Marugame Udon signs UK master franchise agreement with Karali Group to accelerate growth: Marugame Udon, the international udon noodles and tempura restaurant brand has signed a UK master franchise agreement with Karali Group to accelerate the brand’s growth across the UK and Ireland. Under the new partnership, Karali Group will lead the development of new Marugame Udon restaurants and has acquired and assumed operation of the existing estate, transitioning the brand from corporate-owned to a fully franchised model. Karali Group has a long-term track record in multi-brand franchising and owning and operating hospitality brands in the UK and US markets. Karim Janmohamed, who leads Karali Group with Salim Janmohamed, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark partnership with Marugame Udon and the acquisition of such a fantastic estate of restaurants. We look forward to continuing to create incredible guest and team member experiences as we grow the brand and welcome them all to the Karali family.” A spokesperson for Toridoll Holdings Corporation, the global parent company of Marugame Udon, said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for Marugame Udon in the UK and Ireland, reinforcing our commitment to delivering freshly made Japanese udon and tempura to even more guests. By transitioning to a fully franchised model, the brand is well-positioned for sustainable, long-term growth under the leadership of Karali Group.” Victor Misawa, president of Marugame Udon International, said: "Since introducing Marugame Udon to the UK in 2021, we have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from customers. Today, Marugame Udon proudly serves thousands of udon lovers every day, each bowl prepared fresh in our lively open kitchens. With nine restaurants now open, we’re thrilled to partner with Karali Group to bring our brand to even more communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing team members, partners, and customers. This is just the beginning of an exciting new era for Marugame Udon.” A carefully managed transition is underway to ensure continuity for both customers and team members. Sam McIntyre, interim chief executive and finance director, will support the handover before moving to a new leadership role with Marugame Udon USA. Karali Group is a diversified, multinational hospitality and real estate platform operating franchises in the fast-food, casual dining and hospitality sectors. The company previously operated 74 Burger King restaurants, which were acquired by Burger King UK in October 2022. Last year, Karali Group paid a total consideration of £3.5m to acquire 46 Taco Bell sites out of administration, becoming one of the biggest Taco Bell franchisees in the UK in the process. Karali Group also owns Crosstown, the artisan doughnut and specialty coffee brand. Karali Group features in the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database, which is sent exclusively to Premium Club subscribers. Another 50 companies are being added to the database that will be released next Wednesday (9 April), taking the total to 240 businesses. The database, which is sent bi-monthly, is the first time that profiles of the top food and beverage franchisees have been available in one place in the UK. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Pret A Manger opens first full-service dine-in store: Pret A Manger has launched its first full-service dine-in store globally, in India. Located in Pune at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, the 989 square-foot site offers guests the brand’s first global sit-down dining experience. The menu includes chicken super club sandwich, four-berry chia bowl, Pret pickle sandwich, chicken sausage and egg croissant sandwich, and fajita cottage cheese hot wrap – all made fresh. Pret chief executive Pano Christou said: “India has reimagined Pret in a way we have never seen before. The country’s rich tradition of dining together has inspired us to introduce our first full-service concept – one that brings people together over fresh, high-quality food, served at their table. We are committed to bringing our signature Pret experience to more customers, blending global flavours with local tastes in a way that feels both familiar and new.” Pret launched in India in partnership with Reliance Brands, which said: “Pune’s vibrant food scene and growing base of young professionals make it an ideal location for Pret’s innovative venture. Given the notable increase in dining out among young consumers, Pret’s commitment to freshly prepared, nutritious meals position it well to meet the evolving demands of India's young patrons.” Last April, Reliance opened its first Pret site at Maker Maxity in Mumbai. Reliance has since grown to operate stores across cities including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Bengaluru. Pret currently operates nearly 700 locations worldwide.