Pizza is remarkably popular in India. In fact, some say it is already an Indian dish. This makes the pizza franchise quite enticing. This article provides the top 10 pizza franchises in India.
India’s Pizza Market Overview
In ancient times, people in different parts of the world ate something similar to pizza. But the familiar pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the mid-18th century. It was poor man’s food. Overtime, the perception and ingredients changed. From Naples, pizza slowly spread to different parts of the world.
Pizza reached America through the Italian migrants and held on. But it was the returning World War II soldiers assigned in Italy that solidified the hold. They influenced the American craving for pizza. After their return, pizza stores were sprouting everywhere. And through the American pizza chain stores, pizza reached other countries.
Pizza Hut was the first pizza chain to come to India. It opened its first restaurant in Bangalore in 1996. Domino’s Pizza followed the same year and opened its first outlet in Delhi.
India’s pizza market is far from saturated. Market experts still consider India as an emerging market. The country’s pizza industry is worth over ₹1,500 crores. The compounded annual growth rate is 27% for the last 5 years.
What Makes Pizza an Ideal Business to Franchise?
In India, pizza is an ideal business to franchise. What makes it ideal?
Familiarity
Although it is Italian, pizza is familiar to Indians. They have their own flatbreads like roti, naan, chapati and many more. Different vegetables, sauces and cheeses go with these flatbreads. In northern India, they use paneer cheese with these breads. They made paneer cheese from cow or water buffalo milk much like mozzarella.
Another thing that is familiar is that you eat pizza with your hands. Indians eat their flatbreads using their hands.
Young People and Young Professionals
India has a large population of young people and young professionals. This group is image and brand conscious. Going to a Domino’s or Pizza Hut and eating pizza is something cosmopolitan. This makes them feel one with the rest of the world.
Working people
Many busy working people opt for fast food like pizza and burgers. They have less time to prepare food.
Rising incomes
Rising incomes contribute to the popularity of pizza. Pizza is actually expensive compared to home-cooked meals. However, rising incomes make pizza affordable.
Changing lifestyle
Many women are joining the workforce. Traditionally, women are the ones who prepare meals at home. Because they are now working, they have less time for preparing food. Pizza becomes an option.
Pandemic
Pandemic? Yes, pandemic.
With people not able to dine out, the next choice is to order pizza, have it home-delivered and eat it at home with friends or family. Dineout and Zomato found out that pizza is one food ordered and delivered to people's homes during the pandemic.
All these show that there is a demand for pizza franchises in India.
Pros and Cons of Pizza Franchise
If you are considering buying a franchise, know the pros and cons of the business.
Pros
The following are the pros of starting a fast food franchise business:
Simple setting up of an outlet
Setting up your own outlet is uncomplicated in comparison to starting your own business. The franchisor will help you in putting your business.
Big market
Those in the ages 15 to 35 are your main customers. Young people and young professionals make up this age bracket. In India, this is a quite large group.
Availability of workers
India has more young people than anywhere else in the world. Many of these young people will work in fast food restaurants.
Brand recall
Many of the fast food chains offering franchises are well-known brands. People recognized them. There is no need to build the brand.
Financial support
Indian banks understand the needs of entrepreneurs wanting to start a business. They will provide you options to finance your business.
Training and Support
The franchisor takes charge of training you and your crew. Then when the business is in operation, the franchisor will support you. They want you to succeed because your failure is their failure too.
Cons
High initial cost
Well-known fast food chains ask for steep franchise fees and initial investment capital. One of the main reasons for this is that you are buying a brand name. Less known chains will not be expensive.
Contractual responsibilities
The franchise contract seals the relationship between franchisor and franchisee. Both parties should follow the terms and conditions written in the contract. Contractual obligations include the locked-in period and several restrictions.
No room for innovation
When you are a franchisee, you do not have the freedom to innovate. Innovation is the work of the franchisor and not of the franchisee.
Royalties
Depending on the franchising company, a franchisor could require a royalty fee. It is like a membership fee paid regularly. But not all franchising companies do this. Their share in your profit covers the royalty fees.
Splitting of profits
You share profit with your franchisor. The allocation of profit will depend on the agreement entered or the franchise availed. A franchise could either be Franchise-owned, Company-operated (FOCO) or Franchise-owned, Franchise-operated (FOFO). In the former, the franchisee receives less. In the latter, the franchisee gets more.
Tips to Succeed in Pizza Franchise Business
Everyone who goes into business wants to succeed. To succeed, there are two factors that you have to consider: preparation and management.
Strengthen franchise knowledge
Arm yourself with the essentials of franchising. Franchise Market India has articles that answer the following questions:
- What are the basics of franchising?
- What are the pros and cons of franchising?
- How do you select a franchise?
- What are some useful tips for buying a franchise?
- What are the questions you need to ask your franchisor?
Apply effective management tips
These tips focus on the running of the business.
