Franchise News: Third Wave Coffee Opens Two Cafés in Visakhapatnam

Harry Ramsden’s Group has signed a milestone master franchise agreement to introduce the iconic British fish and chip brand to India, marking a definitive step in the brand’s global expansion as it approaches its 2028 centenary. Under the terms of the agreement, master franchise partner Franchise India will develop a minimum of 60 Harry Ramsden’s restaurants across India over the next decade, with the inaugural location planned to debut in early 2027.

Founded in West Yorkshire in 1928, Harry Ramsden’s stands as one of the world’s most celebrated names in traditional British fish and chips. The brand has been strategically expanding its global footprint through franchise and licensing partnerships, driven by its ambition to become the premier fish-and-chips-led enterprise globally. The Indian partnership will introduce the brand’s signature hand-battered fish and chips alongside a curated menu tailored for the local market, catering to India’s dynamic and rapidly evolving foodservice sector.

James Fleming, Chief Executive Officer, Harry Ramsden’s Group, commented:“India represents a tremendously exciting opportunity for Harry Ramsden’s. The market is dynamic, fast-growing, and increasingly receptive to premium international culinary brands. Signing this master franchise agreement is a pivotal milestone in our international expansion strategy, and we are delighted to partner with Mr. Gaurav Marya and his team to bring the Harry Ramsden’s experience to consumers across India.

Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India, added:“Harry Ramsden’s is a globally revered brand with a unique heritage and exceptional market positioning. We see immense potential in introducing this iconic British dining experience to the Indian consumer and scaling the brand significantly over the coming years. The agreement aligns with Harry Ramsden’s Group’s broader strategy to drive international growth through robust local partnerships, scalable operational formats, and strategic new market opportunities.”

Harry Ramsden's is actively expanding its presence both internationally and across the UK through a blend of company-owned sites and strategic franchise partnerships. The brand offers an array of versatile restaurant formats and licensed concession models—including its established 'Proudly Serving Harry Ramsden's' programme, which is currently operational across major retail and travel networks.

Operators and investors interested in exploring franchise or licensing opportunities are invited to contact the corporate franchise team directly.

Founded in West Yorkshire in 1928, Harry Ramsden's is one of the UK's most iconic and cherished heritage brands. Originating as a modest wooden hut in Guiseley, the brand flourished on a foundation of culinary craft, premium quality ingredients, and exceptional hospitality—cultivating a reputation that has endured for nearly a century.

In 1952, to mark the restaurant's 21st anniversary, founder Harry hosted 'The Big Fry'—serving more than 10,000 portions of fish and chips in a single day, a world record at the time. That spirit of celebration and community remains central to the brand's identity today.

Now operating a diverse portfolio of corporate restaurants, franchise locations, and licensing partnerships with major UK retail and travel operators, Harry Ramsden's remains dedicated to delivering its world-famous fish and chips to an ever-growing global audience.

Happitea launches a new outlet in Kemps Corner, South Mumbai, strengthening its footprint in the metro city.

The brand enters India through master franchise partnership with FranGlobal and has signed 35 franchise agreements across 8 states. The international beverage brand from Vietnam’s Phúc Tea, aims to expand its network to 150 stores in the near future.

The new outlet will offer innovative beverage experiences, specialty teas and bubble tea to its customers in the city, as customers in Mumbai prefer premium and health-focused beverage options.

Mumbai is the most physically active city in India, driven by fast-paced commuters running culture, and consumers opting for healthier food options, making it a prime destination for healthy cafes and restaurants.

Commenting on the new store launch, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India, said: “The launch of HappiTea’s new store in Mumbai marks an important milestone in the brand’s expansion journey, strengthening its presence in one of India’s most dynamic retail and foodservice markets. Strategically located in a high-footfall area, the new outlet serves as a key customer touchpoint, enhancing brand visibility and accessibility while creating opportunities to engage with a wider consumer base. The store is envisioned as a premium destination where customers can explore HappiTea’s diverse beverage portfolio and enjoy a distinctive, contemporary café culture. This expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to building a strong retail footprint and tapping into the growing demand for beverage destinations in India.” 

Faasos, India’s much-loved wrap brand from Rebel Foods, is set to open its first dedicated physical outlet at Aeromall, Pune, on 10 October 2026, marking a new chapter in its 22-year journey. The launch will bring the brand back to the city where it started in 2004, as Faasos returns to its roots with a place of its own.

