U.S. pizza chain Papa John’s International is set to return to India by October, nearly eight years after exiting the market in 2017 citing underperformance. The world’s third-largest pizza delivery company plans to open 650 stores across the country over the next decade, starting with its first outlet in Bengaluru.
The comeback is being led by joint master franchisees Pulsar Capital, an Indian investment firm, and UAE-based PJP Investments Group. “We will launch the first store in Bengaluru by October,” said Vish Narain, managing partner at Pulsar Capital, confirming the rollout plan.
Papa John’s had first announced its intent to re-enter India in April 2023, describing it as a “complex market.” Its return comes at a challenging time for the quick-service restaurant sector, as fast-food chains grapple with slowing sales growth amid cash-strapped urban consumers, muted wage increases, and intensifying competition.
Rivals have also been recalibrating their strategies. Pizza Hut franchisee Devyani International has been closing underperforming outlets, while Sapphire Foods India has taken a cautious expansion approach. Papa John’s will face stiff competition from Domino’s Pizza, which dominates the market with over 2,200 outlets, Pizza Hut with around 950 stores, and premium chains such as Pizza Bakery and PizzaExpress.
