Popeyes to enter India, neighboring countries in coming years via Jubilant FoodWorks
Jubilant already holds master franchise rights for Domino's Pizza and Dunkin'.
American fast food restaurant brand Popeyes is expanding in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan in the coming years — part of an aggressive global expansion plan.
Indian food services company Jubilant Foodworks Limited (JFL) entered into an exclusive master franchise and development agreement with PLK APAC Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI), which owns Popeyes.
Jubilant will develop, establish, own and operate “hundreds of Popeyes restaurants in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan in the coming years," the company said in a press release. Part of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, it already holds the master franchise rights for Domino's Pizza and Dunkin'.
"We are happy to announce the signing of a multi-country agreement to acquire the exclusive rights to operate and sub-license the iconic Popeyes brand in India and neighbouring countries," Shyam S Bhartia, chairman and Hari S. Bhartia, co-chairman, Jubilant Foodworks Limited said.
"Chicken is one of the largest and fastest-growing categories in India and is expected to grow rapidly in years to come. Popeyes will be an exciting addition to the JFL portfolio and is expected to become one of the key drivers of growth for us in the coming years," they added.
David Shear, president international at RBI, added, "We’re excited to introduce our iconic Louisiana-style chicken to a new population in the world that already celebrates and loves bold and delicious flavours."
"Popeyes will also enter the United Kingdom and build its presence in Mexico starting in 2021, with plans to open several hundreds of restaurants across both countries," it said.
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes is one of the world's largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 3,400 restaurants in over 25 countries around the globe.
