BALTIMORE Papa Bello Enterprises Inc., the operator or franchisor of about 20 Papa Bello Pizza restaurants, is continuing its buying spree with the planned acquisition of Royal India Express, a fast-casual Indian concept in San Diego.
Last October Papa Bello acquired Pastore's of Rosedale Inc., a Baltimore-based restaurant, deli and bakery concept, and Kebab Cafe, a quick-service operation specializing in Middle Eastern food in La Jolla, Calif. Pastore's two outlets generated revenues of about $1.4 million in 2009, the company said.
Royal India Express, which was created by brothers Sam and Jag Kambo, the developers of Kebab Cafe, operates one outlet in the Horton Plaza and is exploring additional sites in Southern California. The deal is expected to close later this month.
James Price, chief executive of Papa Bello, said the company "is in excellent position to expand with the four operating concepts."
The company earlier said it had plans to open 10 corporate Kebab Cafe locations in 2010 and expected to franchise the Pastore's concept as Pastore's Italian Bistro & Pizzeria.
Last year Papa Bello stepped up its franchising effort when it moved its corporate headquarters and franchise training facility to Baltimore. In addition, the company named Frank Pastore chief operating officer and director of franchise and training.
The company operates Papa Bello outlets in Wal-Mart Superstores and standalone locations.
Contact Paul Frumkin at [email protected].
