He calls himself a “Bengali Marwari” and takes pride in giving Calcutta F&B “firsts” like Chili’s and Subway. This time Rishi Bajoria brings home American brands Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s. A t2 chat. 

What makes Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s special? 

Both are global leaders in their respective world segments. Combined, Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s have more than 2,200 outlets in over 55 countries in the world. They came to Delhi early in 2014, and when I saw people are loving it, I was keen on bringing it to Calcutta. 

Subway (2005), Chili’s (2013) and now Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s. How do you pick your brands? 

I want to bring in brands that give you a first-time experience. I like to pick brands that are market leaders in their respective product segments. There is no brand bigger than Subway in the submarine sandwich segment. Talk about Tex-Mex, Chili’s is the largest. Pick cinnamon rolls, there’s nothing even near to Cinnabon in the world....  

How do you decide when to bring in which brand?

Well, maybe, if I had thought of Cinnabon 10 years back, it would not have been a good decision. At that time, the brands didn’t want to come to India, forget eastern India. Now they think the market has matured. 

So Calcutta is ready for cinnamon rolls and flavoured pretzels?

Well, cinnamon rolls and pretzels are something you need to experience to appreciate. Of course, people who are well-travelled would know the brands. For the masses, we will need to educate them.

Mall or high street?

I think the culture is surely moving to malls. A person gets the best of all worlds inside a mall. That does not mean that high street outlets won’t work. For Chili’s, the biggest challenge was the ceiling height, the minimum requirement was 13ft. Unfortunately, leaving the old buildings on Park Street, no new building could give us that height. Today, if I get a nice location on Park Street with suitable rent, we are ready to open. The core business at brands like Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s comes from impulse buying and that happens where there is high footfall. Few people would make a plan to go and eat at a Cinnabon or Auntie Anne’s. So opening in a mall is a no-brainer. 

Why Acropolis?

Since it was an upcoming mall, they wanted a new brand. They are getting the first Cinepolis here. So the deal clicked for us. I have very high expectations from this mall. Some people say that it may compete with the target groups of partly Quest and partly South City, but I feel this mall has its own catchment area and clientele. We are also in talks with other malls, and very soon should be opening in other parts of the city. 

When will Chili’s open in Acropolis?

Well, very soon… before Christmas for sure. This Chili’s is going to be an aesthetic marvel.
 
Where do you usually eat out?

Chinoiserie at Taj Bengal and Yauatcha (at Quest). I am more of an Oriental food person... I love Tangra Chinese also. Golden Joy is where I go. I would eat Oriental eight out of 10 times.
 
Do we sniff a global Oriental brand coming in?

Haha… may be… just wait for my next brand acquisition! 

Step out of the elevator on the third floor of Acropolis mall, on the Kasba Connector, and the waft of freshly-baked goodies will floor you. Follow the scent until you spot the takeaway counters of Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s — the US-based chains of “the world’s most popular” cinnamon rolls and pretty pretzels — right next to the Cinepolis multiplex that’s on its way in.

From here on, your eyes will take over as you scan through the large glass cases where nestle the baked delights. Watch how the team’s expert hands deftly mix flours, knead doughs, dust frostings and plate your order. Then begins the party on your palate as you bite into the warm and gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll. First-timer? Do try the Cinnabon Classic. 

Move on to the pretzel counter — for the soft delicious dough, twisted and baked to a golden brown. Try the inviting entourage of dips — caramel, cream cheese, chocolate, Cheddar cheese, plain salsa — and end it with a chilled lemonade or a cup of coffee or tea. 

Psst: t2 tried the Mochalata Chill and loved it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s a cinnamon roll?

Flour, cinnamon, sugar and butter are kneaded by Cinnabon chefs and then rolled out and baked. The result? A sweet surprise with a robust fragrance... fresh from the oven. Top them with a variety of flavoured frostings to keep the ‘umm’ quotient right up there. 

 

 

 

Cinnabon & Auntie Anne’s Bestseller and personal fave: The Cinnabon Classic and salted pretzel nuggets, with a cappuccino
Subway Bestseller: The Veggie Delight sub
Personal fave: Roasted chicken breast with double meat of turkey Chili’s
Bestseller: Triple Dipper 
Personal fave: Grilled Chicken Breasts

Pictures: B. Halder
Which American food chain do you want in Calcutta? Tell t2@abp.in