Resturants, Cafe, Retail and Lesiure - Page 6

FK · January 2nd, 2007, 06:17 PM

Tim Hortons is reluctant in opening its stores in the US I dont think their even thinking about Pakistan right now!

We have A&W and Subway already in Pakistan.

Taco Bell, Burger King and such will only open in Pakistan if McDonalds stops its monopoly.

siamu maharaj · January 2nd, 2007, 07:02 PM

A&W closed in Karachi long ago. Is it still in any other city?

And you make it sound like McD's is responsible for its monopoly. The kind of people we are, as soon as any other big name would come, people would change their allegiances. Moreover, McD's doesn't have a monopoly really. KFC is right up there with it. Probably has more outlets, too.

FK · January 3rd, 2007, 05:56 AM

KFC is there because its lineup is totally different from what McDonalds offers, its (McDonalds) major competitor would be Burger King which hasnt invested in Pakistan for over 10 years or so, so either blame Burger King or McDonalds.

As far as I recall McDonalds had some investment conditions like allowing it a free market (without any competitors) for 5 years or so..

Maybe a rumour but then again why hasnt any other competitor invested then?

siamu maharaj · January 3rd, 2007, 07:13 PM

My understanding is that the market "ain't big enough for the two of them". I don't know how old these figures are, but I do remember hearing that McD's (and KFC's) most outlets run at a loss. I'll get the right figures in a few days since I work on KFC. I do agree, however, that KFC and McD's aren't exactly competitors.

The only international chain that's really minting money in Pakistan is Pizza Hut.

UnitedPakistan · January 3rd, 2007, 09:15 PM

Are you sure about those absurd claims? Operating at a loss? Take a look at the amount of people that go to these outlets. Pizza Hut probably is the worst as it has failed in both Lahore and Multan. In Multan they got slaughtered!!!

moved_on · January 3rd, 2007, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnitedPakistan

Are you sure about those absurd claims? Operating at a loss? Take a look at the amount of people that go to these outlets. Pizza Hut probably is the worst as it has failed in both Lahore and Multan. In Multan they got slaughtered!!!

Pizza Hut is a succes story in Karachi, all outlets are jam packed. Each time I visit Pakistan, halal pizza attrcats me to Pizza Huts. Man, it is always after midnight in karachi. Last year we were at University Road, the place was still buszzing at 230 in the morning.

If you want to be served earlier, wait for 2 hours.

moved_on · January 3rd, 2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FahadKhan

Tim Hortons is reluctant in opening its stores in the US I dont think their even thinking about Pakistan right now!

We have A&W and Subway already in Pakistan.

Taco Bell, Burger King and such will only open in Pakistan if McDonalds stops its monopoly.

Tim Hortons is in Michigan big time.

They are also in Kandahar as per CBC.

UnitedPakistan · January 3rd, 2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moved_on

Pizza Hut is a succes story in Karachi, all outlets are jam packed. Each time I visit Pakistan, halal pizza attrcats me to Pizza Huts. Man, it is always after midnight in karachi. Last year we were at University Road, the place was still buszzing at 230 in the morning.

If you want to be served earlier, wait for 2 hours.

But seriously, they got SLAUGHTERED in both Multan and Lahore. In Multan they are completely EMPTY! In Lahore it was slightly better as I went to the best one in Lahore at Johar Town.

cntower · January 3rd, 2007, 11:08 PM

All I know is that if Tim Hortons goes to Murree...it will be a blowout...

BTW Burger King opened in Lahore too, but they closed it down less than 2 months later...bad business? Nope...it's actually TOO small to handle everyone so they're expanding it...

Pakiz Gone Wild...

Oh and Taco Bell would honestly work very easily in Pakistan...I'm so surprised why they still haven't showed up...

huit · January 4th, 2007, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnitedPakistan

But seriously, they got SLAUGHTERED in both Multan and Lahore. In Multan they are completely EMPTY! In Lahore it was slightly better as I went to the best one in Lahore at Johar Town.

