Australian pie chain Pie Face says it has commenced discussions to open outlets in India and Indonesia as part of a global expansion plan.

The chain, known for its pies with distinctive faces, has 78 outlets in Australia and three in the US. Five more outlets are to be opened by the end of July in New York.

Co-founder Wayne Homschek said plans to expand to other countries are also in the works. The chain’s partners in New Zealand are planning to open their first outlet by the middle of the year.

“We are also in discussions with a couple of major groups in the Gulf Cooperation Council regarding UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, and we are very close on a joint venture in the UK.”

Homschek said that while the company is expanding offshore, Australia will remain its important market.

“The US is increasingly important and other markets will become vital as they mature, but Australia sits on the top of the world and will benefit from whatever we do globally,“ said Homschek.