Over the past 22 years, Faasos has grown from its beginnings in Pune into one of India’s most recognised wrap brands, bringing convenient and flavourful food to customers across the country. From homes and offices to colleges and wherever cravings take them, the brand has brought its wraps to people for over two decades. The new outlet now gives existing customers an opportunity to experience a familiar favourite in a physical setting, while creating a new, accessible space for younger audiences to discover Faasos.

The move into a dedicated physical format extends Faasos’ relationship with customers beyond delivery, giving them a new way to experience the brand. At Aeromall, the outlet brings the familiar Faasos experience into a retail setting, creating an in-person touchpoint for customers in Pune.

Speaking at the launch, Ankush Grover, Co-founder and Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, “Pune holds a special place for Faasos, as the city where it began 22 years ago before growing into a wrap brand enjoyed by consumers across India. As we continue to build our brands, we also look at how we can bring them closer to consumers in ways that feel relevant to them. With the new outlet at Aeromall, we look forward to making Faasos more accessible to customers in Pune, while continuing to serve the wraps they have come to know and enjoy. We look forward to welcoming customers and bringing the Faasos experience to them in a new way.”

The opening will be celebrated with special offers for customers visiting the new outlet. The first 200 customers will receive a FREE Faasos wrap, with celebrations beginning at 11 AM on 10 October. For the rest of the launch day, customers can enjoy the Wrapchik range starting at just ₹59.

For Faasos, the opening marks an important step in bringing the brand closer to consumers through a dedicated physical presence. After 22 years of bringing its wraps to customers across the country, Faasos is now creating a space for customers to enjoy the brand in the city where it all began.
 

Sri Lanka-based premium seafood dining brand The The Fat Crab has entered the Indian market in collaboration with FranGlobal, the international franchise expansion arm of Franchise India. The brand plans to expand through a Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) model, targeting metropolitan and Tier 1 cities across the country.

The Fat Crab is a premium seafood dining brand originating from Sri Lanka, introducing customers to Sri Lankan and Louisiana-style Cajun seafood. The brand later expanded to the United Kingdom and currently operates stores across Sri Lanka and the UK.

The Fat Crab is known for its experiential dining format and distinctive “no-plate” approach, in which fresh seafood is served directly in steamer bags. Designed for family-style sharing, the format combines premium seafood, interactive dining and an engaging restaurant ambience.

The brand’s signature offerings include Sri Lankan lagoon mud crabs, Jaffna crab curry with moringa leaves and seafood platters. The Fat Crab also places emphasis on the ethical sourcing of ingredients as part of its commitment to quality and responsible dining.

Commenting on the brand’s entry into India, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India, said: “The brand holds significant potential in the Indian market, where the organised seafood dining segment remains relatively limited. Its entry not only brings premium seafood offerings to Indian consumers but also introduces a distinctive dining experience that combines quality, variety and an engaging ambience. With its differentiated proposition, the brand has the opportunity to attract a wider customer base and create a strong presence in India’s evolving foodservice landscape.”

Through its partnership with FranGlobal, The Fat Crab will seek franchise partners to establish a presence in key metros and Tier 1 cities. The expansion will focus on bringing the brand’s distinctive seafood menu, family-style dining format and experiential restaurant concept to Indian consumers.

FranGlobal is the international franchise expansion arm of Franchise India, supporting international brands in entering and developing their presence in the Indian market through strategic partnerships, franchise development and market expansion services. 

Delhi-based food brand Khan Chacha has expanded its footprint in North India with the opening of a new outlet in Sector 8B, Chandigarh. The launch strengthens the brand's presence in the Tricity region, where it already operates outlets at Elante Mall, Chandigarh, and CP67 Mall, Mohali.

Located near Chandigarh's popular Gedi Route, the new outlet is positioned in one of the city's busiest food and social hubs. The store has been designed primarily as a takeaway-focused format and includes outdoor seating for approximately 10 to 12 guests.

The outlet will serve several of Khan Chacha's signature menu offerings, including Chicken Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab, Chicken Rolls, Mutton Rolls, Paneer Tikka, and other North Indian food items. Customers can also place orders through food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy.

Sidhant Kalra, Director, Khan Chacha said, "Sector 8 has its own place in Chandigarh’s food and social culture. People come here to meet friends, drive around, grab something to eat and simply spend time together. We wanted Khan Chacha to become a natural part of that routine. With this outlet, we’re bringing our food closer to an area where Chandigarh already loves to eat and hang out."