Define management roles
Clearly defined management roles and job descriptions will reduce squabbles in the workplace. Instead, this will lead to efficiency and harmony. A good manual will help to clear the different roles.
Hire the right employees
Hire reliable people, trustworthy people and friendly people.
Train your staff
Although the franchisor takes care of the training, just ensure that your staff understands. Well-trained staff know their goals in work thus reducing constant supervision. They also work efficiently.
Maintain cleanliness
Since the pizza business is a food business, cleanliness of the restaurant must be top priority.
Ensure safety
The safety of the workers and customers must be a top priority too. Workers should follow precautionary measures. They must wear the required PPE when their work needs it.
Take advantage of technology
The grab-and-go environment of the fast food restaurant calls for technology. Technology makes store operations flow faster and efficiently. Get the best POS software you can buy. It helps you with sales, inventory and customer data.
The pandemic also calls for technology. Less personal contact is the current goal of all business establishments. Check for technology that can offer self-checkouts, mobile payments, online ordering and delivery systems, etc.
List of Pizza Franchises
1. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza is an American fast food chain. The company started in 1960 in Michigan. They came to India in 1996 and opened their first outlet in Delhi.
Now, they are the number one fast food chain in the country. They have over 1250 outlets all over India. Because of their many outlets, they promise to deliver your online order in 30 minutes.
Jubilant FoodWorks Limited holds the master franchise of Domino’s Pizza in India.
They offer three types of franchising models: Traditional Stores, Non-traditional Stores and Transitional Stores.
- Traditional Stores are the ones that you can usually find in commercial strip centers, shopping malls, etc.. They have parking spaces for the customers and delivery vehicles.
- Non-traditional Stores are the ones you can in non-traditional places like stadiums, airports, zoos, etc. These stores offer take out service because they have limited space for seats.
- Transitional Stores provide customized menus to fit the customers’ preferences in location of the store. You usually find them in areas where there are not too many customers.
Franchise Fee: ₹50 Lakhs (traditional), ₹30 Lakhs (non-traditional)
Royalty Fee: 5.5%
Website: https://www.dominos.co.in
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/S: 1800-208-1234
2. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is an American fast food chain. Brothers Dan and Frank Carney founded the company in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. To start their pizza business, the two brothers borrowed $600 from their mom. They named their business Pizza Hut because they had limited options. Their sign could accommodate eight letters only.
Pizza Hut came to India together with its sister company, KFC, in 1996. It opened its first restaurant in Bangalore. Last July 2021, it inaugurated its 500th restaurant in Moga, Punjab.
Pizza Hut India offers three franchise models to those interested in franchising.
- Restaurant-Based Delivery (RBD) System Restaurants
These are dine-in restaurants but they also provide takeout and delivery services. The company calls these legacy restaurants. - Delivery/Carryout (Delco) System Restaurants
These outlets are for carryout and delivery only. They do not offer dine-in services. - Delivery Based Restaurants (DBR)/Fast-Casual Delco (FCD) System Restaurants
Delivery Based Restaurants (DBR) is an open-kitchen Delco with dine-in services. Fast-Casual Delco (FCD) System Restaurants are Delcos counter-serve seating.
Franchise Fee: ₹14 Lakhs
Initial Investment: ₹25 - 30 Lakhs (RBD); ₹15 Lakhs (Delco); ₹20 Lakhs (DBR/FCD)
Royalty Fee: 6.5%
Space Requirement: 1,000 – 1,500 sq. ft.
Website: https://www.pizzahut.co.in
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/s: 0124-4025100
3. U.S. Pizza
In 1988, Vahid Berenjian, a young Iranian food technologist and entrepreneur, started U.S. Pizza in Sweden. After establishing five restaurants, he planned to set up branches in India. He partnered with Akbar Khwaja, an experienced restaurateur, and opened its first outlet in Bangalore in 1995.
Today, the Indian company United Restaurants Ltd manages U.S. Pizza. It has 76 outlets in India and Europe.
It has three models for franchising: Express Outlet, Delivery Outlet and Dine In Outlet.
Franchise Fee: ₹3 Lakhs - ₹6 Lakhs (depends on the model)
Initial Investment: ₹15 Lakhs - ₹50 Lakhs (depends on the model)
Royalty Fee: 7.5%
Space Requirement: 300 sq. ft. (Express); 500 sq. ft. (Delivery) and 750 sq. ft. (Dine In)
Website: https://uspizza.in
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/S: +91 6360266160
4. Smokin' Joe's
Based in Mumbai, Smokin' Joe's is an Indian pizza QSR chain. Founded in 1993, Parsi entrepreneurs opened their first outlet in Carmichael Road, Mumbai, At present, there are 60 outlets.
Franchise Fee: ₹3 Lakhs
Initial Investment: ₹23 Lakhs (estimate)
Space Requirement: 400 sq ft.