I get the feeling we don't visit/live in the same Lahore! Pizza Hut, as far as I know, is a major success in Lahore! And that branch in Johar Town is even worse than the one on Mall Road. The one on MM Alam Road ranks #1 and the one in DHA is a close second in the list of best branches.

huit · January 4th, 2007, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cntower

All I know is that if Tim Hortons goes to Murree...it will be a blowout...

BTW Burger King opened in Lahore too, but they closed it down less than 2 months later...bad business? Nope...it's actually TOO small to handle everyone so they're expanding it...

Pakiz Gone Wild...

Oh and Taco Bell would honestly work very easily in Pakistan...I'm so surprised why they still haven't showed up...

Burger King never opened in Lahore! perhaps you're confusing it with some unknown desi thaila by the name King Burger

UnitedPakistan · January 4th, 2007, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huit

I get the feeling we don't visit/live in the same Lahore! Pizza Hut, as far as I know, is a major success in Lahore! And that branch in Johar Town is even worse than the one on Mall Road. The one on MM Alam Road ranks #1 and the one in DHA is a close second in the list of best branches.

The branch in Johar town is great compared to the one in M.M Alam road. The one in Johar town is very well done but I havent been to the one on Mall Road. Where specifically is the one on Mall road?

Assan Jaana Mall-o-Mall!

FK · January 4th, 2007, 05:32 AM

Pizza Hut has been a great success, I live near the Shaheed-i-millat one and it is packed every weekend, even on weekdays to be honest ..

KFC totally sucks because their chicken has no taste at all, notice this when you eat their Zinger burger, the chicken is totally tasteless! and they put so much Mayo in there that I felt like vomiting ..

McDonalds is alright but a bit pricey (Rs 90 for a burger?) while I think its Rs 150 for a deal? Dont remember the exact prices ...

I would love to have Burger King here, just for the sake of change and competition, Taco Bell might actually work if they bring it here ..

And not to mention Fudruckers and TGI (It closed down for some reason)

UnitedPakistan · January 4th, 2007, 05:36 AM

KFC is doing really well! Even the one on Multan road by Thokar is doing well!

FUDDRUCKERS ZINDABAAAD

siamu maharaj · January 4th, 2007, 06:55 PM

Pizza Hut in Karachi is a success, but their quality's gone down badly. Its Boat Basin branch is the most profitable Pizza Hut in the whole of Asia. As for the loss-making outlets, it was true at a point, KFC even closed some of their outlets. Most of McD's and KFC's outlets aren't jam-packed. But yeah, I think all their branches are at least breaking even, and the others making huge profits. Give me a day or two, I'll get the actual figures, I've just been very busy lately. As for the prices, KFC and McD usually match each other. In quality, McD leaves KFC in the dust.

moved_on · January 5th, 2007, 02:53 AM

Nando's is another success story in Karachi, the outlests I have been to are Tariq Rd, Clifton and North Nazimabad by the Largess restaurent. Their peri peri sauce is the best, I still visit those here as well.

JADI · January 9th, 2007, 12:57 PM

The Italian magic

By Saima Shakil Hussain

To a passer-by, Café Barbera would appear to be just another new coffee outlet on busy Zamzama Avenue. However, open the door, step inside and discover that it is no ordinary coffee that is served here. In each cup there is a dollop of Italian magic and the essence of history.

The Barbera coffee tradition dates back to 1870 when Domenico Barbera, the owner of a small store selling colonial products and tobacco, took to roasting coffee in a small roaster on the pavement outside his shop in Messina. Grateful customers soon were hailing him as ‘Domenico the magician’. Domenico’s son and grandson developed the coffee tradition further, with the first Barbera café being established in Sicily and soon its coffee was available all over Italy.

Carmelo, Domenico’s great grandson, earned a Masters in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University and he established the first coffee laboratory in Italy. The family tradition is now an international franchise under the care of the fifth generation of Barberas.

After the success of two outlets in Dubai, the franchise has expanded further east into the port city of Karachi which is home to a growing number of coffee aficionados. The staff here is knowledgeable and coffee menu varied to satisfy the demands of even the choosiest coffee drinker. Ask for a strong cappuccino and that is exactly what you will get. Extra froth is not a problem either. The cold coffees are icy cold.