Founded in Delhi, Khan Chacha has built its presence over several decades through its range of kebabs, tikkas, roomali rolls, and North Indian quick-service offerings. The company has expanded beyond its original Khan Market location while continuing to focus on its core menu categories.

The latest opening reflects the brand's strategy to strengthen its presence in high-footfall food destinations and increase accessibility for consumers across key markets. With a takeaway-led model, limited outdoor seating, and delivery integration, the Sector 8B outlet is designed to cater to evolving consumer preferences for convenience and quick-service dining. The Chandigarh expansion further reinforces Khan Chacha's position in the region's growing quick service restaurant (QSR) market and food delivery ecosystem.

South Korean foodservice company GOPIZZA has rebranded itself as GTGO, marking its transition from a pizza-focused business to a broader Korean food and beverage platform. The move coincides with the company's fifth anniversary and reflects its growing presence across international markets, including India.

The rebranding comes as GTGO strengthens its multi-brand strategy, which currently includes GOPIZZA, Korean street food brand Gochujang, and Korean dessert brand Dalkomi. In India, the company operates more than 65 outlets across these three brands, positioning itself within the country's growing Korean food and quick service restaurant (QSR) market. The company said the new corporate identity reflects its focus on building a diversified food and beverage business rather than operating solely as a pizza chain. GTGO's expansion strategy is supported by its food technology capabilities, including proprietary conveyor ovens and compact kiosk systems developed for international markets.

Globally, the company's pizza technology solutions are deployed across more than 1,600 stores through partnerships with retail and entertainment chains such as GS25 and CGV. The company is also exploring business-to-business opportunities by offering its food technology and kiosk solutions to external brands and retail partners.

Mahesh Reddy, Co-founder and CEO, GTGO said, "The company's multi-brand approach is being adapted to individual markets and is central to its international expansion strategy."

Lim Jae-won, Global CEO and Founder, GTGO added, "This is an important milestone in expanding the business beyond what was previously confined to GOPIZZA, and in advancing as a global brand built on food technology."

India remains a key growth market for the company, driven by rising consumer interest in Korean cuisine, Korean street food, and international QSR concepts. Through GOPIZZA, Gochujang, and Dalkomi, GTGO aims to strengthen its position in the country's evolving foodservice and restaurant industry. The company said its new identity will support future expansion across foodservice, food technology, and multi-brand restaurant operations as it scales across global markets.

EverBrands India, the master franchise operator of Subway in India, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch an initial public offering (IPO). The proposed public issue consists entirely of a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 600 crore, with no offer for sale component.

The company has also indicated that it may undertake a pre-IPO placement of up to Rs 120 crore. If such a placement is completed, the size of the fresh issue will be reduced accordingly. EverBrands plans to list its shares on both the BSE and NSE. Through its subsidiary, Culinary Brands India Pvt Ltd (CBIPL), EverBrands operates the Subway quick service restaurant (QSR) business in India. The company also manages Lavazza Coffee and F&H Coffee and distributes Dilmah Tea in the country through Fresh and Honest Cafe Pvt Ltd.

According to the DRHP, Motilal Oswal, ICICI Securities, and Nuvama have been appointed as the book-running lead managers for the issue, while MUFG will act as the registrar. The company intends to allocate Rs 125 crore from the IPO proceeds toward repayment of borrowings. Another Rs 326.85 crore will be used for capital expenditure related to opening new Subway outlets under the company-owned, company-operated (COCO) model. The remaining funds will be deployed for general corporate purposes.

Financially, EverBrands reported revenue of Rs 966.17 crore in FY26, representing a 34.9 percent increase from Rs 716.06 crore in FY25. The company's QSR business, led by Subway, generated Rs 693.09 crore during the fiscal year. Despite revenue growth, EverBrands reported a loss of Rs 58.19 crore in FY26, up from Rs 28.26 crore in the previous fiscal year. EBITDA rose to Rs 98.13 crore from Rs 64.21 crore in FY25.

As of FY26, the company operated 678 COCO Subway stores and 330 franchisee-owned, franchisee-operated (FOFO) outlets across India. It also had eight FOFO Subway stores in Sri Lanka. The Subway business contributed nearly 72 percent of EverBrands' total operating revenue during the fiscal year.

