Sodexo Brings Fast Casual Indian Concept, Cafe Spice, to Non Traditional Settings

GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sodexo, Inc. announced today that it has signed a master retail license agreement with the award-winning Indian concept, Cafe Spice, to bring traditional Indian cuisine with a South Asian flair to Sodexo operations across country.  The concept made its non-traditional debut in the university segment this fall at Sodexo-managed Babson College in Massachusetts and at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Since then, to create an experience that was unique and new for future locations, Retail Brand Group, Sodexo's strategic branding company, worked with Cafe Spice to develop solid brand positioning and aesthetically capture the essence of their brand through new identity design that helps tell their story and engages customers in a more experiential way.  This included a new look and feel for the concept as well as the addition of the chutney bar.  The 'new' Cafe Spice is available as of April 1, 2011 and is exclusive to Sodexo.

The menu features traditional Indian favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala, Curry Bowls and Chicken Vindaloo, all prepared using all natural ingredients and Halal meats. Also available are Cafe Spice's naan sandwiches, a uniquely 'made to order', folded, crispy naan bread with a variety of authentic fillings.  Adding to the experience is the chutney bar where guests can customize their entree with traditional chutneys such as mango, tamarind and mint.  

"Indian fare plays an important role in our brand portfolio as customers seek traditional ethnic flavors, including the aromatic spices and rich flavors that Cafe Spice has to offer," says John Nappier, vice president of business development for Sodexo's Retail Brand Group. "Cafe Spice is an award-winning brand that sees the importance of reaching customers in non-traditional locations with an engaging, on-trend offer."  

The license agreement grants Sodexo the right to open and operate the Cafe Spice concept at its various managed locations for the next 10 years.

About Cafe Spice

Cafe Spice - Global Cuisine (www.cafespice.com) is a Ready-to-eat Ethnic Food manufacturer with a USDA production facility based in New Windsor, NY. From their facility they provide Authentic and All Natural food to natural grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market, and various other foodservice providers (Halal Meat options are also available).  Cafe Spice also owns & operates Indian Quick Service Restaurants (Cafe Spice Express) with a flagship location in Grand Central Terminal in New York City.  Cafe Spice is a certified Minority-Owned business by the NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On Site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $15 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions

Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 380,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of On Site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.

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SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.