Among other plans, he said the company has applied for licence to serve beer and wine at its existing espresso outlets.

'We've applied for the licence but since we've not received anything we can't share anything on this.'

Barista is also going for 'customisation' of its menus, Coutinho said, adding: 'We're seriously thinking of converting some of our stores into vegetarian outlets at places where majority of the population is vegetarian.'

Maintaining that Barista had a 'huge opportunity to grow', he said it was exploring new business models like opening cafes at three-star or four-star hotels in India. 'But it's still in a fluid stage and we are just holding talks.'

Cafe Coffee Day boasts of 65 percent of India's Rs.400-crore coffee bar market, while Barista commands 25 percent.