Shareholding data in the DRHP shows that EverBrands Ventures Pte Ltd is the company's largest shareholder, holding a 57.78 percent stake on a fully diluted basis. Norwest Capital LLC owns 16.48 percent, followed by Shivanand Shankar Mankekar HUF with 5.83 percent and Playbook India Fund II with 4.15 percent. Enrich Agro Food Products and Bikramjit Singh Kandhari each hold a 3.64 percent stake.

Earlier in 2026, EverBrands secured $15 million in a funding round led by Playbook Partners. The investment reportedly involved a 5 percent stake in the parent company of Subway India and valued the business at approximately Rs 2,600 crore to Rs 2,800 crore. The company has not yet disclosed the IPO price band or issue dates.

California-based Vietnamese dining chain Pho Hoa is entering the Indian market through a strategic collaboration with FranGlobal, the franchise advisory arm of Franchise India.

Founded in 1983 in San Jose, California, Pho Hoa began as a modest 400-square-foot restaurant. The brand has since expanded internationally and now operates 69 outlets across North America and Asia, including 18 locations in the United States, four in Canada and 27 in the Philippines.

Built around the traditional Vietnamese restaurant model, Pho Hoa offers an authentic, comforting and health-conscious dining experience centred on Vietnamese pho and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Pho Hoa offers two restaurant formats designed for different locations and customer segments. A Standard casual dining format: 1,800–2,500 square feet, suited to Tier 1 cities and high-street locations and an Express Hub format: 800–1,200 square feet, suited to food hubs, premium mall food courts and dense university districts.

The brand’s outlet formats range from approximately 800 square feet for mall express locations to more than 3,000 square feet for flagship restaurants.

Pho Hoa’s operating model is based on tightly controlled proprietary supply chains and standardised broth mixes. The system is designed to separate culinary complexity from the retail outlet, enabling consistent food quality and efficient service across markets.

The menu focuses on nutrient-dense, lower-calorie and aromatic broths, fresh herbs and naturally gluten-free rice noodles. Proprietary broths, spices and marinades are manufactured centrally to help maintain flavour consistency across locations.

The model also enables faster service, with core pho noodle soups prepared from order to service in under 60 seconds. Fresh appetisers and rice plates follow standardised, high-efficiency preparation processes.

For the Indian market, Pho Hoa plans to adapt its menu to local preferences and regulatory requirements. The brand’s India menu strategy will eliminate beef and increase the focus on poultry, seafood and plant-based offerings.This approach is intended to preserve Pho Hoa’s core Vietnamese identity while creating a menu that is relevant and accessible to Indian consumers.

Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India commented “We are delighted to partner with Pho Hoa as demand for Asian cuisine continues to grow across India. Through its collaboration with FranGlobal, Pho Hoa will explore franchise and market-development opportunities across the country. The brand’s standardised operating model, compact Express Hub format and differentiated Vietnamese proposition are well positioned to support expansion across high streets, malls, food hubs and university-led consumption districts.”

About FranGlobal

FranGlobal is the international franchise advisory arm of Franchise India. It supports global brands entering and expanding in India through market strategy, franchise development and partner identification.

HappiTea has opened a new outlet in Gurgaon (Dwarka Express), expanding its footprint in the region.

The brand enters India through master franchise partnership with FranGlobal and has signed 35 franchise agreements across 8 states. The international beverage brand from Vietnam’s Phúc Tea, aims to expand its network to 150 stores in the near future.

The new outlet on the expressway is an appropriate location as it provides convenience and accessibility to travellers while strengthening its presence along a high-traffic route. It expands the brand’s reach beyond conventional city locations, enabling it to connect with a wider customer base comprising daily commuters,and long-distance travellers

Commenting on the new launch, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group, said; “The launch of HappiTea’s new store in Gurgaon marks an important milestone in the brand’s expansion journey, expanding in strategic touchpoint that have high footfall potential.The new location act as a convenient travel stop for the consumers providing a comfortable food and beverage experience.’’

Happitea offers innovative beverage experiences, specialty teas and bubble tea to its customers, targeting Gen Z and millennial consumers of India as their preferences are shifting toward premium and health-focused beverage options. 

Third Wave Coffee has reached a new milestone in its expansion journey with the launch of its 250th café in Hazratganj, Lucknow. The opening marks the coffee chain’s continued growth across metro cities as well as Tier I and Tier II markets in India. The milestone comes amid an aggressive expansion phase for the specialty coffee and café brand. Over the past year, Third Wave Coffee has expanded into new markets including Agra, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and Jalandhar, strengthening its presence across North, East, and South India.

