Le Pain Quotidien Returns to India with Strategic Expansion Plan

Le Pain Quotidien, the well-known Belgian all-day bakery and restaurant brand, is set to re-enter the Indian market through a master franchise agreement with Bake & Brew Private Limited, supported by the Nalanda Group. This move marks a key step in Le Pain Quotidien's global growth, with plans to open over 100 outlets across India by 2035, aiming for a brand valuation of Rs 1,000 crore within the next decade.

An initial investment of Rs 35 crore will see the launch of two flagship outlets in Mumbai by March 2025. The brand’s expansion strategy will target major metropolitan areas and key travel retail locations, such as airports, positioning Le Pain Quotidien as a significant player in India's evolving hospitality and retail sectors.

Founded by Alain Coumont in Brussels in 1990, Le Pain Quotidien has a strong global presence with over 220 stores in more than 20 countries. The brand is known for its commitment to offering high-quality, fresh ingredients, a philosophy it plans to maintain in its Indian operations.

Brijesh Agrawal, Director of Bake and Brew Private Limited, will lead the brand’s re-entry into India. Agrawal emphasized the venture's goal of redefining the bakery and dining experience in India. "Our collaboration is driven by a shared vision to introduce Indian consumers to Le Pain Quotidien’s unique blend of rustic charm and modern innovation. We are committed to delivering a premium dining experience that meets the evolving tastes of Indian consumers while upholding the brand's global standards of sustainability and quality," he stated.

Annick Van Overstraeten, CEO of Le Pain Quotidien, expressed excitement about the brand's return to India. "We are ecstatic to bring Le Pain Quotidien back to India. This marks a new chapter where we aim to create spaces that foster a sense of community, offering an authentic dining experience that celebrates the joy of simple, nourishing food. Partnering with Bake and Brew and Brijesh Agrawal ensures we meet the local market's expectations and sustainability goals," she said.

Le Pain Quotidien's expansion into India is expected to create approximately 1,500 jobs, with Bake and Brew implementing extensive training programs to ensure high-quality service. The brand's menu will include a mix of global signature dishes and localized offerings, such as millet-based dishes, salads, tartines, and organic sourdough bread. The menu will retain 80 percent of its global offerings, while 20 percent will be adapted to local tastes. The restaurants will also feature a variety of healthy beverages, including homemade lemonades, teas, and natural ingredient-based coffees.

The brand’s outlets in India will reflect its core values, combining rustic charm with modern design, and will focus on community dining. Le Pain Quotidien's commitment to sustainability will be evident through its use of biodegradable packaging and partnerships with local farmers.

This strategic re-entry into India represents more than just business growth for Le Pain Quotidien; it is an effort to bring back communal dining and authentic flavors with a focus on high-quality, sustainable food options.