Franchising of traditional food

JAKARTA (JP): The growth of traditional Indonesian food franchises significantly pales compared to those of foreign franchises due to discrimination from shopping center owners, says a businessman.

Anang Sukandar, chairman of the Indonesian Franchise Association, said Wednesday there were only 15 local franchises last year and now there are 20, compared to 230 foreign franchises.

"Shopping center managements should selectively provide space for local franchises," he said at the launching of a restaurant, the Pasti Enak (Delicious for Sure), a rice and salad franchise outlet. The outlet opened at a Golden Truly shopping center on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta.

The newly introduced franchise was owned by Sukiyatno Nugroho, a successful franchiser of the popular Es Teler 77 (ice syrup with fruit) and Mie Tek-Tek (fried noodles).

"Even when traditional food restaurants have access to shopping centers, they usually never get strategic sites," Anang said, referring to difficulties local franchises face when trying to find good locations.

H.E. Dachlan, Director of Golden Truly shopping centers did not agree. He said his company has provided spaces for traditional food franchises, like Soto Ambengan (meat soup) and Warung Nasi (rice shop).

"The presence of traditional food franchises even boosts our retail sales," he said. (03)