Meanwhile, those who want to try something a little different are in for a treat. For Barbera’s unique ‘Fantasy’ coffees are rightly advertised as ‘hot and cold, eat and drink’. It is a heavenly concoction of espresso, chilled frothy milk, and choice of chocolate, caramel or hazelnut syrup. It’s both coffee and dessert and a beautiful work of art to boot.

Not so beautiful is the price list. More expensive than most other cafes, the price of entrées and desserts available here are more at par with the prices at higher-end restaurants. There is no doubt that the quality of food and service is better than good and one eagerly looks forward to another visit, but quite frankly, one’s wallet does not feel the same way.

One’s taste buds, however, are a different story altogether. They have found themselves a permanent home thanks to the various sandwiches, pasta dishes, steak, chicken and fish entrées created here in a distinctly Italian style.

The Carpaccio, that is paper thin slices of raw beef marinated and then dressed with pesto, lots of garlic and parmesan cheese, is the perfect way to whet the appetite. The Fettuccine Alfredo, which is the true test of any restaurant claiming to serve Italian cuisine, also passed with flying colours.

The pasta is tender, the sauce is not too runny and the pieces of grilled chicken are juicy and tender. Worthy of special mention is the garlic bread that accompanied the pasta entrée. Unlike the garlic bread served at most other eateries it is not hard or dry, the secret lies it seems in the special blend of flour made according to precise specification.

Unfortunately the Quesadilla Italiano does not fare as well. While neither the filling featuring cheese and chicken nor the accompanying fresh salsa garnered any complaints, the flour tortilla that is the base for the quesadilla is quite oily and therefore suspiciously paratha-like in appearance. Likewise, the Caesar salad featuring grilled chicken is generously proportioned and enveloped in thick creamy dressing but finding iceberg lettuce instead of the traditional romaine take something away from an otherwise pleasant experience.

Everything is forgotten when the cheesecake comes out. Made with real Philadelphia cream cheese rather than the yoghurt blend used in most local bakeries, the cheesecake served here is said to be imported. The nation’s trade deficit is temporarily forgotten as one glories in the smooth creaminess of real cheesecake topped with strawberry sauce (chocolate sauce is the other option). The perfect end to an evening touched by ‘the magic of Italy’.

Source: Review, DAWN

http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/review14.htm

vc15nets · January 9th, 2007, 11:28 PM

Timmys rules! I think Tim Hortons puts Starbucks out of competition whether its the price or just how good the stuff is. And look at the variety....from subs to even chilli!

The thing that puts me off about Starbucks is the strong smell of coffee that blasts in your face as you open the door and step in. Nothing else in the world gives me a headache quicker than that.

moved_on · January 10th, 2007, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vc15nets

Timmys rules! I think Tim Hortons puts Starbucks out of competition whether its the price or just how good the stuff is. And look at the variety....from subs to even chilli!

The thing that puts me off about Starbucks is the strong smell of coffee that blasts in your face as you open the door and step in. Nothing else in the world gives me a headache quicker than that.

What puts me off is their sattar bux attitude and high prices. $3.5 for coffee, give me a break.

FK · January 11th, 2007, 02:51 AM

$3.5?, a small coffee at Tim Horton costs C$1.50 !

January 3rd, 2007, 09:15 PM	#105
UnitedPakistan Musharraf Ka Danda! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: I represent every city of Pakistan Posts: 9,931 Likes (Received): 40	Are you sure about those absurd claims? Operating at a loss? Take a look at the amount of people that go to these outlets. Pizza Hut probably is the worst as it has failed in both Lahore and Multan. In Multan they got slaughtered!!! __________________ AWAM KI AWAZ! ELECTIONS 2008: WE ARE THE ELEMENTS OF CHANGE! Har waqt hoon mein Pakistan ke liye..

