After a successful remodelling of its Indian franchisee-run restaurants, South African chicken chain Nando’s has opened a wholly owned subsidiary to drive growth.

Nando’s now plans to open 20 of its own directly-run restaurants as it expands its footprint in the rapidly growing Indian QSR market.

India’s ETRetail.com reports that the company has lured Sumeet Yadav, who runs Reliance Brands’ Brooks Brothers and SuperDry operations, to run the food company and lead the expansion. However there was no official confirmation of the appointment.

The company is expected to continue to support expansion plans of franchisees and will not be taking over existing franchised outlets.

Nando’s is testing the Indian market for the second time, after an earlier failed bid led to it withdrawing in 2008, closing three restaurants in Mumbai.

This time, the company is opening larger stores with a focus on dining-in rather than takeout.

It has also adapted its menu to the Indian palate, offering vegetarian dishes which now account for 40 per cent of its sales.

While South African based, Nando’s prepares food to Portuguese recipes and now has more than 1000 restaurants in 34 countries.