Leicester’s Bombay Bites rolls out perfect franchising model

SPONSORED CONTENT HALAL STATUS Fully Halal (HMC-certified)

If there was one restaurant that stood out from all the others in FtLion’s Leicester Halal Food Tour (sponsored by HMC online meat purveyors Halal Editions), it was Bombay Bites for sheer energy alone.

Bombay Bites Leicester Halal Indian curry fast food restaurant

Lighting things up on Evington Rd

Charismatically led by the irrepressible Ahmed Wahid, this award-winning, HMC-certified, Indian fast food brand epitomises the meaning of the word ‘fast’.

With sites established on the busy stretch of Evington Road and Granby Street, its success centres around a selection of carefully-conceived Bombay Boxes, which include the option of building your own.

But it’s the story behind the brand that really makes Bombay Bites so unique, with Ahmed’s success as a restaurateur rooted in a legacy that goes back to his beloved father Abdul Wahid, whose own journey began with the opening of Kohinoor in Leicester Railway Station way back in 1967.

Fast and energetic is the way to describe the Bombay Bites brand

Irrepressible Bombay Bites owner Ahmed Wahid

With Ahmed’s career kicking off in 1996 at his father’s second restaurant, the award-winning Grand Durbar, the family eventually decided in 2007 to launch Bombay Bites in response to the growing grab-and-go trend.

Success came in the form of a spate of awards that didn’t just include best takeaway in the Midlands at the British Takeaway Awards in 2017, but Abdul Wahid was also recognised with a ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his outstanding contribution to Leicester’s Indian food sector at the English Asian Food Awards in 2019.

While an elaborate timeline proudly depicts the family’s culinary journey in the form of a beautifully designed wall mural at the Evington branch, Ahmed says Bombay Bites is now ready to embark on the next phase of its journey as a franchise business.

The secret to Bombay Bites grab-and-go concept: Bombay Boxes (credit: Bombay Bites)

Bombay Bites eyeing franchising opportunities in south of England

Boasting over half a century of knowledge and experience in the restaurant industry, Bombay Bites has a tried and tested franchise model that’s ready to roll-out.

And the brand has its eyes set on the south of England with particular focus on potential franchisees situated in Greater London.

Ahmed believes he has the ingredients to a fast food concept that’s tailormade for the next decade, with an incredibly tasty menu which isn’t just value for money, but super convenient too.

Take their renowned Bombay Boxes as an example, with the regular not just a meal in and of itself, but also no more than £9.95 (upgradable to large for an extra £2).

Popular Bombay Boxes available from as little as £8.50

But it’s their 4-step build-your-own-box option that will entice customers to return time and time again, with the choice of two fillings out of a staggering 18 options, a base from a choice of four, and a curry sauce and a chutney to finish the process.

This box concept is also cleverly carried through the rest of the menu, including the option of upscaling their range of appetisers into a box with salad and chutney, as well as Chip Boxes that involve fries being covered in a curry, cheese or beans, and a chutney, all from just £3.25.

With Kids Bites and The Bombay Mixed Grill also available – the latter served with either salad, rice, naan or chips; and a chutney combination – it’s safe to say that Bombay Bites is more than ready to hear from potential franchisees.