Haldiram, India’s iconic snack and sweets giant, is reportedly preparing to take a big leap beyond its traditional food portfolio – this time into the Western quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment.
According to The Economic Times, Haldiram is in advanced talks with US-based Inspire Brands for an exclusive franchise partnership to launch Jimmy John’s, the popular American sandwich and wrap chain, in India. If finalised, the deal would mark Haldiram’s formal entry into the global café and sandwich space, currently dominated by Subway, Tim Hortons, and Starbucks.
Founded in 1983, Jimmy John’s operates over 2,600 outlets across the US, Canada, South Korea, and the UAE. Its parent company, Inspire Brands, also owns major global names including Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, Arby’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings, with global system sales of $32.6 billion in 2024 across 33,000 restaurants worldwide.
In a statement to ET, a Haldiram spokesperson said the company is “exploring collaborations with Inspire Group to support sourcing and fulfilment value chains within the international culinary ecosystem,” while clarifying that discussions remain “preliminary.”
Should the partnership move forward, Jimmy John’s India is expected to operate under Haldiram’s restaurant business arm, which already manages over 150 outlets nationwide. The initiative would expand Haldiram’s footprint in India’s ₹2,000-crore restaurant segment, distinct from its packaged snacks division.
Industry experts suggest this strategic shift reflects Haldiram’s ambition to evolve into a diversified food powerhouse, aligning with India’s growing appetite for café-style dining and fast-casual formats.
If successful, Haldiram could become one of the few Indian-origin brands competing head-on with global QSR giants – this time serving sandwiches instead of samosas.
