The Rapidly Expanding Indian Fast Casual Plots First SoCal Stores in San Diego & Orange Counties
On the heels of finalizing coast-to-coast franchise deals earlier this month, Curry Up Now, the largest and fastest growing Indian fast casual concept in the nation, has announced an additional multi-unit deal that will expand the innovative Indian concept to Southern California and further penetrate the brand’s entire home state. The franchisees, an experienced food franchising group, are looking to bring several Curry Up Now locations throughout San Diego County, Orange County, and Northern California, and are projecting at least one store opening in each aforementioned market before year’s end. This expansive California deal, along with the multi-unit franchise deal inked for Sacramento in early April, will make Curry Up Now pervasive and accessible in major markets spanning the entire length of California.
The four franchise group partners are second generation multi-concept operators for various quick-service concepts, including Arby’s and Church’s Chicken among others, and have been in the food franchise business for over 20 years. The group bought rights across Southern California, and have sights set on growing Curry Up Now’s reach to include the entire Golden State.
“We’ve always had an affinity for Curry Up Now’s brand and innovative Indian menu, so when we found out they had begun franchising, we jumped on the opportunity to bring their unique concept and flavors to people throughout California,” said Vishal Chopra, one of the franchise group partners. “We live in a time where ethnic cuisine is moving from the fringe into the mainstream, and people are more willing to try different foods. Guests also want quick and easy options, and Curry Up Now marries both of those key needs into one concept.”
Experts in the hospitality industry project that Indian food will continue to be the fastest growing ethnic food segment in the U.S., making room for Curry Up Now to solidify its position as the largest and fastest growing Indian fast casual restaurant in the nation. In the last six months alone, Curry Up Now has been recognized by a number of the industry’s top publications for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine and position to grow in the marketplace. The concept was featured in QSR’s ‘40 Under 40,’ Fast Casual’s ‘Top 100’ list of movers & shakers, and named a ‘2018 Breakout Brand’ by Nation’s Restaurant News.
Founded in 2009 by husband and wife duo, Akash and Rana Kapoor, and Senior VP of Operations and Co-Founder Amir Hosseini, Curry Up Now takes traditional Indian flavors and presents them in a friendly, recognizable format. Their menu fan-favorites include the iconic Tikka Masala Burrito, Deconstructed Samosa, Sexy Fries, and Naughty Naan; traditional items such as Kathi Rolls, Biryani, and Thali Platters; and Indian street food offerings like Pani Puri, Samosas, Bhel Puri, and Papdi Chaat. Not only does the menu feature innovative dishes, but the concept prides itself on offering all-natural, never frozen, gluten-free curries, chutneys and sauces; cage-free eggs; local, organic produce and dairy products; and protein options that are halal, naturally raised, and free of antibiotics and hormones. To accommodate all guests, no matter their dietary preferences, Curry Up Now offers a wide array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items on the menu.
Curry Up Now is partnered with Fransmart, the industry-leading franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries, The Halal Guys, and Qdoba Mexican Grill, as their exclusive franchise development partner to grow the brand. The concept is currently looking for experienced multi-unit foodservice operators to develop franchise territories in top 40 major media markets across the U.S. To learn more about franchising opportunities with Curry Up Now, visit http://go.fransmart.com/CurryUpNowApply.
Curry Up Now was established in 2009 by Akash Kapoor and his wife Rana, and ably supported by co-founder and now Senior VP of Operations, Amir Hosseini. The concept, which is known for its innovative spin on traditional Indian cuisine, has been recognized in publications such as Zagat: ‘5 Hottest Fast-Casual Chains,’ EATER SF: ‘SF’s Best Indian Restaurants,’ 7×7: ‘100 Things To Eat Before You Die,’ QSR: ‘40 Under 40,’ Fast Casual: ‘Top 100’ movers & shakers, and Nation’s Restaurant News: ‘2018 Breakout Brand.’ Curry Up Now currently operates six brick-and-mortar locations in San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, Oakland, Palo Alto, and Alameda, as well as four food trucks rolling under the same name. For more information about Curry Up Now, visit www.curryupnow.com.
Fransmart is the global leader in franchise development, turning emerging restaurant concepts into national and global brands for over 10 years. Company founder Dan Rowe identified and grew brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill from 1-5 unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. Fransmart’s current and past franchise development portfolio brands have opened more than 3,000 restaurants in 45 states and 35 countries. Fransmart and their partner brands are committed to franchise development growth—as of 2015, over 1,000 new restaurants are in development across their current portfolio.
