Papa John’s to return to India by October, aims to open 650 stores over the next 10 years

Papa John’s, the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company, will re-enter the Indian market eight years after shutting down operations in the country.

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The US-based company will open its first outlet in Bengaluru by October 2025, aiming to establish 650 stores nationwide over the next ten years.

The relaunch sets the stage for a new chapter in India’s intensely competitive pizza market, currently dominated by Domino’s Pizza, with more than 2,200 stores, and Pizza Hut, which operates about 1,000 outlets through franchisees Devyani International and Sapphire Foods. A fourth global rival, Little Caesars, entered the country in June with plans for 100 stores in the coming years.

Papa John’s earlier foray into India ended in 2017 due to poor performance. This time, its India operations will be led by Pulsar Capital and UAE-based PJP Investments Group, who serve as joint master franchisees. 

The competitive landscape is also heating up. Domino’s, operated by Jubilant FoodWorks, has set a target of opening 1,000 more stores in the next three years.

“It took us 28 years to get to 2,000 stores. We want to accelerate that pace and add stores aggressively over the next few years,” said Sameer Khetarpal, Jubilant’s managing director and CEO.

Papa John’s, best known for its garlic dipping sauce and cheese-stuffed crusts, plans to localise its menu, a strategy that has proven essential for international food chains in India. 

KFC offers a paneer burger, Domino’s sells a chicken tikka pizza, and Subway has developed a potato-patty sandwich for vegetarian consumers. Narain said that Papa John’s will adopt a similar approach while preserving its signature flavours.