A senior executive at Chalu Aapna Desi Chinese, a restaurant chain based in Bhopal, has revealed plans to introduce a bistro concept within their establishments, featuring alcohol alongside its menu offerings. The designated space, dubbed Chalu Aapna Bistro, aims to accommodate more than 80 patrons. Initially, the bistro concept will roll out across Chalu Aapna Chinese outlets in Northern India, including cities such as Gurugram, Noida, Mohali, and Chandigarh, commencing in May.
Vibhanshu Mishra, the CEO and founder of the company, stated that they are in the final stages of acquiring soft liquor licenses, following which they will commence operations. The company has allocated an investment ranging from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore for the establishment of Chalu Aapna Bistro and anticipates a boost in its annual turnover by Rs 15-18 crore once the bistro is up and running.
The company, founded in 2020, operates various formats including Chalu Chinese with 98 stores, The Indian Momo Co. with 42 stores, and Wh-eat Burger with 18 stores. Within just 3.5 years, the chain has successfully launched a total of 158 outlets across all its brands. Remarkably, it claims to be the sole Indo-Chinese brand achieving such rapid expansion without relying on external funding.
IndiaRetailing was the first to disclose the brand’s intention for global expansion, aiming to inaugurate over 25 outlets in Canada. The first one is set to open in June at Trafalgar Crossing 2481 Taunton Road, Oakville, Ontario, with 24 additional outlets slated to follow by the end of 2025. Furthermore, the company has recently introduced three new outlets in Punjab, with intentions to establish around 15 more stores in the region.
Chalu Chinese’s brands directly rival those of established players in the niche such as Wow Momo!, which was founded in 2008 and offers similar formats like Wow! Chicken, Wow! China, and Wow! Momo.
While Chalu Aapna Chinese boasts a store count exceeding 158, Wow Momo! has a significantly larger total store count of over 650.
Regarding revenue growth, Chalu Aapna Desi Chinese, which is approximately four years old, generated a revenue of Rs 53 crore in the financial year (FY) 2023-2024.
Source : IndianRetailing
