Q] Why did you launch Popeyes in Mumbai now, what’s unique about the timing?
Personally, I’ve been waiting for a long time to get Popeyes into Mumbai. It’s been a year-long journey of preparation, of finding a location like Phoenix Market City, Kurla. We were obviously building our supply chain, getting the team trained. It takes some time, but we are a young brand, just three-years old, so compared to some of the bigger brands like Domino’s and others who’ve been in the country for 20 years, we are just raring to go.
Q] What’s the expansion curve anticipated for the next 12 months?
We are launching in Mumbai with three stores, two others are under construction. It’s going to be a big launch for Popeyes in Mumbai. We plan to add 30-50 stores every year for the next three-four years and get to 250-odd stores.
Q] How much revenue do you expect Popeyes to generate within the next 1-2 years and what are the drivers behind that projection?
It’s a function of store expansion. While we have not disclosed our revenue aspirations, we are still very small. But let me assure you that we will be the fastest to get to 100 stores, and fastest to get to 250, and fastest in India to get to Rs 1,000 crores. So, that’s the aspiration, and we are well on our way to achieving that number.
Q] How will you balance growth between Popeyes and Domino’s in CapEx and bandwidth?
I’m very happy to share that we had only one growth engine, which was Domino’s. Now, we have two. There is absolutely no dearth of capital or constraints in terms of team or bandwidth to grow both. We are extremely clear about where we want to open the next 1,000 stores of Domino’s and where we want to open the next 100 stores of Popeyes. That list is precise. As soon as we have things in place, we will open the stores.
Q] What operational learnings from Domino’s are you applying to build Popeyes in India?
There are many learnings. Firstly, for Domino’s, our own Domino’s app has a lion’s share of our business as a channel. Therefore, when we launched Popeyes, the first store in Bangalore was launched with its own app. Secondly, in Domino’s, we do our own delivery. In Popeyes, we do the same. So, a lot of the playbook of store hustle, technology, utilising AI in operations, commissary and supply chain is similar. We are deploying the playbook of Domino’s wherever it is relevant but also fully realising this is a new brand coming to India. Customers need to see it. Hence, we are opening flagship stores like the one in Phoenix Marketcity. You will see Domino’s in the same mall with a much smaller food court location, but here we have taken a big dining location. So, we are learning and evolving based on relevance; we are also replicating their playbook where we feel the need to be.
Q] How are you localising the menu to suit the Indian taste palate?
Primarily, our objective is to introduce India to the bold Cajun flavours of Louisiana, which remains the core focus of the brand. At the same time, we have incorporated a few strategic tweaks to suit local preferences. For instance, we have made the chicken slightly spicier. We have also introduced chicken wings in six different flavours, as we recognise that Indian consumers appreciate variety, vibrant colours, and interactive eating experiences—licking, dipping, and savouring. Additionally, we have launched a vegetarian range. In Mumbai, where I grew up enjoying Kanda Bhaji (onion fritters), we have introduced onion rings as a localised offering. There is significant innovation tailored specifically for the Indian market, but the brand’s primary mission at this stage is to bring authentic, bold Louisiana flavours to India. I want customers to enjoy our bone-in chicken, experience our world-class sandwich, and explore the unique range of chicken wings in all six flavours.
Q] In five years, how different will Jubilant FoodWorks look, with multiple brands running in parallel?
So, not five years but now, in this year, I want Popeyes to be the most loved chicken brand in India. That is the number-one goal. I want customers’ love and that will come because of our unique 12-hour marination. We use fresh chicken, not frozen chicken; we have no antibiotics ever in our chicken; we have a unique battering and breading system; and we really give very high quality food with great service. I want customer love. That is what I am aiming for.
