US-based pizza chain Papa John’s is set to re-enter the Indian foodservice market this year after a one-year delay from its planned 2024 launch. Exiting India in 2017 due to operational and branding challenges, the company now adopts a revised strategy prioritizing localization, competitive pricing, and operational efficiency to navigate inflationary pressures and strong competition from Pizza Hut and Domino’s.
Partnering with Indian franchisees for supply chain, real estate, and technology expertise, Papa John’s aims to tailor its offerings to Indian tastes, addressing a key gap in its earlier attempt.
With over 5,900 global outlets, India is central to the brand’s international growth plans. The company targets 650 outlets in the next decade, beginning with a phased rollout in metro cities before expanding to smaller towns. This measured approach contrasts with the aggressive strategies of its competitors, reflecting Papa John’s commitment to sustainable growth in India’s dynamic market.
