ORLANDO’S SURI HOSPITALITY SIGNS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT TO OPEN 50 BENNIGAN’S IN INDIA

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2013) – Suri Hospitality International, an Orlando-based restaurant investment and management group, has executed a Master Franchise Agreement with Bennigan’s, one of America’s most iconic restaurant brands. The agreement calls for the opening of 50 Bennigan’s locations throughout the nation of India, the first of which is expected to open in spring 2014 in Mumbai.

The agreement, which includes both the Bennigan’s and Bennigan’s on the Fly concepts, signals the beginning of an aggressive strategic move into the Indian subcontinent.  Significant resources will be invested in the market to build brand awareness and stimulate consumer interest.

“We are convinced not only that Bennigan’s restaurant concepts will be enthusiastically embraced in India, but that the company’s leadership has positioned the brand to succeed globally,” said Nik Patel, owner of Suri Hospitality International.  “Bennigan’s President Paul Mangiamele and his team have done a magnificent job in leading the chain back to prominence.  We are excited to be joining them in the early stages of their global expansion.  We’re bleeding green and proud to carry the Bennigan’s banner in India.”

Patel, who also owns Alena Hospitality, a successful hotel development and restaurant investment company, recently founded Suri Hospitality International to handle the company’s restaurant interests.

“We simply couldn’t ask for a better partner than Nik to take our brand to India,” said Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan’s President & CEO.  “Bennigan’s is one of the few American brands that is just as popular overseas as it is at home. That’s because of extraordinary franchisees like Nik who understand the importance of delivering memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day.”

Addison, Texas-based Bennigan’s has almost 100 locations in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, Asia and the Middle East. Since the end of 2012, the company has opened five domestic locations and restaurants in Mexico, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates. Bennigan’s Franchising Company has agreements in place to develop more than 30 additional restaurants in New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Arkansas, Minnesota, Florida, Tennessee and Michigan; and internationally in Dubai, Mexico, Central America, Cyprus and Korea at US Army Base Camp Humphreys. The growth momentum will continue with grand openings slated for Panama City and Melbourne, Fla.; Pampa, Texas; Fayetteville, Tenn.; Panama; and a third Dubai restaurant in the next several months.

Bennigan’s is known for its generous portions and offers a wide selection of American fare, including its world famous “Monte Cristo,” a lightly fried, triple-decker turkey, ham and cheese sandwich served with raspberry preserves.  Its full bar features a wide variety of beers, wines and specialty beverages. The Bennigan’s on the Fly concept is a fast casual form of the restaurant made for hotels, airports, hospitals, cruise ships and universities.

About Nik A. Patel

Mr. Nik Patel attended the University of Central Florida, studying finance and business administration. He started his career with Wyndham Hotels, working as a financial analyst. Nik rose through the ranks of several financial institutions holding leadership positions with multi-billion dollar banks such as Fifth Third Bank, Commercial Bank and Beach Business Bank. Throughout his career, he has financed over 500 million dollars for various hotel groups.

Today, Mr. Patel owns several companies such as First Farmers Financial, the nation’s only non-bank USDA B&I lender, and Alena Hospitality, a hotel investment and management company.

Nik Patel is involved in various private equity financing projects and is an investor in high yield startup companies. He has recently been awarded the 2013 “40 Under 40” Award by the Orlando Business Journal and was profiled in both Orlando Style and Hotel News magazines. Most recently he was named the 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year for the Indian American Chamber of Commerce Orlando.

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