In Guatemala, U.S. chain Denny's invested $2 million to open its second restaurant in a shopping mall in the municipality of Mixco.
The restaurant chain, managed by the company of Honduran Origin Specialized Foods, began operations in the country at the end of 2017, with the opening of a store with capacity for 185 people in Zone 9 of Guatemala City.
The US company Denny's has announced the opening of its first restaurant in Guatemala City, which will be operated by a company of Honduran origin called Comidas Especializadas.
From a press release by Denny´s:
SPARTANBURG, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Denny'sCorporation (NASDAQ:DENN), one of the world's largest full-service family dining chains, today announced the opening of its first restaurant in Guatemala located on Liberacion Blvd. near the airport. The new restaurant is owned and operated by Honduras-based franchisee, Comidas Especializadas S. de R.L., led by experienced franchisee Mr. Roberto Larach, an existing Denny’s franchise partner. This newest location in Guatemala marks the 13thcountry in Denny’s global portfolio.
In Guatemala and throughout Central America the opening of franchise restaurant chains continues to increase.
In the coming months 7 new franchise restaurants will open in Guatemala, including the return of the U.S. firm Dunkin Donuts. Currently there are 200 franchises operating nationwide restaurant, of which 75% are U.S. companies
The CEO of the Corporation of Franchises (Francorp), Jose Fernandez, told Siglo21.com.gt that Guatemala "has become fertile ground for the industry, with something for every taste and sector. Fernandez says brands have been found in the franchise model a safe route for expansion. "
The fast food chain Dairy Queen has announced it will open 15 stores in Guatemala.
In a press release, the company stated it has signed a franchise agreement with Grupo Buen Rollo, to open 15 stores by 2015.
According to plans, the first restaurant will be opened in Guatemala City in October 2011.
Dairy Queen is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and already has 11 stores in Panama, while Buen Rollo Group operates more than 60 food outlest in Central America, Mexico and Colombia.
The Guatemalan Italian food chain announced expansion plans for the second half of 2011 in Honduras and El Salvador.
Francisco Fajardo, manager of the franchise said that they are in the process of analyzing the logistics of supplying ingredients either by creating a distribution center in each country or by sending them from Guatemala.
"In some restaurants we will have a joint venture and in other we will work thorough a franchise program," Waleska Zimeri, marketing manager at Al Macarone, told Prensalibre.com.
With a $ 1.5 million investment, The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) opened its first restaurant.
The Guatemalan opening marks the entry of the U.S. chain, known for its pancakes, in Latin America.
"The 760 square meter restaurant can accommodate 288 people created 120 jobs and offers its famous pancakes, crepes, burgers, breakfasts and lunches," reported the article in Prensalibre.com.
US-based International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is one of those beginning operations in the country.
The expected growth for this year is similar to that seen in the previous two years.
Jose Fernandez, CEO of Francorp Guatemala, told Prensa Libre that among companies showing interest in entering the Guatemalan market "... are Colombian Velez and Mario Hernandez (leather), El Corral (burgers), Leña y Carbón (restaurant), while from Spain are mentioned Nisako (women accessories) and Cortefiel (boutique). From Brazil they expect the brand Track 1 shoes."
The Al Macarone chain has opened four new restaurants and expects to add another 13 by the end of the year.
Since beginning operations in 1977 the chain has inaugurated 62 restaurants, of which 11 operate as a franchise.
"We expect to have a total of 75 establishments by the end of 2010 and also start investing in the rest of the Central American isthmus using the franchise model," explained Francisco Farjardo, Al Macarone's head of franchise operations, to Elperiodico.com.gt.
The Guatemalan restaurant chain opened its first U.S. location in the South Beach area of Miami, Florida.
Created in 2001, the company serves quickly prepared meals, specializing in tacos.
It invested over $500.000 in its 400-m2 restaurant, which can accommodate 168 guests.
Eduardo Marroquín, marketing manager, told newspaper La Prensa Libre that they plan to extend to other Central American nations and South America in the medium term.
After a $3.5 million investment, the Guatemalan chain opened its first restaurant in Panama.
The chain now has 5 restaurants in Guatemala, one in El Salvador, and the one recently opened in Panama.
For their regional expansion, Hacienda Real has implemented a franchising scheme.
According to newspaper Prensalibre.com, the restaurant can serve 250 customers, and features several private rooms, for entrepreneurs to hold business meetings.
The brand's first restaurant in Central America is located in Guatemala City and will be opened to the public on February 3rd.
Grupo Tre Fratelli, owner of the franchise, plans to open two additional restaurants in Guatemala and to expand to Central America.
Ricardo Barnoya, from the company, told Prensa Libre that "the first restaurant will be located in Plaza Fontabella, Zona 10 ... it will serve 120 people with 40 tables ...".
The new restaurant of the fast food chain is located in the food court of Ambience Mall, in new Delhi.
This is Campero's first location in India, where it plans to open an additional 54 in the next five year.
"In order to set up in New Delhi, Campero had to strike a deal with Lite Bite Foods, one of the leading operators of the Indian fast food industry", reported Prensalibre.com.