INDIA – The number of US multinational fast-food chains in India has expanded with the arrival of US fried chicken brand Popeyes which recently opened its first store in Bengaluru.
Louisiana-born Popeyes was founded in 1972 and has been one of America’s most popular and fastest-growing chicken brands.
Jubilant Foodworks Ltd (JFL), which is also a master franchise of brands such as Dominos and Dunkin’ Donuts is the proprietor of the business in India.
ET retail reports that JFL which is the country’s leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) operator plans to open two more Popeyes restaurants in Bengaluru in the near future.
JFL, part of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, had last year announced to sign a Master Franchise and Development Agreement, with Popeyes for markets such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
Jubilant Foodworks Chairman Shyam S Bhartia and its co-Chairman Hari S Bhartia said, “We are confident that Popeyes will not only delight guests but also strategically complement our portfolio and fortify JFL’s leadership in the QSR domain.”
“The unique, delicious and wholesome Cajun flavours of Popeyes are certain to appeal to the Indian audience.”
Popeyes, best known for its spicy New Orleans style fried chicken and chicken sandwich, will feature the signature Cajun-flavoured, world-famous chicken sandwich in India in addition to an array of vegetarian options.
David Shear, president of RBI International, the parent company of Popeyes, said: “This new country entry illustrates our commitment to serving more guests around the world with our signature blend of spices and flavours.
We are confident that our India guests will love their Fried Chicken from Popeyes, and we look forward to this launch.”
Wat-a-Burger eyes more revenue in India
Meanwhile, Indian burger chain Wat-a-Burger has announced plans to achieve the revenue target of Rs 40 crore by the end of the fiscal year.
The chain claims that it has already recovered to almost 80 percent in terms of traction in comparison to Covid times.
It further notes that, over the last 6 months, it has witnessed 15% growth and now aims to end this fiscal year with a count of 100 outlets.
It is set to open 10 dine-in outlets across 8 cities by the end of 2021 with most expansion targeted at tier 2 cities where the burger chain has seen success.
Cities to host the new Wat-a-burger outlets include Lucknow, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Jamshedpur, Pune, and Mumbai.
“We expect a tremendous response in these cities,” said Farman Beig, co-founder and CEO, of the company.
Currently, the company has more than 60 outlets and operates across 26 cities and 9 states in India.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
