Vasantha Bhavan to set foot in Mumbai

Chennai, Jun 22 (UNI) City-based Vasantha Bhavan Group of Hotels is setting up a hotel in Mumbai shortly offering delectable South Indian dishes, including the famous 'idly sambar,' its Managing Director M Ravi has said.

Announcing the launch of the Rs 14-crore''Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan'' outlet, the ninth in the city, last night, Mr Ravi told newsmen the eight hotels catered to 40,000 customers every day.

''Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan'' chain had been pampering taste buds since 1974 with restaurants at Egmore, Tambaram, Mylapore, Vadapalani and Nungambakkam among others, here and in the USA, Dubai and Sri Lanka.

The outlets in the USA, Dubai and Sri Lanka were run on franchise model while a second restaurant in the Middle East nation was operated by the company itself.

The group planned to increase its global footprint by opening restaurants at Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The hotel chain reported 15 to 20 per cent growth in turnover every year with the revenues for 2005-06 standing at Rs 25 crore against Rs 20 crore the previous year.

Group Director Swarnalatha Ravi claimed the new restaurant was South India's biggest vegetarian outlet spread on a sprawling 33,000 sq ft area with an exclusive kids play area with a capacity to house 350 children.

A drive-in restaurant will be opened in about 20 days in the complex with a parking capacity for 70 cars. The new branch was decorated in an elaborate manner with a desired mix of sophistication and fun.

The 'Namma Veedu' concept aimed at creating splendid home-like fine dining experience serving authentic South Indian cusine and a variety of other fare at affordable prices, she added.

To a question, Ms Ravi said the restaurant had a special place for children in its scheme of operations so much so it had introduced 'Chocolate Dosa' for the first time in the city to attract them.

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