Same branded hotel in two locations with two different experiences
When a big brand expands outside its original place of the first business, it is essential that there is a big standardization of the services, across the branches.The once successful Saravana Bhavan group of hotels of Chennai, innovated superbly in this regard and has even made it a big brand in New Delhi, where there is a massive crowd on the weekends.
Very recently, upon huge recommendations from a number of friends, I happened to have lunch at the famous Subbiah Gari hotel in Vizag. At just Rs.270, in air-conditioned comfort, the food was fabulous. Our stay for a day at Vizag was memorable as the accommodation at Dasapala Executive Court was simply too good. We proceeded to Arakku Valley, and the vegetarian food options were few, though the place was superb.
On our return, we took the prestigious Vande Bharat train to Vijayawada. It was superbly punctual and the journey was good too. The darshan at the Kanaga Durga temple at Vijayawada was very good too, though we did pay some money for the tickets.
And then we had to wait for a small time at the same Subbiah Gari hotel at Vijayawada. Somehow or the other, the taste was just about okay, but the hygiene, the ambiance and the quality of food was just not the same as what we had at Vizag. We did inquire if was a franchise and we were told that it was another branch.
Though we did not give any feedback to the concerned managers, it is pertinent for the Management to note that the Vijayawada facility needs to improve the offerings. The hygiene and the quality should equal that of Vizag,
In the near future, it is also becoming clear that Vizag will become the de-facto capital of AP. It is a fabulous city with the most amazing people. It has the potential to become another Hyderabad in the years to come.