The company plans to further expand into Ludhiana, Manipal, Kochi, and Amritsar during the current financial year as part of its broader growth strategy. Third Wave Coffee is targeting approximately 320 cafés by FY27, with a focus on market expansion, increasing presence in existing locations, product innovation, and operational efficiency.

Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee said, “Reaching 250 cafés is a remarkable milestone in our 10-year journey and a moment to reflect on how far Third Wave Coffee has come. What started as a vision to make specialty coffee more accessible has evolved into a brand that is a part of everyday life for consumers across India. As we look to the next decade, our ambition is to build a distinctive and enduring national brand. We will continue to explore new markets, exciting offerings and segments, while evolving the experience through our baristas, food and beverage innovations, and technology. At the heart of this journey is our commitment to creating spaces and experiences that foster community and give people a reason to return.”

Third Wave Coffee said its cafés are designed to cater to multiple consumer needs, including work, meetings, social interactions, and leisure. The brand continues to focus on creating café spaces that support changing consumer preferences while strengthening its position in India's growing coffee retail market.

The company’s expansion strategy is also supported by investments in product development and operational capabilities. Its Food Innovation Lab and coffee roastery are aimed at enhancing its beverage and food portfolio while supporting growth across new and existing markets.

As competition intensifies in India’s café and specialty coffee segment, Third Wave Coffee’s continued store expansion reflects increasing demand for premium coffee experiences, café culture, and quick-service restaurant (QSR) formats across urban and emerging cities.

Mumbai-based craft beer and hospitality brand Berlin Brew has opened a new outlet at Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, strengthening its presence in one of the city’s key food, beverage, and nightlife destinations. The launch marks another step in the brand’s expansion strategy as it grows its footprint in Mumbai’s hospitality and casual dining market.

The new outlet combines Berlin Brew’s craft beer portfolio with a multi-cuisine food menu, catering to consumers seeking casual dining, social gatherings, and after-work experiences. Founded by a team with experience across hospitality concepts including Bombay Cocktail Bar, Blanco Bar Eatery and Hangout, Boho Bar and Kitchen, and Shalom, Berlin Brew was inspired by the founders’ exposure to brewing traditions and beer culture during travels across Germany, London and Colombia.

The brand’s beverage portfolio includes a range of craft beers such as Milk Stout, Dunkelweizen, Belgian Witbier and Hefeweizen, alongside cider variants and seasonal offerings. Recent additions to the menu include Kala Khatta Cider and Lichi Vanilla Cider, while the seasonal selection features Mango IPA. Its food menu includes dishes such as Gochujang Potatoes, Mini Blue Cheese Kulcha and Butter Garlic Prawns, complementing the beverage offerings.

Roshan Thakkar, Founder, Berlin Brew said, “When we first discovered craft beer during our travels, what stood out to us was the variety and the attention to how each beer was made. We were used to seeing the same limited choices, so the idea that beer could have different styles, flavours and personalities really fascinated us. That curiosity eventually led us to research the category in India and think about how we could create something that felt authentic to us. With Berlin Brew, our intention was never to make craft beer complicated or intimidating. We wanted to make good beer, get the flavours right, and create a space where people could simply come in, relax, and enjoy themselves. The Kamala Mills opening is an exciting step because it gives us the opportunity to bring that experience to a new part of Mumbai, while continuing to build Berlin Brew as a destination that people associate with quality craft beer, good food, and a strong sense of community.”

The opening gives Berlin Brew a presence in the Lower Parel food and entertainment district, adding another Mumbai location to its network. The company continues to focus on expanding its craft beer-led hospitality business through a combination of specialty beverages, food offerings, and experiential dining formats.

Specialty coffee café Oro has launched its flagship outlet in Gurugram, marking the debut of the brand founded by Tisha Aggarwal. The new café combines specialty coffee, bakery offerings, and an all-day dining menu, catering to consumers for occasions such as work meetings, casual dining, coffee breaks, and social gatherings. Located in Gurugram, the café has been designed to serve professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers, families, and coffee enthusiasts.

The format aims to accommodate customers throughout the day, from morning coffee visits and business discussions to meals and evening meetups. The food menu features a mix of globally inspired dishes, including the Italian Job, a burrata sandwich served in schiacciata bread, alongside the Chili Crisp Tamago Sando and Katsu Chicken Sando, influenced by Japanese convenience store-style offerings.

