Dhaka has an exciting new place for your meetups and meetings! Located at the heart of the city’s most exclusive commercial boulevard, Delifrance Bangladesh brings authentic Parisienne flavour to the country’s thriving coffee culture. The place has a magical ability to make you at ease. The colour scheme, lights and warm atmosphere will enable your best ideas to manifest into reality. Delifrance is exclusively brought to Bangladesh by Les Bleus Ltd. The brains behind the company, Abid Mansur, Managing Director of Les Bleus Ltd, has been a big believer in taking global inspirations back to his roots and giving back to the communities. Consequently, after completing his Bachelors in Washington, D.C and law school at the University of Southern California, Abid did not waste any time forming his company dedicated to providing new experiences to Bangladeshi consumers. In a conversation, Abid Mansur speaks candidly about his new endeavour and his vision for the future.
What motivated you to become a food entrepreneur?
What motivated you to become a food entrepreneur?Growing up in Bangladesh in the 90’s, we didn’t have many options for dining out, save for a few childhood favorites. I remember when the first major franchise – Pizza Hut – arrived to long waits and lines around the block. Since then, we have come a long way. Along with rapid development, discretionary spending has increased, paving the way for consumer demand. It is an exciting time in the Food & Beverage industry in Bangladesh and just the start for us.
In the context of our country, how does a foreign franchise set itself apart from the many strong local players already present in the industry?
In the context of our country, how does a foreign franchise set itself apart from the many strong local players already present in the industry?Bangladeshi consumers are ready for new experiences, have discerning palates for products and above all, know good service. Our primary focus at Les Bleus is to cater to these demands, while offering high quality service and consistency in everything that we do. We strive to live by this philosophy, which will set us apart in the market. That being said, there is both the space and demand for multiple players in the industry and I welcome a thriving, competitive scene for future diners.
Why Delifrance? What kind of services are you currently offering?
Why Delifrance? What kind of services are you currently offering?In launching our flagship café, Délifrance, we aim to bring a slice of Paris to Dhaka. The ethos of Délifrance lies in the joys of occasional indulgences amidst fresh, healthy, and convenient everyday options. Our food is hand prepared every day at the café, bringing together the taste, quality, and tantalizing scents of a French bakery. I think the key to setting ourselves apart is authenticity – providing customers with a genuine experience. Keeping this in mind, we import high-quality flour, produced in France. At Delifrance, you can sit and linger over a meal or grab quick to-go options, according to your needs. As we pivot back to post-pandemic normalcy, customers value spending time once again with their friends and families and we aim to make this an enjoyable experience for all.
You have the heart of an athlete – what kind of sports do you play?
You have the heart of an athlete – what kind of sports do you play?Sports have consistently been a huge part of my life, from my early childhood to present day. Playing a sport or being part of a team was extremely important for me in finding and honing a sense of responsibility, and teaching myself discipline, good habits and healthy living. Currently, I play squash – I started playing about four years ago and was instantly hooked, playing in several tournaments and leagues both at home and abroad. Prior to that I used to play football, and have several injuries to show for it!
What are your plans for the next five years?
What are your plans for the next five years?In the next five years, I hope to expand our business to more outlets and delve into introducing other franchises, riding this continued wave of expansion in the F&B industry. A project we have on the back burner right now is our homegrown brand, Cha-Ta, presenting customers with affordable, locally curated offerings, which is opening later this year.
Another ambition is to further the development of squash in Bangladesh. It’s a sport that not many people understand right away, while tennis and badminton garner more interest. Squash is a fast paced and fascinating game, and I believe as a nation we should be able to develop an international level team. To build a team you only need three to four players – in a country of 180 million plus, with the right infrastructure in place, this should be easy enough!
On a personal note, I am looking forward to marrying my fiancé at the end of the year and moving into our own place to begin our new journey together.