SFC Group - Southern Franchise Company LLC

SFC Group - Southern Franchise Company LLC stands as a testament to entrepreneurial vision and culinary excellence in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Operating from its headquarters at 301, Lulu Centre Building on Al - Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St, this diversified enterprise anchors a legacy that reaches across the United Arab Emirates. While the address pinpoints a thriving business hub, the group's influence extends into restaurants, hotels, construction, and FMCG sectors, making it a multi-industry powerhouse with deep local roots. For over three decades, the organization has redefined the UAE's commercial and hospitality landscape, guided by a philosophy that blends strategic ambition with heartfelt hospitality.

Founded with purpose and steered by passionate leadership, SFC Group has evolved from a single dining concept into a collection of over 50 thriving outlets. Its portfolio features acclaimed brands such as India Palace, SFC Plus, Golden Dragon, and Sthan, each embodying a distinct culinary identity. The group serves more than one million meals every month, a testament to its operational scale and the trust it has earned. The corporate headquarters in Abu Dhabi serves as the nerve center for this expansive ecosystem, coordinating everything from menu innovation to large-scale logistics and franchise development.

Services

The scope of services at SFC Group extends far beyond traditional restaurant operations. The organization operates through four core divisions: Restaurants, Fast Casual, Catering, and Hotels. Within the restaurant division, brands like India Palace deliver fine dining experiences rooted in North Indian culinary heritage, while Golden Dragon introduces authentic Chinese flavors, and Sthan presents a contemporary approach to South Asian cuisine. The Fast Casual segment, anchored by SFC Plus, specializes in fried chicken and quick-service offerings designed for modern, on-the-go lifestyles. This division has gained a loyal following for its consistent quality and innovative value meals.

The Catering arm provides comprehensive event solutions for corporate gatherings, weddings, and private celebrations. Teams handle menu design, on-site preparation, and full-service execution, ensuring that every occasion receives meticulous attention. Meanwhile, the Hotels division manages hospitality properties that emphasize comfort and culturally attuned service. Across all divisions, the group integrates supply chain expertise from its ventures in construction and FMCG to maintain rigorous quality standards. Whether a client requires a five-course gala dinner, a quick takeaway meal, or a fully managed hotel stay, SFC Group offers an interconnected portfolio designed for seamless experiences.

Our Brands and Culinary Philosophy

Each brand under the SFC umbrella carries a unique personality and a shared commitment to flavor-driven concepts. India Palace is widely recognized for its royal dining atmosphere and has received the prestigious Dubai Service Excellence Award from HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The brand emphasizes traditional recipes prepared with imported spices and time-honored techniques. Golden Dragon celebrates the vibrancy of Chinese cuisine through a menu crafted by chefs who specialize in regional specialties, from hand-pulled noodles to delicate dim sum. Sthan brings together dishes from India, Pakistan, and beyond, offering a modern expression of familiar tastes in a stylish setting. SFC Plus continues to expand rapidly, bringing its signature crispy fried chicken and family meal bundles to new locations across the UAE.

Culinary philosophy at SFC Group rests on three pillars: authenticity, innovation, and consistency. Menu development teams travel extensively to source ingredients and study global food trends, while staying true to the classic recipes that define each brand. Kitchens follow standardized processes without sacrificing the handmade touch that guests appreciate. This balance allows the group to serve over one million meals monthly without compromising on the warmth and generosity that characterize genuine hospitality. The result is a dining portfolio that appeals to a diverse cross-section of residents and tourists alike.

Leadership and Core Values

The group's trajectory is shaped by the vision of founder and chairman Kesavan Muraleedharan. He arrived in the UAE forty years ago, beginning his career as an accountant before becoming a partner in an existing firm. Driven by entrepreneurial energy, he established SFC Group with a focus on brands that resonate with local tastes. Under his stewardship, India Palace grew into an award-winning chain, and the broader group expanded into multiple industries. His investments also include Muralya Holdings in India, where he has ventured into hotels, quick service restaurants, and dairy development projects aimed at generating employment and uplifting rural economies.

Director of Concept Cuisine Rohith Muralya represents the next generation of leadership. He holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from Warwick and an MBA in Finance from Les Roches, Switzerland. Since joining the family enterprise in 2012, he has worked from the ground level to gain deep operational insight. Today, he drives marketing, innovation, and expansion for brands like Golden Dragon and India Palace. In 2015, his team received the “Best Restaurant” award under the Dubai Service Excellence Awards. Rohith is currently developing a new brand in Dubai and overseeing the launch of India Palace’s largest outlet in the UAE. Together, the leadership team fosters a culture where integrity, continuous learning, and community impact remain paramount.

Why Choose SFC Group?