Oro also offers a daily bakery selection, including Butter Croissants, Almond Croissants and Miso Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Its dessert menu features Basque Cheesecake, Tiramisu and slow-baked Chocolate Cake. The café’s specialty coffee programme focuses on beans sourced from North East India, Goa and Tamil Nadu. Customers can choose from pour-over coffee and classic coffee preparations. The beverage menu includes signature drinks such as Tiramisu Latte, Chocolate and Berry Cold Brew and Coconut Iced Latte, along with matcha-based beverages, teas and coolers.

Tisha Aggarwal, Founder, Oro said, “I've always believed cafés have the power to bring people together. With Oro, we wanted to create a neighbourhood café where people feel comfortable walking in at any time of the day- for a morning coffee, a working lunch or an evening catch-up. Our focus has always been on serving good coffee, honest food and creating a place that people look forward to coming back to.”

The Gurugram outlet will function as Oro’s flagship location as the brand builds its presence in the city before evaluating opportunities for expansion across the Delhi NCR market. The company also plans to introduce seasonal food and beverage offerings, new specialty coffee options, wellness-focused menu additions, and collaborations with artists, creators, and lifestyle brands.

WorldMark Gurugram, a mixed-use development by BGRE, formerly known as Brookfield Properties, has strengthened its food and beverage portfolio with the launch of InChi, a new Chinese dining concept from Tangarine Tango Hospitality. The restaurant marks the brand’s first outlet and expands the dining and retail experience at the Gurugram destination.

The new restaurant focuses on two of China’s best-known culinary traditions, Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. While Cantonese dishes are known for their balanced and subtle flavours, Sichuan cuisine is recognised for its spice-forward taste and signature ma-la profile. The menu combines dishes from both traditions, presented using contemporary cooking techniques and modern plating styles.

Nitin Bir, Vice President – Retail Leasing, BGRE said, “Our vision for WorldMark Gurugram is to build a dining landscape that continues to evolve and surprise our guests. The launch of InChi is an exciting step in that journey, bringing a contemporary, flavour-forward take on Chinese cuisine that stays true to the soul of Cantonese and Sichuan cooking while introducing something genuinely new. As we continue to curate a distinctive F&B mix at WorldMark Gurugram, additions like InChi reinforce our commitment to giving guests fresh reasons to discover, dine and return.”

Vihaan Vir Anand, VP – Tangarine Tango Hospitality said, “With InChi, we wanted to bring guests a true range of Chinese cuisine, the balance and subtlety of Cantonese cooking alongside the bold, layered heat of Sichuan flavours, all rooted in tradition but shaped by a contemporary sensibility. WorldMark Gurugram felt like the right fit for the brand because of the kind of mix it brings together. It is a place where people come not just to work, but also to meet, dine, and spend time. That made it an interesting home for InChi, where the idea is to create a dining experience that people can keep coming back to and discover something new each time.”

The launch further expands WorldMark Gurugram’s retail and F&B ecosystem, adding a new Chinese restaurant concept to its growing mix of dining brands. The menu offers a combination of Cantonese and Sichuan specialities, bringing together traditional flavours with contemporary presentation for consumers seeking diverse dining experiences in Gurugram.

Starbucks has opened a new outlet in Mall of India. With this opening, the brand  has reached 528 stores across India, a milestone that reflects the continued growth and expansion of the brand across the country.

Commenting on the new development, Haris Khan, Business Development Executive, Starbucks, posted:  ‘‘Delighted to share the successful launch of our new Starbuck outlet at  Mall Of India. Proud to have been a part of this journey and thankful to all the teams and partners who made this opening possible,’’on his social media handle.

Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational chain that operates the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington,the brand was established in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker at the historic Pike Place Market. The brand reports a global footprint of 41,129 stores across 89 markets.

Starbucks in India operates as Tata Starbucks Private Limited, a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks Corporation and Tata Consumer Products.  The brand entered India in 2012, with a flagship outlet in Mumbai. Today, the brand has outlets across 81 cities, and has a long-term vision to scale up to 8,000 stores nationwide. 
 

Global Asian dining brand Wagamama has marked its entry into Delhi NCR through a partnership with K Hospitality, opening its first restaurant in the region. The outlet recently hosted a private launch event, bringing the internationally recognised restaurant chain to one of India's key foodservice and hospitality markets.

The launch was attended by industry guests and partners, with K Hospitality's leadership team, including Sunil Kapur and his sons Varun Kapur and Karan Kapur, hosting attendees at the inaugural event.

