Papa John's Makes India a Key Market with Vegetarian Menu

Papa John's International, one of the world’s largest pizza chains, is focusing on India as a priority market and is bringing a new menu with a majority of vegetarian options to cater to local tastes. The company is aiming for long-term growth in the country after exiting India in 2017 due to underperformance.

Relaunch in India
Papa John’s has opened its first four stores in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and has ambitious plans to expand to 650 stores across India over the next ten years. The company is returning at a time when India’s fast-food sector is recovering, as discretionary spending is improving after recent tax cuts. This timing is expected to help the company attract more customers and achieve steady growth.

Ravi Thanawala, CFO of Papa John’s, said that India is now one of the company’s “priority markets” globally, along with China and the United Arab Emirates. He added that these markets receive the most management focus for developing new technology strategies, understanding consumer preferences, and driving growth.

Vegetarian Menu for Indian Consumers
For the first time in its history, Papa John’s will offer more vegetarian pizzas than non-vegetarian ones in India. The move is designed to appeal to India’s large vegetarian population, the highest in the world. The franchise believes that catering to local tastes will attract more foot traffic and increase sales.

The Indian franchise is operated jointly by Pulsar Capital, an Indian investment firm, and UAE-based PJP Investments Group. Tapan Vaidya, CEO of PJP Investments, said India is expected to become the largest market for Papa John’s within six years, surpassing the number of stores in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan combined. Currently, the franchise operates around 150 stores in the Middle East.

Pricing and Expansion Plans
Papa John’s is entering the Indian market with affordable pricing. The entry-level Margherita pizza is priced at 149 rupees ($1.68), compared with Domino’s Pizza, the market leader, which sells its Margherita pizza starting at 109 rupees. The company plans to expand to Hyderabad in 2027 as part of its nationwide growth strategy.

Focus on Technology and Research
In addition to expanding its store network, Papa John’s is investing in technology and consumer research. This focus will allow the company to better understand customer preferences in India, streamline operations, and introduce innovative offerings that meet local demands.

Franchise Strategy and Market Potential
The India relaunch highlights Papa John’s strategy of partnering with experienced local and regional franchisees to achieve rapid expansion. By understanding the market, customizing menus, and offering competitive prices, the company aims to establish a strong foothold in one of the fastest-growing food markets in the world.