Chicking comes to Auckland with trendsetters

Venkat Raman

When A K Mansoor, Dubai based Managing Director of Chicking, one of the fastest growing food chains in the world, formally opened the outlet in Sylvia Park in Auckland on Tuesday, July 26, 2018, it marked a spectacular new Chapter.

For shop owner and entrepreneur Kamanie Silochan, it was the fructification of months of hard work, consents, compliance and a host of other things.

Soon after its opening at 9 am with a traditional powhiri at New Zealand’s largest shopping complex opened its doors to business, men and women gathered at Chicking, as if there was no morrow.

That in fact has been the trend at every centre where the fast food chain established its presence, beginning with Dubai in 2000.

Passion for quality

Chicking is a vivid demonstration of Mr Mansoor’s passion for quality, affordability and commitment to every market around the world.

“I believe in careful, planned and strategic growth that can be managed easily. Having created Chicking 19 years ago in the United Arab Emirates, the vision was to mark its presence worldwide. The Auckland outlet is the 146^th in the chain, followed by Hamilton,” he said, speaking to Indian Newslink from the world’s newest Chicking Restaurant.

Extensive range

Kamanie said that staying away from the junk food industry, Chicking offers healthy, tasty food, with its range comprising 21-piece Family Bucket, Individual Meals, Supreme Sandwiches, Wraps and Sandwiches, Chicking Pizza, special meal for children and salads.

Grilled Chicken and Griller Burgers are a speciality at Chicking.

“This is a totally new and satisfying dining Restaurant. Chicking will add to the great shopping experience of Sylvia Park. We will continue to achieve customer satisfaction,” she said.

New Zealand Master Franchisers Amal Jayaprakash and Abbey Abraham said that a Chicking Restaurant will be opened in Wellington on September 14, 2018.

“We are planning to expand and establish our presence at all cities and major shopping centres. Chicking is set to change the dining scene in New Zealand,” they said.

Worldwide Presence

Mr Mansoor said that he plans to have more than 1000 Restaurants in over 70 countries across the Continents by 2025.

“This would be the only worldwide Halal Restaurant, with standardised specifications and our own innovative recipe,” Mr Mansoor said.

According to him, the cost of establishing a Chicking Franchise is no more than US$ 50,000 per Restaurant.

“It could become cheaper as we expand our Restaurant chain to more countries. Our equipment comes with guarantee of quality and reliability. Everything good need not be expensive,” he said.

Modest beginnings

Born and raised in the Hindu Temple town of Guruvayoor near Trissur in Kerala, Mr Mansour arrived in Dubai in 1987 and commenced his career on a salary of about US$ 50 per month.

Keralites are known for hard work, enduring hardships with perseverance, patience and the courage to venture into new areas of activity. They are known to learn the industry of their involvement well with a sound knowledge of the market.

Understanding the trend in Dubai in the mid-1980s, Mr Mansoor commenced his entrepreneurial adventure with video and electronic shops.

Seven years after arriving in Dubai, he started ‘Al Bayan Cargo.’ The year was 1994 and the Emirate was on the threshold of accentuated growth.

‘Al Bayan Water’ came in 2000 and became an instant success. In a region that is devoid of potable water, the Company was a boon to consumers. Fifteen years later, Mr Mansoor sold it to concentrate on his other ventures within Al Bayan Group.

One of them was Chicking.

With intense research and evaluating market dynamics in the fast food industry, the mantra of consistency in taste and constant innovation was adopted as key for converting Chicking as successful global brand.

Al Bayan Group

The current portfolio of Al Bayan Group of companies comprises versatile business operations in the service and manufacturing sectors, including healthcare, marine engineering, allied industries and fast food.

“Our Mission and Vision are combined to fulfil the Group’s objectives with stringent quality measures conforming to the highest standards through diverse range of solutions, especially in health and hygiene sectors. We strive consistently to deliver impeccable service that exceeds customer expectations finding more room for innovation and process improvement, thereby rendering quality lifestyle to the community,” he said.