Papa Johns Accelerates International Expansion Strategy With PJP Investments Group's Aggressive India Push Through 2033

Pizza delivery leader Papa Johns is making a bold bet on South Asian growth by committing to a substantial restaurant rollout in India over the next decade. The partnership with PJP Investments Group, a seasoned franchise operator with extensive Middle East experience, marks a significant milestone in Papa Johns’ international development roadmap.

Seizing India’s Market Opportunity

India represents a compelling growth frontier for Papa Johns, with its vast population base, rapidly expanding middle class, and increasing consumer spending on dining experiences. The company’s decision to funnel 650 new restaurant openings through this single franchisee partnership by 2033 underscores management’s confidence in the subcontinent’s long-term potential.

The initial restaurant launch is targeted for 2024 in Bangalore, positioning the brand in a major tech hub before expanding systematically to other South Indian cities and eventually nationwide coverage. This phased approach allows Papa Johns to establish market presence methodically while maintaining quality standards.

PJP Investments: A Proven Execution Partner

PJP Investments Group brings nearly two decades of operational expertise to this arrangement. The Dubai-headquartered firm, backed by Levant Capital, already manages over 100 Papa Johns locations across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. This existing footprint demonstrates the company’s capability to scale complex franchise operations successfully.

Under CEO Tapan Vaidya’s leadership, PJP is adopting Papa Johns’ modernized restaurant design format, enhancing customer experience across its estate. Vaidya has gained recognition in the hospitality industry, earning placement on Caterer Middle East’s Power 50 list consecutively from 2020-2022.

Ambitious Growth Targets Within Reach

Within a decade, PJP Investments intends to operate nearly 1,000 Papa Johns restaurants globally. This expansion commitment extends beyond India—the group is also scheduled to open Papa Johns’ first location in Iraq during 2024, demonstrating momentum across multiple markets simultaneously.

Papa Johns’ international strategy has successfully attracted other major franchise partners. FountainVest Partners, a prominent Asian private equity firm, plans to deploy over 1,750 new Papa Johns restaurants across China by 2040, illustrating the brand’s broadening appeal among sophisticated franchise operators globally.

Papa Johns’ International Footprint

The pizza delivery company currently operates more than 5,700 locations across approximately 50 countries and territories. Headquartered jointly in Atlanta, Georgia and Louisville, Kentucky, Papa Johns ranks as the world’s third-largest pizza delivery brand, built on a foundation of high-quality ingredients and fresh, never-frozen dough crafted from six core components. The brand pioneered the removal of artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its national pizza delivery menu.