Papa John's, the leading pizza chain in America and the third largest pizza chain across the globe declared its plan for investing more than USD 62.5 million in the Indian market within four years. Papa John's has found India to be one of the most predominant markets to set up its outlets after doing a study on the success of various pizza chains.

Myles Felt, Vice-President of Papa John's has clearly stated in his interview that a growth of 15% to 20% in the number pizza outlets has been witnessed by the Indian market in the past 9 years. He has also said that he expects it to grow by at least 25% to 40% in the current year, 2008.

According to him, the Indian affluent class or the upper middle class and the elites spend huge cash on restaurants. Indians, especially the youth class love to hog on the varieties of pizzas available at various brand outlets as well as other fast food shops.



Tapan Vaidya, general manager of JIP Fashion, Indian franchisee of Papa John's, told in one of his interviews that a major rise in the income of people in India and growth in middle class to upper middle class people has been the key drivers in the rising demand of such fast foods in India. The growth in the economic status of the Indian people has stimulated the Louisville, Kentucky-based Pizza chain Papa John's to plan for such a big investment in the country.

Vaidya has declared on Thursday, April 10, 2008 about opening at least 100 pizza outlets in India by the year 2011. Dining and delivery will be given equal importance by the prospective outlets of Papa John's in India. It has fixed the menu and price range of the food items in compliance with the local taste and the competitive ambiance of the Indian market.

Papa John's plans to open its outlets in Pune, Vadodara, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. These outlets would be opened by the end of 2008. Papa John's has already achieved much success internationally. This American pizza chain has set up more than 3,225 branches in almost 28 international markets till now.

One of the biggest achievements of Papa John's in India has been the outstanding success of its fourth outlet in the country. After opening its Mumbai outlet, Papa John's launched an attractive offer of providing free pizza once a week for the first 50 customers. Also, those 50 customers were privileged to enjoy the offer for the entire year. The success of this store has given a big boost to the expansion plans of Papa John's in India.