January 3rd, 2007, 11:08 PM	#109
cntower دل دل پاکستان Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lahore Posts: 3,101 Likes (Received): 26	All I know is that if Tim Hortons goes to Murree...it will be a blowout... BTW Burger King opened in Lahore too, but they closed it down less than 2 months later...bad business? Nope...it's actually TOO small to handle everyone so they're expanding it... Pakiz Gone Wild... Oh and Taco Bell would honestly work very easily in Pakistan...I'm so surprised why they still haven't showed up... __________________ پاکستان

January 4th, 2007, 05:36 AM	#114
UnitedPakistan Musharraf Ka Danda! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: I represent every city of Pakistan Posts: 9,931 Likes (Received): 40	KFC is doing really well! Even the one on Multan road by Thokar is doing well! FUDDRUCKERS ZINDABAAAD __________________ AWAM KI AWAZ! ELECTIONS 2008: WE ARE THE ELEMENTS OF CHANGE! Har waqt hoon mein Pakistan ke liye..

January 4th, 2007, 06:55 PM	#115
siamu maharaj تھپڑوں کی بارش Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 10,220 Likes (Received): 391	Pizza Hut in Karachi is a success, but their quality's gone down badly. Its Boat Basin branch is the most profitable Pizza Hut in the whole of Asia. As for the loss-making outlets, it was true at a point, KFC even closed some of their outlets. Most of McD's and KFC's outlets aren't jam-packed. But yeah, I think all their branches are at least breaking even, and the others making huge profits. Give me a day or two, I'll get the actual figures, I've just been very busy lately. As for the prices, KFC and McD usually match each other. In quality, McD leaves KFC in the dust. Last edited by siamu maharaj; January 4th, 2007 at 06:58 PM. Reason: Mistake

January 9th, 2007, 12:57 PM	#117
JADI SWEDEN/PAKISTAN Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 654 Likes (Received): 12	The Italian magic By Saima Shakil Hussain To a passer-by, Café Barbera would appear to be just another new coffee outlet on busy Zamzama Avenue. However, open the door, step inside and discover that it is no ordinary coffee that is served here. In each cup there is a dollop of Italian magic and the essence of history. The Barbera coffee tradition dates back to 1870 when Domenico Barbera, the owner of a small store selling colonial products and tobacco, took to roasting coffee in a small roaster on the pavement outside his shop in Messina. Grateful customers soon were hailing him as ‘Domenico the magician’. Domenico’s son and grandson developed the coffee tradition further, with the first Barbera café being established in Sicily and soon its coffee was available all over Italy. Carmelo, Domenico’s great grandson, earned a Masters in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University and he established the first coffee laboratory in Italy. The family tradition is now an international franchise under the care of the fifth generation of Barberas. After the success of two outlets in Dubai, the franchise has expanded further east into the port city of Karachi which is home to a growing number of coffee aficionados. The staff here is knowledgeable and coffee menu varied to satisfy the demands of even the choosiest coffee drinker. Ask for a strong cappuccino and that is exactly what you will get. Extra froth is not a problem either. The cold coffees are icy cold. Meanwhile, those who want to try something a little different are in for a treat. For Barbera’s unique ‘Fantasy’ coffees are rightly advertised as ‘hot and cold, eat and drink’. It is a heavenly concoction of espresso, chilled frothy milk, and choice of chocolate, caramel or hazelnut syrup. It’s both coffee and dessert and a beautiful work of art to boot. Not so beautiful is the price list. More expensive than most other cafes, the price of entrées and desserts available here are more at par with the prices at higher-end restaurants. There is no doubt that the quality of food and service is better than good and one eagerly looks forward to another visit, but quite frankly, one’s wallet does not feel the same way. One’s taste buds, however, are a different story altogether. They have found themselves a permanent home thanks to the various sandwiches, pasta dishes, steak, chicken and fish entrées created here in a distinctly Italian style. The Carpaccio, that is paper thin slices of raw beef marinated and then dressed with pesto, lots of garlic and parmesan cheese, is the perfect way to whet the appetite. The Fettuccine Alfredo, which is the true test of any restaurant claiming to serve Italian cuisine, also passed with flying colours. The pasta is tender, the sauce is not too runny and the pieces of grilled chicken are juicy and tender. Worthy of special mention is the garlic bread that accompanied the pasta entrée. Unlike the garlic bread served at most other eateries it is not hard or dry, the secret lies it seems in the special blend of flour made according to precise specification. Unfortunately the Quesadilla Italiano does not fare as well. While neither the filling featuring cheese and chicken nor the accompanying fresh salsa garnered any complaints, the flour tortilla that is the base for the quesadilla is quite oily and therefore suspiciously paratha-like in appearance. Likewise, the Caesar salad featuring grilled chicken is generously proportioned and enveloped in thick creamy dressing but finding iceberg lettuce instead of the traditional romaine take something away from an otherwise pleasant experience. Everything is forgotten when the cheesecake comes out. Made with real Philadelphia cream cheese rather than the yoghurt blend used in most local bakeries, the cheesecake served here is said to be imported. The nation’s trade deficit is temporarily forgotten as one glories in the smooth creaminess of real cheesecake topped with strawberry sauce (chocolate sauce is the other option). The perfect end to an evening touched by ‘the magic of Italy’. Source: Review, DAWN http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/review14.htm __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/javaddurrani

