International specialty casual dining restaurant chain Manhattan Fish Market has launched its first outlet in the country in Chennai.

Jumbo Seafoods Pvt Ltd, the master franchisee of the Malaysian restaurant brand, plans to take the brand to at least another 10 cities in the country through sub-franchising.

The 140-seat restaurant will serve predominantly seafood, said M Shafraz Anees, Managing Director of Jumbo Seafoods. “However, as we go forward, we will gradually step up our vegetarian offerings to at least 20-25 per cent.” There was a big gap in the market which offers good quality seafood either at a very high price or very cheap and not-so-hygienic restaurants, “And hence we positioned our restaurant at the right place where it offers good food at affordable price points,” he said. A three-course meal will cost ₹650 here, he added. It serves fish in flamed, poached, grilled, fried and baked forms in American-styled cuisine.

The brand name (Manhattan) is the influence of the famous Fulton Fish Market in Manhattan, and the restaurant has 60 outlets in Asia and the Middle East.

The Indian master franchisee also owns the franchise rights for Sri Lanka and Maldives. “We have two restaurants in Sri Lanka, and are in the process of expanding there as well,” Anees said.

Published on May 6, 2015