McD’s New Town outlet opens after change in franchise ownership

McDonald’s has reopened its outlet at City Centre II after a change in ownership of the franchise, setting the ball rolling for other outlets in the state to resume business.

The eight outlets in Kolkata and Durgapur remained shut from the first week of May this year when the transition of ownership commenced. Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL), the franchise is now wholly owned by McDonald’s India. CPRL was earlier owned by Vikram Bakshi. The first McDonald’s outlet in Kolkata, which was opened in 2006 in Park Street, remains shut.

McD’s New Town outlet opens after a change in franchise ownership On May 9, in an out-of-court settlement, the US-based fast-food major took over the ownership of CPRL by buying out the stake of Bakshi in CPRL, which operated a chain of McDonald's restaurants in north and east India. The company, however, did not disclose financial details of the settlement.

“We are thrilled to have started the re-opening process and look forward to serving our customers a more authentic McDonald’s experience,” said Rob Hunghanfoo, head of CPRL in a statement published by the company. “Our CPRL teams have been fully focused on the work needed to prepare the restaurants over the past few weeks, and these openings are the result of their dedication, collaboration, and professionalism.”

CPRL will reopen more outlets in Kolkata and Durgapur in the coming weeks. “Guests visiting our renovated and refurbished outlets will experience an enhanced service experience with more customized hospitality, an all-new menu and merchandising,” said an official.

Trouble was brewing between the two partners for the past few years, leading to the closure of outlets in the city several times over inadequate supply of provisions. “It was arising due to issues with our local partner. But with McDonald’s now owning the India business itself, customers will not get any opportunity to complain. We are constantly working to improve our services.”

The fast-food chain will, however, take some more time to resume delivery, organize birthday parties and introduce happy meals till more outlets are up and running.

Several regulars to the eatery who were disappointed after they found McDonald’s shut were happy to hear the news. “I was missing the Maharaja Veg and McAloo Tikki from McDonald’s. I was a regular to the Mani Square outlet. I am happy it is reopening,” said Aditi Gulati, a resident of Salt Lake.

Source:-https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/food-services/mcds-new-town-outlet-opens-after-change-in-franchise-ownership/70301849