Known for its Asian-inspired menu and casual dining format, Wagamama has built a global presence by focusing on a distinctive customer experience alongside its food offerings. The Delhi NCR opening represents a significant step in the brand's India expansion strategy through its collaboration with K Hospitality.

Guests at the launch sampled a range of dishes from the menu, with the brand's signature offerings receiving positive feedback. Among the dishes highlighted during the event was the Miso Soup, a staple item in Japanese-inspired cuisine.

The opening strengthens Delhi NCR's premium casual dining landscape and adds another international foodservice brand to India's growing restaurant market. The partnership with K Hospitality is expected to support Wagamama's expansion plans as it establishes its presence in the country.

Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has launched Popeyes’ first green store in India at Navalur, Chennai, further strengthening the quick service restaurant chain’s footprint in the city. With this opening, Popeyes now operates 12 restaurants across Chennai.

The new outlet has been developed under the brand’s “Popeyes Planet First” initiative and is aiming to secure IGBC Gold certification, reflecting its focus on environmentally responsible operations.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the restaurant incorporates several energy-saving and resource-efficiency measures. The outlet is equipped with 17 solar panels with a total installed capacity of 9.95 kWp, which are expected to generate approximately 8.8 percent of the restaurant’s annual energy requirements.

To improve operational efficiency, the store also features an integrated energy monitoring system that tracks and optimizes consumption across key functions, including air-conditioning systems, pumps, and kitchen equipment.

The store design also integrates sustainability-focused elements, including indoor plants across more than 95 percent of regularly occupied areas. Measures for improved daylight access and ventilation have also been incorporated, while digital displays and signage provide information about the outlet’s environmental initiatives and performance.

The launch aligns with Jubilant FoodWorks Limited’s broader sustainability strategy. During FY26, renewable sources accounted for 52.7 percent of the energy consumed at the company’s commissaries. Additionally, electric vehicles represented 67 percent of its delivery fleet, while rooftop rainwater harvesting systems helped collect 37 percent of the water used across commissary operations.

Vibhor Gupta, EVP and Chief Business Officer, Popeyes, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited said, “As Popeyes continues to expand its presence in India, we are also evolving the way we design and operate our restaurants. The Navalur restaurant reflects this approach, bringing together the distinctive Popeyes experience with practical measures focused on energy efficiency, water reuse and responsible resource use. As we grow, our focus is on creating restaurants that are efficient in how they operate and thoughtful in how they use resources, while continuing to deliver the experience our guests and teams expect from Popeyes.”

The Navalur launch marks an important milestone for Popeyes in India, introducing the brand’s green store concept while supporting its ongoing expansion across Chennai and the broader Indian quick service restaurant market.

Rebel Foods, the world’s largest online restaurant platform, has announced its financial performance for FY26, delivering strong revenue growth alongside a significant improvement in profitability.

The company reported 20% year-on-year revenue growth, while EBITDA margins improved by 475 basis points compared with the previous year. Rebel Foods also reduced its net loss by 19%, reflecting continued progress towards building a stronger, more profitable and scalable business.
 

Ankush Grover, Co-founder & Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said: “FY26 marks an important step forward for Rebel Foods, with growth and profitability increasingly coming together. As our platform scales, we are seeing the benefits of stronger consumer engagement, higher store productivity and operating leverage flow through to the business. Our focus remains on building a predictable, sustainable and highly scalable food platform for the long term.”

The performance reflects the underlying strength of Rebel Foods’ platform model. Today, the company serves consumers across 120+ cities, while operating multiple leading food brands and categories through a common infrastructure.

This model allows Rebel Foods to serve a broader range of consumer occasions while driving healthy same-store growth, improving asset utilisation and benefiting from operating leverage and economies of scale.

During the year, stronger consumer engagement and continued improvements across store operations, technology and supply chain contributed to higher productivity and margin expansion. The combination of healthy growth, improving unit economics and operating leverage is enabling the company to scale more efficiently as the business grows.

Rebel Foods continues to invest in technology, consumer experience, brand building and operational capabilities, with a clear focus on driving sustained profitable growth across its portfolio and markets.

House of Candy has opened a new outlet at Nexus Esplanade Mall in Bhubaneswar, expanding its physical footprint in the region.

Commenting on the store launch, Raushan Kumar, General Manager, House of Candy shared: ‘‘We are delighted to bring our colourful world of candies and sweet experiences to the people of Bhubaneswar.A heartfelt thank you to the Nexus Esplanade team, our partners, and the entire House of Candy team for their dedication and support in making this launch possible.’’

