California Pizza Kitchen re-enters India; partners with Sanjay Mahtani of JSM Corp

Originator of California-style pizza, California Pizza Kitchen is re-entering India by partnering with JSM Corporation Pvt. Ltd that also operate Hardrock Café in the country.

The brand new franchise location in India will be located at Seawoods Grand Central Mall, a prime locale in Nerul East, Sector 40, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

The opening marks another milestone in the brand’s continued growth around the globe and nearly 50 international CPK restaurants.

“The opening of California Pizza Kitchen in India further propels our California-Forward casual dining concept and makes getting a bite of California possible for more customers around the world,” said Giorgio Minardi, Executive Vice President, Global and Franchise Operations, CPK.

The deal will see the newest CPK location owned and operated by Sanjay Mahtani, co-founder and operator of JSM Corporation Pvt. Ltd., a leading India-based international restaurant group with over fifteen years of success.

“California Pizza Kitchen’s strong business model and international recognition made it a natural fit for our team. We look forward to bringing the fresh taste of California to our customers nearly halfway around the world,” added Mahtani.

Apart from India, other new international deals include locations set to open in Chile, Costa Rica, Alberta, Canada, and more.

California Pizza Kitchen also launched a domestic franchise program in the United States in December of 2021 that is helping to further broaden CPK’s franchise program and reach new markets domestically. 

California Pizza Kitchen is currently seeking experiences, qualified multi-unit franchisees globally and in markets throughout the United States. Prospective franchisees must have a minimum net worth of $5 million, a minimum liquidity of $2 million and a commitment to open three-to-five restaurants during the first five years.