After an eight-year hiatus, U.S.-based pizza chain Papa John’s is preparing a major comeback in India. The brand plans to open its first new outlet in Bengaluru by October 2025 and has set an ambitious target of launching 650 stores across the country over the next ten years.
The relaunch will be spearheaded by Pulsar Capital, in partnership with UAE-based PJP Investments Group, as the joint master franchisee for Papa John’s in India. Confirming the move, Vish Narain, Managing Partner at Pulsar Capital, noted the brand’s renewed commitment to the Indian market after exiting in 2017 due to underperformance.
Papa John’s initially announced its plans to re-enter India in April 2023, acknowledging the country’s complexity as a market. The re-entry follows a broader trend, with U.S. competitor Little Caesars also launching in India earlier this year with similar long-term goals.
However, Papa John’s faces stiff competition. Market leader Domino’s dominates with over 2,200 stores, followed by Pizza Hut with around 950 outlets. Premium brands like Pizza Bakery and PizzaExpress also add to the competitive landscape.
Despite the crowded field, Papa John’s is betting on India’s growing appetite for international food brands. To cater to local tastes, the company will tweak its menu to include India-specific flavours while maintaining global favourites. This strategy mirrors successful adaptations by other chains like KFC, Subway, and Domino’s, which have all introduced localised items to suit Indian preferences.
