Manchester United Food and Beverage (Asia) announced its partnership with Great Moments Hospitality,under which it will set up ten food outlets in the north India by 2010. Under the partnership,the hospitality arm of the world's richest sports club will set up its first outlet in Delhi by the end of this year. "We are the exclusive franchise partners for MUFB Asia in the north Indian market. Under the partnership,we plan to have at least ten outlets by 2010 with the first one coming up in Delhi," Great Moments Hospitality Director Rajan Madhu told reporters in New Delhi. Though he declined to comment on investment plans,he said it would be in excess of Rs 20-30 crore. GMH is targeting the NCR along with cities like Chandigarh,Ludhiana,Lucknow,Jaipur and Dehradun for setting up the stores. The company also runs F Bar & Lounge in Delhi. "English Premier League and Manchester United have a great fan following in a promising market like India. These outlets would combine the thrill of football with great food," he said. MUFB Asia has across outlets in Singapore,Indonesia,Bangkok,Korea and Japan. MUFB (Asia) Pte Ltd is a Singapore holding company that has exclusive rights by the Club to own,operate,franchise and develop a chain of Manchester United Restaurants & Bar concept in the Asia Pacific region. It has another outlet in Mumbai through a different franchisee. These outlets will have a huge video wall playing matches of the 120 year-old club as well as major sports events,pictures and memorabilia for the 'Red Devils',a phrase for the club's fans. Estimates show that India has over 50 million viewers of the English Premier League telecasts,with ManU probably as the most popular English club.