Website: https://www.smokinjoespizza.com
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/s: 022 2367 9727; 2367 9728
5. Laziz Pizza
Laziz Pizza is an Indian pizzeria chain. ​Keirron J Patil​ started Laziz Pizza on August 15, 2013. Now, Laziz Food & Beverages, based in Kolhapur, Western Maharashtra, runs Laziz Pizza. There are over 150 Laziz Pizza outlets across India and Nepal.
It offers two models for franchising: Kiosk and QSR (Quick Service Restaurant).
Franchise Fee: ₹2,50,000
Initial Investment: ₹7 Lakhs - 10 Lakhs (depends on shop size)
Space Requirement: 250 to 500 sq. ft.
Website: http://www.lazizpizza.com/
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Contact Number/s: 0231-6051606; +91 9527858606; +91 8605900923
6. Chicago Pizza
Chicago Pizza is an Indian pizzeria chain. It started in 2008 in New Delhi India. At present, Chicago Pizza has over 100+ locations all over India.
It was the first pizza brand to offer large sized slices (from 18" pies) and the option of “building your own slice”.
If you want to franchise, Chicago Pizza offers three models: Takeaway, Sit-down and Bar Lounge.
Initial Investment: ₹18 Lakhs (Takeaway); ₹23 Lakhs (Sit-down); ₹28 Lakhs (Bar Lounge) (includes the franchise fee)
Space Requirement: 100 to 200 sq ft (Takeaway); 500 to 1000 sq ft (Sit-down); 500 to 1000 sq ft (Bar Lounge)
Website: https://www.chicagopizza.in
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/s: +91-9810138883
7. Sbarro
Sbarro is an American pizzeria chain serving New York-style pizza and other Italian-American food. Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro started it in 1956. The Sbarro couple together with their three sons immigrated to the U.S. from Naples, Italy.
They opened their first salumeria (delicatessen) in Brooklyn, New York.
In 2012, Sbarro entered India through Upper Crust Foods Pvt. Ltd.. It opened its first pizzeria in Chembur, Mumbai. Today, Sbarro has over 20 outlets in Mumbai.
For franchising, it has four models: High Street, Kiosk, Mall and Delivery.
Initial Investment: ₹40 Lakhs - 60 Lakhs (depending on shop size)
Space Requirement: 500 - 1500 sq.ft.
Website: https://www.sbarroindia.com
Email: through https://www.sbarroindia.com/franchise.php
Contact Number/s: 022 6735 8989
8. Little Ceasars Pizza
Little Ceasars Pizza is an American pizzeria chain. Mike Ilitch and his wife Marian Ilitch found it in 1959 in Garden City near Detroit, Michigan. It now has a presence in 24 countries all over the world.
Little Caesars entered India last January 2020. It works through Phoenix Enterprise Nexus India Private Limited. Nandish Patel manages the Indian master franchisee. Little Caesars opened two restaurants in Ahmedabad on January 29, 2020.
Right now, Little Caesars is looking for Area Developers in India. The investment figure below is for the Area Developer.
Investment Requirement: US$1,500,000
Space Requirement: multiple stores in one region
Website: https://international.littlecaesars.com/india/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/s: +91 7486898888
9. Bon Pizza
Bon Pizza is an Indian pizzeria chain specializing in wood-fired pizza. Husband and wife, Randheer Bhardwaj and Shweta Bhardwaj started the company in 2013 in Ahmedabad.
Bon Pizza offers three formats for franchising: Food Truck, Cloud Kitchen and Restaurant.
Initial Investment: ₹10 – 20 Lakhs (depending on the format)
Space Requirement: 200 - 600 sq. ft. (depending on the format)
Website: https://bonpizza.in
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/s: +91 99743 70960
10. VIP Pizza
Based in Ahmedabad, VIP Pizza started in 2010. It is popular for its quality pizzas and pastas.
For franchising, it has these formats: Express, Home Delivery, QSR and Super Dine In.
Initial Investment: ₹12 Lakhs - 34 Lakhs (depending on the format; includes the franchise fee)
Royalty Fee: 7%
Space Requirement: 500 to 1,800 sq. ft. (depending on the format)
Website: https://www.vippizza.in
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number/s: 7048608724
If you are thinking of buying a franchise in the food category, consider the pizza franchise business. Pizza is very popular in India. For comparison, Domino’s Pizza, the top pizza chain in the country, has over 1,250 outlets. McDonald’s, the top hamburger chain in the country, has 140 outlets.
Several factors contribute to the popularity of pizza. The identified factors are its similarity with some local food, large population of young people and young professionals, the busy schedule of working people, rising incomes and the pandemic.
There is no end in sight regarding the pandemic. However, the pizza industry will thrive and grow. During lockdowns, it became the comfort food of the Indians. Another factor is its accessibility through e-commerce. Customers can now order pizza and have it delivered to their places.
So, the pizza business franchise is one of the best franchises to buy in India.
Which pizza franchise is attractive to you right now?
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