CPK opens first India locationCPK opens first India location

Lisa Jennings

California Pizza Kitchen joined a growing number of U.S. foodservice brands when it added India to its list of international markets.

The Los Angeles-based casual-dining chain said Monday it had debuted its first Indian outlet in Mumbai. The 4,000-square foot, 180-seat location was opened by franchisee JSMGGC India Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture between Mumbai-based JSM Corp. and Dubai-based Gourmet Gulf Co.

A nation with a population four times greater than that of the United States, India has become the expansion target for a growing number of American foodservice brands. Among them are Yum! Brands Inc.-owned Taco Bell, which opened its first unit in India earlier this year, and Domino’s Pizza, which already has more than 300 locations there.

McDonald’s also has set its sites on stepped up growth in India. Vikram Bakshi, managing director of McDonald’s operations in the north and east of India, told the Wall Street Journal that the burger giant’s franchisees expect to have 210 locations open there this year and add another 45 next year.

CPK has 30 other international locations, including restaurants in China, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, South Korea, Guam, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates. The company operates, franchises or licenses 264 restaurants globally, including the full-service CPK brand, as well as CPK ASAP and LA Food Show Grill & Bar.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].