Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, the company behind brands like PizzaExpress and Chili’s Grill & Bar in India, is planning a major expansion in the country, including doubling its restaurant footprint over the next three years. The company also confirmed that it will launch the global Italian dining brand Olive Garden in India starting Monday, according to its CEO.
CEO Rohan Pewekar said the group currently operates around 55 outlets and aims to scale that number to nearly 100–125 restaurants across different formats and categories within three years. The expansion signals strong confidence in India’s growing dining-out market.
Global Brands Continue to Bet on India’s Consumption Story
International companies across sectors, from beauty giant Estée Lauder Companies to hotel chain Hyatt Hotels Corporation, are increasingly investing in India. The expectation is that rising income levels among urban consumers will continue to support long-term spending, even as global inflation pressures household budgets elsewhere.
India’s restaurant and lifestyle market, in particular, is seen as a key growth driver for global hospitality and food brands.
Olive Garden Makes India Entry with Premium Casual Dining Focus
Olive Garden, founded in 1982 and owned by U.S.-based Darden Restaurants, is one of the most well-known Italian-American casual dining chains, operating nearly 1,000 restaurants across 12 countries. It is widely known for its signature breadsticks and salad offerings.
In India, the brand will be positioned as a premium casual dining option, targeting urban consumers in major cities. Pewekar said Olive Garden could grow to more than 10 outlets within three years, with faster expansion expected afterward in key metropolitan markets.
India Menu Strategy Balances Global Identity and Local Taste
While Olive Garden will retain its global menu identity, the company plans to introduce more vegetarian-friendly options to suit Indian consumer preferences. This approach is commonly used by Western restaurant chains operating in India, where vegetarian diets are widely followed.
The strategy aims to balance authenticity with local adaptation, helping the brand appeal to both international cuisine enthusiasts and domestic diners.
Competitive Market with Price Sensitivity Challenges
India’s restaurant market remains highly competitive, with global chains like McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza offering heavily localized and affordable menus. Many value-focused offerings are priced significantly lower than in Western markets, making competition intense.
Despite this, Gourmet Investments is positioning Olive Garden in the premium casual dining segment, targeting consumers willing to spend more for an elevated dining experience.
Premium Dining Push Amid Rising Urban Demand
According to the company, Olive Garden will focus on delivering a premium casual dining experience in India, although detailed pricing and store rollout plans were not disclosed. The broader expansion reflects growing investor confidence in India’s urban consumption story and the rising appetite for global dining experiences.
