Retail conglomerate Landmark Group will bring American brands Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and PF Chang’s China Bistro to India by early next year via its hospitality business Citymax India, according to sources.
However, the company opted not to respond to the reports.
“We would not want to comment on market speculation,” said Vishal Sawhney, new president of Landmark Group’s hospitality business.
Landmark Group also operates Lifestyle department stores and Max hypermarkets in India. Its Citymax hospitality company runs Sanjeev Kapoor’s The Yellow Chilli restaurants, Polynation Food Courts, the local franchise of Australia’s Gloria Jean’s Coffee and indoor family entertainment centre called Fun City.
If a deal goes through, Krispy Kreme, popular for its glazed doughnuts, will be competing with another American brand Dunkin’ Donuts which will also enter India next year though franchisee Jubilant Foodworks.
The Arizona-based PF Chang’s China Bistro which serves American Chinese cuisine has been seeking partnerships in India since last year. The growing number of Indians spending on eating out has enticed PF Chang’s China Bistro to set up presence in the country.
Owned by Micky Jagtiani, Landmark Group’s portfolio also includes retail brands such as Shoe Mart, Splash, Spar, Iconic, centrepoint, shoexpress, babyshop, homecentre, beautybay and Emax and hospitality brands including Fitness First, spaces, Gourmet Station and Citymax hotels. It also manages Oasis Centre shopping malls.
