GFA to double outlet total in five years

       Global Franchise Architects (GFA), the Swiss owner of Coffee World and other food and beverage chains, is set to double its business size to 200 outlets by 2013.
       About half the additional outlets will belong to Coffee World, with the rest under its six diversified brands: The Cream & Fudge Factory, Pizza Corner,New York 5th Avenue Deli, The Donut Baker, Juisomania and Conizza. Each outlet will require an investment of 2-6 million baht, depending on store size.Each will create six to 10 new jobs.
       "We currently have the capability to open at least 10 outlets per month, which would double our size in one year. We are confident of moving faster than in the past because our people, product variety, factories and IT solutions are all ready. However, our biggest challenge is to find good locations," said Fred Mouawad, the company's chairman and CEO.
       Coffee World is the only chain to have its own coffee roasting factory in Thailand.
       Mr Mouawad wants to speed its expansion from next year because he is optimistic the economy will improve slightly and inquiries from potential franchisees have increased. The downturn has not hit the food business too hard because people still have to eat, he said.
       To attract investors, the company has cut the franchisee fee for food and beverage brands by 20% until the year-end.
       GFA operates 105 outlets nationwide.About 75% are company-owned and the rest franchised. In the near future, the ratio will slide to 60:40.
       Sales are not expected to grow this year, for the first time in 12 years in Thailand, because of the tourism slump.
       Mr Mouawad aims to counter this with more local promotion and lowerpriced products.
       GFA plans to introduce its new coffee outlet format serving a full range of bakery items at CentralWorld in the coming months. The company will spend 6 million baht for this new outlet.
       GFA operates 210 stores under nine food and beverage brands in 10 countries.Thailand is its biggest market with 105 outlets, followed by India with 75. The rest are in Vietnam, Indonesia, Dubai,Bangladesh and Oman.