Papa John's returns to India with ghee-roast pizza — from four stores in Bengaluru to a 650-store plan

US pizza chain Papa John's has re-entered the Indian market with four stores in Bengaluru, marking its return about eight years after withdrawing in 2017. It has revamped roughly two-thirds of its menu into India-specific items such as ghee roast pizza and tandoori sauce bases, and plans to open 650 stores over 10 years.

The full picture of the re-launch — starting with four stores in Bengaluru

Papa John's India re-expansion is led by Pulsar Capital, which acquired the master franchise rights from UAE-based PJP Investments Group. The company's managing partner, Vish Narain, has been appointed director of Papa John's Pizza India.

The first four stores are concentrated in Bengaluru. The strategy is to develop and test menus tailored to South Indian food culture locally, then expand gradually to other cities.

Menu strategy — two-thirds India-specific

The menu adopts a three-part structure: one-third global bestseller pizzas, one-third India-focused vegetarian pizzas, and the remaining one-third original items targeting local tastes.

The signature "ghee roast pizza" is inspired by the traditional South Indian dish ghee roast. It combines slow-roasted spices with the flavor of ghee, and comes in two versions: chicken and paneer.

Background — India's crowded pizza market

Major players already hold firm positions in India's pizza market.

Pulsar Capital's Vish Narain emphasizes the market's potential, saying, "India's pizza category is still under-penetrated and far from saturated." Menu adaptations for the Indian market, such as KFC's paneer zinger burger and Subway's potato patty sandwich, have become a standard approach for dining chains.

Industry reaction — can a "returning company" succeed?

In Papa John's Q1 earnings, same-store sales in North America fell 2.7% year over year, while international business grew 3%. Total revenue rose 1% year over year to $518 million.

The re-entry into the Indian market suggests an intent to offset slowing growth in North America with emerging markets. However, re-entering a market it previously withdrew from poses the challenge of rebuilding brand trust.

In the franchise industry, the prevailing view is that "succeeding on a second entry requires clearly identifying the reasons for the previous failure and then differentiating accordingly."

Implications for Japanese companies and those considering entry

Papa John's re-entry strategy offers three lessons for Japanese dining and food companies considering India expansion.

First, the bold localization ratio of revamping two-thirds of the menu. Second, developing a signature product rooted in South Indian food culture. Third, a risk-diversification model using a UAE-based franchisee.

What comes next

Conclusion

Papa John's re-entry into India is characterized by a bold localization strategy that revamps two-thirds of its menu into India-specific items. In a market where Domino's holds an overwhelming share with over 2,200 stores, it aims to differentiate itself with the original ghee roast pizza. Achieving the ambitious goal of 650 stores will hinge on the results of the initial test in Bengaluru.

Related reading

• German Doner Kebab opens its first India outlet in Bengaluru, entering in earnest with a franchise deal for 450 stores over 15 years
• Lululemon, Yves Rocher, Off-White: more than six foreign brands make their India debut in 2026
• TAG Heuer opens its first franchise boutique in India at DLF Mall of India

Sources and references

• Outlook Business: Papa John’s Pizza to Relaunch in India from Bengaluru
• Indian Retailer: Papa Johns Debuts in India, Opens Four Outlets Across Bengaluru
• Franchise India: Papa John’s Re-Enters India with Bengaluru Launch