House of Candy is a premium candy retailer in India. Founded in 2012 by Sameer Bhatia and Kanu Priya Sharma under Samkan Products Pvt. Ltd., the Delhi-based brand operates as a massive physical retail footprint with over 300+ stores across 60+ Indian cities. The brand also offers pan-India shipping through their e-commerce platform, and actively offers franchise opportunities across India. As per a media platform, the brand more than 275 franchise stores across India.

According to a research report,  the Indian Candy Market was valued at USD 2.06 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 4.01 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 14.06%. The segment is witnessing robust growth due to a combination of changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and the growing popularity of confectionery products across all age groups. As urbanization increases, there is a greater demand for affordable and convenient snacking options, with candy being a popular choice among children, teenagers, and adults alike.

Harlem Shake, the community-focused fast casual dining brand from Harlem, New York, is preparing to enter the Indian market through a strategic collaboration with Franchise India with advisory by FranGlobal.

The brand is rolling out regional master-franchise and area-development opportunities across multiple Indian territories.

Established in 2003, Harlem Shake is known for its local character, welcoming atmosphere and community-driven dining experience. Founded by Jelena Pasic, the brand reflects her appreciation for local traditions and Harlem’s distinctive history, architecture and cultural identity.Harlem Shake is  a diner concept that draws inspiration from old-school Harlem eateries, combining distinctive design, décor and food with a strong connection to the communities they serve.

The menu includes burgers, shakes and other fast-food favourites, supported by quality ingredients, friendly service and a fast-casual operating model. The brand has attracted local residents as well as celebrities, politicians and international visitors.

Harlem Shakes is rolling out regional master-franchise and area-development opportunities across multiple Indian territories.

Commenting on the brand’s potential in India, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group, said: “India is a highly diverse and dynamic market where brands that understand local tastes, preferences and cultural nuances are better positioned to succeed. Consumers increasingly value global concepts that can adapt to local preferences and palettes without creating cultural disconnects. Harlem Shake’s community-friendly proposition can resonate strongly with India’s evolving consumer preferences and offers significant potential for franchise-led growth. With the right local partnerships, the brand can scale across key markets and establish a strong presence in India.”

Talking about the Indian market opportunity, Jelena Pasic, Founder & CEO, Harlem Shake, said: India just became the most populous country in the world. The growth of the economy and the overall development of consumer society in India presents a great opportunity for our brand. I think the people of India are now acquiring tastes and want to experience things worldwide. And so we really give India a Harlem experience. In the day and time where Indian consumers look for more and more exciting experiences, we can provide a premium smash little burger, organic  milkshake and a great recipe that's simple to execute and at the same time provide a unique experience. We also have a high sense of community which we would like to replicate and bring to India.

Further discussing the brand expansion strategy, she said: ‘‘We like to open 100 Harlem Shake units in 10 years, at least 10 units in the first year. We are doing area development deals, and not selling single units. That's because we want to make sure that whoever gets the franchise deals receives higher ROI with multiple units in one area. We would like to expand to Tier 1 cities, big urban centres, and then some other cities that are around them. All in all, our franchise partners will get high ROI, and besides that you get to run a ‘fun concept’ that has not only a culinary but cultural component as well.’’

Happi Tea, a speciality tea and beverage brand has launched a new store in Kharar, Punjab. The beverage brand from Vietnam’s Phúc Tea, is accelerating its expansion in India through a franchise-driven growth strategy.

The brand has 200 stores globally, and its growth in India is being driven through a master franchise partnership with Franchise India (FranGlobal).  

HappiTea offers specialty tea, bubble tea, and other innovative beverages, targeting Gen Z and millennial consumers of India as their preferences are shifting toward premium and health-focused beverage options

Commenting on the new store opening, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group, said, “ The launch of HappiTea’s new store in Punjab marks an important milestone in the brand’s expansion journey. It comes at a time when Indian consumers are showing growing interest in innovative beverage experiences, specialty teas and bubble tea. HappiTea is witnessing strong momentum in India, driven by its differentiated menu and flexible business model. Its scalable format is well suited to diverse markets, enabling the brand to expand efficiently across cities and locations while responding to evolving consumer preferences.”

The bubble tea and specialty tea chain has already signed more than 35 franchise outlets across eight states and is aiming to expand its network to over 150 stores nationwide in 2026.