McDonald’s rift: Vikram Bakshi says 126 outlets in north and east India operating; only 43 shut

McDonald’s estranged partner Vikram Bakshi has claimed that 126 outlets in north and east India continue to operate fully even as the US-based fast food chain said it was taking action to enforce cancellation of its franchise licence.

Outlets of the chain in places such as Gurugram, Kolkata, Durgapur and Lucknow operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL)– the equal joint venture between Bakshi and McDonald’s — are operating in full swing.

“Apart from the 43 outlets that are shut for some time, the remaining are open and operating,” Bakshi told PTI.

There has been uncertainty over the fate of McDonald’s outlets operated by CPRL after McDonald’s India sent a termination of notice to CPRL last month.

McDonald’s India had given time till September 5 to CPRL to operate, post which it said the franchise was barred from using McDonald’s brand, trademark, and its associated intellectual property, among others.

When contacted, a McDonald’s India spokesperson said: “We will take action to enforce it (termination). However, we won’t be able to discuss specific plans or courses of action.”

CPRL runs a total of 169 outlets in north and east India, out of which 43 were shut down in June after expiry of eating house license.

Earlier, Bakshi had …read more