Where are food franchises investing in land?

Food franchises strategically invest in land where there is high foot traffic, consumer density, and visibility, with a focus on both urban and emerging markets. Their land acquisition and leasing strategies are driven by brand positioning, target demographics, accessibility, and operational efficiency.

1. Main Roads and High-Street Commercial Areas

• Food franchises prefer main road-facing plots that offer maximum visibility to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
  
• These locations support drive-through formats, flagship stores, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs).
  
• Examples include arterial roads in metro cities, commercial avenues in tier 2 cities, and retail boulevards in business hubs.

2. High Footfall Urban Zones and CBDs (Central Business Districts)

• Central business areas with a dense working population attract investments in compact QSR units or cloud kitchens.
  
• These zones promise lunchtime rushes, evening snack breaks, and regular foot traffic, ideal for fast-moving food brands.
  

3. Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities with Growing Consumption Patterns

• Emerging cities like Indore, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, and Nashik are now focal points due to:
  
  • Expanding middle-class population
    
  • Rising disposable income
    
  • Increasing appetite for branded dining
    
• Franchises invest in plots near railway stations, malls, highways, and local marketplaces.
  

4. Highway and Transit Corridor Locations

• National and state highways are increasingly targeted for drive-through models and travel pit-stops.
  
• Brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway invest in land along highways connecting metro cities or tourist circuits.
  
• These plots support parking, visibility from long distances, and 24/7 operational licenses.
  

5. Shopping Malls and Mixed-Use Developments

• While not always direct land purchases, food franchises secure long-term leased plots or anchor spaces in:
  
  • Shopping centers
    
  • Integrated townships
    
  • Tech parks and commercial complexes
    
• These spaces are ideal for food courts, lounges, kiosks, and dine-in experiences.
  

6. Near Educational Institutions and Hostels

• Proximity to colleges, coaching centers, and university clusters offers a steady flow of young consumers.
  
• Franchises set up outlets or food stalls on small plots, corner units, or shared spaces near campus zones.
  

7. Airport, Metro, and Railway Vicinity

• Strategic land around airports and metro hubs is preferred for compact express outlets or kiosks.
  
• These locations ensure continuous traffic from commuters and travelers, especially in metro cities.
  

8. Residential Townships and Gated Communities

• Franchises are entering suburban zones and large gated societies, especially in expanding cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh.
  
• Investment in land or retail strips within or adjacent to housing complexes helps cater to residential demand and home delivery services.
  

9. Tourist Destinations and Religious Hubs

• Land in cities like Rishikesh, Jaipur, Amritsar, Shirdi, Tirupati, and Goa is being targeted for seasonal and high-frequency outlets.
  
• These zones support fast service formats, vegetarian QSRs, and snack bars with strong cultural appeal.
  

10. Industrial Areas and SEZs

• Plots near Special Economic Zones (SEZs), logistics hubs, and large industrial parks attract franchises serving the working population.
  
• These are ideal for canteen-style dining, food trucks, or container kitchens tailored to workforce schedules.