrepreneur of the Year, Var Business 500 Award and the Ronald Reagan Technology Award from the World Business Forum. He also has served as a strategic investor in several companies ranging in industries including software, consumer electronics, power and infrastructure as well as business processes.

Over the next few years, Quiznos plans to grow the brand's international footprint to more than 40 countries and territories, with target markets in Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. With a global rise in entrepreneurialism and many of the costs of entry at or near historic lows, Quiznos international expansion is designed to meet growing interest and demand from prospective master franchisees in both developed and emerging markets.

About Quiznos

Now in its 30th year, Denver-based Quiznos is a national chain designed for today's busy consumers who are looking for a tasty, freshly prepared alternative to traditional fast-food restaurants. Using premium ingredients, Quiznos restaurants offer creative, chef-inspired recipes for sandwiches, soups and salads.

CNN Money ranked toasty sub pioneer Quiznos as the No. 2 most popular franchise of the past decade in 2010. In 2009, Quiznos Toasty Torpedoes® earned a spot as one of the top 10 new product introductions from the Most Memorable New Product Launch Survey. Also in 2009, QSR Magazine ranked Quiznos No. 19 overall in its Top 50 Chains in system-wide sales. In October 2007, Quiznos was recognized for leading the QSR industry in wait time performance by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association's (MSPA) 2007 Wait Time Study. In May 2007, Zagat's consumer surveys listed Quiznos in the top 5 for Top Food, Top Facilities, Top Service and Top Overall, ahead of its direct competitors.

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