UK-based chain PizzaExpress will relaunch its brand in India with new store openings planned before the year’s end.

PizzaExpress formed its first Indian venture with V K Modi Group eight years ago, however, it failed to take off, losing ground to competitors. This time the British chain has signed Gourmet Investments, promoted by Bharti Family Office, as its franchisee.

“The joint venture is making progress as per our plans. We continue to work on developing the brand, business and team in India,” said a spokesperson of PizzaExpress.

PizzaExpress targets Mumbai and Delhi as locations for its first outlets in India.

Gourmet Investments director Ramit Bharti Mittal is optimistic about the success of the new venture. He said India’s rapidly expanding economy and vast middle-class population offer tremendous growth opportunities in the casual dining category.

Sbarro, California Pizza Kitchen and Chicago Pizza are among the newbies in India’s pizza market, which is dominated by US-based Domino’s Pizza with 45 per cent share.

PizzaExpress has more than 450 restaurants spread across Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan and the Middle East.

GB