BEST WISHES FROM
-Kavitha (cbedit@imaws.org)
Twenty years ago, Sandwich Express began as a small hand cart on the bustling streets of Pune. Today, it’s a thriving brand with 13 outlets across the city, winning over food lovers with its 18 varieties of sandwiches and five unique snacks. The journey has been remarkable, fuelled by a vision to become Pune’s leading sandwich maker by offering innovative, delicious, and nutritious grilled sandwiches. The goal? To serve fresh, quality food that appeals to everyone, from students and busy professionals to women and families, all under the guiding slogan: “Healthy & Tasty.”
Vision and Growth
Mahantesh Gurubhetti, Founder and Director, Sandwich Express has ambitious plans for Sandwich Express. “In five years, we want to create 100 entrepreneurs who run our Sandwich Express franchises,” he shares. “We are striving to generate over 1,000 jobs through our expansion.” In the next two years, the company aims to open over 30 outlets in Pune, and within five to ten years, they plan to establish more than 100 outlets across India. The ultimate goal is to scale the brand nationally, bringing the legacy of Sandwich Express to new cities and states, all while maintaining the core values of quality and taste.
Overcoming Hurdles with Strategic Solutions
While Sandwich Express’s growth story is inspiring, it has not been without its hurdles. The Indian food service sector, including Sandwich Express, grapples with a severe shortage of skilled manpower—a challenge expected to worsen, with a projected gap of over 3 million skilled workers by 2025. To counter this, Sandwich Express has adopted a proactive approach by investing in employee training programs and creating a supportive work environment to retain talent. Maintaining consistency in taste across multiple outlets has also been a critical challenge. Sandwich Express has tackled this by implementing central kitchens, where core ingredients are standardized and distributed to each outlet, ensuring every sandwich delivers the same high-quality experience, regardless of location. By addressing these challenges head-on, Sandwich Express is not just navigating obstacles but turning them into opportunities for operational excellence and brand consistency.
Learning from Industry Experts
To further refine their operations, Sandwich Express is incorporating lessons learned from industry experts and business coaches over the past five years. Key areas of focus include expanding restaurant operations, optimizing the quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain system, and improving supply chain management, especially when dealing with perishable food. The QSR market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23% from 2021 to 2025, driven by changing consumer preferences and increased demand for quick, convenient food options. “We’ve developed solutions for these challenges,” Gurubhetti explains, “and we’re eager to implement them in our expansion strategy. Our plan includes setting up central kitchens in every state to ensure uniformity and quality.”
Trends Shaping the Future of Sandwich Express
- Growing Demand for Healthy and Tasty Food: Urban, cosmopolitan consumers are increasingly seeking nutritious yet delicious options. According to a report by Euromonitor, the healthy food market in India is expected to grow by over 20% annually as consumers become more health-conscious. Sandwich Express plans to meet this demand by incorporating protein sources like soya and paneer, along with a variety of vegetables and multi-grain bread into their menu offerings.
- Rise of Quick Bites Among Busy Professionals: Office goers and those with hectic schedules are looking for quick, healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. The demand for convenient food options has been rising, with the QSR market contributing nearly 50% of India’s food service industry’s growth. Sandwich Express aims to cater to this audience by offering an array of sandwiches and salads that are both convenient and satisfying.
- Experimentation with New Food Categories: The market is seeing a surge in innovative products like soya chaap and momos. The ready-to-eat segment in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% by 2025, reflecting consumer interest in diverse, easy-to-prepare foods. Sandwich Express is poised to tap into this trend by experimenting with diverse, trendy menu items that resonate with adventurous foodies.
Pune’s Dynamic Food Scene
With the city’s population expected to grow by 20% by 2025, the demand for accessible and quality dining options is on the rise. Gurubhetti sees a significant opportunity for food businesses that can deliver quality and consistency. “There is a huge chance of success for those who cater to the evolving tastes of the public while maintaining high standards,” he notes. This optimistic outlook aligns with Sandwich Express’s commitment to continuously refine its offerings to meet the demands of Pune’s diverse and discerning population.
Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs
For those looking to make their mark in the food industry, Gurubhetti offers candid advice. “You need to be a good cook and understand how ingredients work together before starting a food business,” he says. “It’s not just about managing a business; sometimes, you have to be ready to step in and cook if needed, especially when staffing is tight.” His message emphasizes the importance of versatility, resilience, and a hands-on approach. “Learning, constant experimentation, and innovation are essential. You must be capable of handling at least half of your business operations on your own.”
The Long-Term Vision
As Sandwich Express looks to the future, Gurubhetti remains focused on maintaining the brand’s core principles. “We want to continue our 20-year legacy of consistency and quality across India,” he says. “Our goal is to keep serving the best, tastiest, and healthiest sandwiches to everyone, no matter where they are.” With plans to open 100+ outlets nationwide and create opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment, Sandwich Express is not just expanding its footprint; it’s setting new standards in the QSR industry.
On their way to transform India’s Culinary Scene
Sandwich Express’s journey is not just about scaling its business—it’s about redefining the standards of quick-service dining in India. By embracing challenges and investing in innovation, the brand has positioned itself as a leader in delivering not just food but an experience that prioritizes quality and customer loyalty. Beyond expansion, Sandwich Express is committed to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through its franchise model, creating a ripple effect of opportunities across the country. Gurubhetti’s vision extends beyond the brand’s success; it’s about shaping a resilient food service ecosystem where passion, strategic thinking, and adaptability drive industry-wide transformation.