Clients and partners select SFC Group for its track record of reliability and its integrated business model. Few organizations combine expertise across restaurants, hotels, construction, and FMCG under one umbrella. This structure creates efficiencies that translate into value for customers. For instance, the group’s in-house construction division ensures that every new outlet meets exacting design standards, while FMCG interests provide control over ingredient sourcing and distribution. Consistency across 50-plus outlets is not an aspiration but a measurable outcome supported by rigorous training programs and centralized quality assurance systems.

• Proven History: Established in 1989, the group has navigated economic cycles with resilience and adaptability.
• Operational Scale: With over 50 outlets and a million meals served monthly, the group possesses the infrastructure to handle large-scale requirements without compromising individual attention.
• Multi-Sector Synergies: Cross-pollination between hospitality, construction, and FMCG divisions generates innovative solutions that standalone operators cannot easily replicate.
• Award-Winning Standards: Recognition such as the Dubai Service Excellence Award validates the group’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
• Family-Driven Ethos: A hands-on leadership team ensures decisions are made with a long-term perspective, prioritizing relationships over short-term gains.

Additionally, the group’s emphasis on community extends beyond commercial activities. The chairman’s agricultural roots inspire dairy development initiatives in India that focus on creating large-scale employment and supporting local economies. By choosing SFC Group, clients align themselves with an enterprise that takes its social responsibilities seriously while delivering exceptional commercial results.

Location and Headquarters

The corporate nerve center occupies a strategic position at 301, Lulu Centre Building, Al - Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St, Abu Dhabi. This location places the group at the intersection of major commercial arteries in the UAE capital. The office serves as the administrative core where strategic planning, brand development, supply chain management, and franchise oversight converge. Visitors to the headquarters often remark on the palpable sense of purpose and the collaborative energy that permeates the workspace. The office is designed to facilitate cross-functional teamwork, with open-plan areas and dedicated project rooms that support the group's dynamic growth trajectory.

Accessibility is a key advantage of the headquarters. The address is well-connected by public transport and major roadways, making it convenient for partners, suppliers, and potential franchisees to visit. Parking facilities are available, and the surrounding area includes numerous amenities such as banks, hotels, and dining outlets. The Lulu Centre Building itself is a recognized landmark, underscoring the group's established presence. Day-to-day operations are supported by a team that manages everything from franchise inquiries to large-scale event catering logistics, all coordinated from this central hub.

Commitment to Excellence and Community

SFC Group measures success not only in financial terms but also through its impact on employees, customers, and the broader community. Employee development programs offer career pathways from entry-level positions to management roles, with a focus on continuous skills upgrading. Many long-serving team members have grown with the organization over decades, contributing to the stable and knowledgeable workforce that defines the group’s service culture. The company actively recruits talent that reflects the multicultural fabric of the UAE, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.

The group’s community engagement extends into meaningful social investments. The chairman’s dairy development projects in rural India exemplify a philosophy of creating sustainable livelihoods rather than offering short-term aid. These initiatives aim to generate large-scale employment while improving agricultural practices. In the UAE, the group supports local food festivals, culinary training workshops, and charity events that strengthen community bonds. By intertwining commercial success with genuine social contribution, SFC Group embodies a model of responsible capitalism that resonates with modern consumers and partners alike.

Operating Hours and Contact

The headquarters at Al - Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St operates from 08:00 to 18:30, providing a reliable window for business inquiries, partnership discussions, and customer support. The schedule reflects the group’s understanding of regional business rhythms and ensures availability during peak decision-making hours. While the office observes standard closures, the operational teams supporting restaurants and catering services maintain extended schedules aligned with their respective industry demands.

Communication channels are straightforward and responsive. The main phone line, +971 2 677 6999, connects callers to knowledgeable representatives who can direct inquiries to the appropriate division. Email correspondence sent to info@sfcgroup.com receives prompt attention, whether the query relates to franchise opportunities, catering bookings, or general information. The group’s website, www.sfcgroup.com, serves as a comprehensive portal where visitors can explore brand details, read about leadership, and access career opportunities. Social media presence, particularly on LinkedIn, provides additional insights into company milestones and industry perspectives.

Future Vision and Growth

Looking ahead, SFC Group continues to expand its footprint both within the UAE and internationally. Plans include launching new brands, entering untapped markets, and deepening the integration of technology into operations. The leadership recognizes that evolving consumer preferences demand perpetual innovation, and the group is investing accordingly in menu research, digital ordering platforms, and sustainability practices. Real estate and construction expertise within the group enable rapid site development, giving SFC Group a competitive edge in securing prime locations for future outlets.

The group remains committed to its founding principle: growing with purpose. Every expansion decision is evaluated against strategic criteria that include cultural fit, market demand, and long-term viability. This disciplined approach has sustained the organization through changing economic conditions and positioned it as a resilient force in the regional business landscape. As SFC Group writes its next chapter, the focus remains on creating value for all stakeholders—guests who savor memorable meals, employees who build meaningful careers, and communities that benefit from responsible corporate citizenship.