January 2nd, 2007, 06:17 PM	#101
FK Retired Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 11,912 Likes (Received): 262	Tim Hortons is reluctant in opening its stores in the US I dont think their even thinking about Pakistan right now! We have A&W and Subway already in Pakistan. Taco Bell, Burger King and such will only open in Pakistan if McDonalds stops its monopoly.

January 2nd, 2007, 07:02 PM	#102
siamu maharaj تھپڑوں کی بارش Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 10,220 Likes (Received): 391	A&W closed in Karachi long ago. Is it still in any other city? And you make it sound like McD's is responsible for its monopoly. The kind of people we are, as soon as any other big name would come, people would change their allegiances. Moreover, McD's doesn't have a monopoly really. KFC is right up there with it. Probably has more outlets, too.

January 3rd, 2007, 05:56 AM	#103
FK Retired Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 11,912 Likes (Received): 262	KFC is there because its lineup is totally different from what McDonalds offers, its (McDonalds) major competitor would be Burger King which hasnt invested in Pakistan for over 10 years or so, so either blame Burger King or McDonalds. As far as I recall McDonalds had some investment conditions like allowing it a free market (without any competitors) for 5 years or so.. Maybe a rumour but then again why hasnt any other competitor invested then?

January 3rd, 2007, 07:13 PM	#104
siamu maharaj تھپڑوں کی بارش Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 10,220 Likes (Received): 391	My understanding is that the market "ain't big enough for the two of them". I don't know how old these figures are, but I do remember hearing that McD's (and KFC's) most outlets run at a loss. I'll get the right figures in a few days since I work on KFC. I do agree, however, that KFC and McD's aren't exactly competitors. The only international chain that's really minting money in Pakistan is Pizza Hut.

January 4th, 2007, 05:32 AM	#113
FK Retired Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 11,912 Likes (Received): 262	Pizza Hut has been a great success, I live near the Shaheed-i-millat one and it is packed every weekend, even on weekdays to be honest .. KFC totally sucks because their chicken has no taste at all, notice this when you eat their Zinger burger, the chicken is totally tasteless! and they put so much Mayo in there that I felt like vomiting .. McDonalds is alright but a bit pricey (Rs 90 for a burger?) while I think its Rs 150 for a deal? Dont remember the exact prices ... I would love to have Burger King here, just for the sake of change and competition, Taco Bell might actually work if they bring it here .. And not to mention Fudruckers and TGI (It closed down for some reason)

January 5th, 2007, 02:53 AM	#116
moved_on Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,055 Likes (Received): 6	Nando's is another success story in Karachi, the outlests I have been to are Tariq Rd, Clifton and North Nazimabad by the Largess restaurent. Their peri peri sauce is the best, I still visit those here as well.

January 9th, 2007, 11:28 PM	#118
vc15nets Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 890 Likes (Received): 7	Timmys rules! I think Tim Hortons puts Starbucks out of competition whether its the price or just how good the stuff is. And look at the variety....from subs to even chilli! The thing that puts me off about Starbucks is the strong smell of coffee that blasts in your face as you open the door and step in. Nothing else in the world gives me a headache quicker than that.

January 11th, 2007, 02:51 AM	#120
FK Retired Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 11,912 Likes (Received): 262	$3.5?, a small coffee at Tim Horton costs C$1.50 !

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