Harlem Shake signs franchise agreement for 75 outlets in India

New York City brand Harlem Shake has signed a master franchise agreement with Franchise India and FranIndia to develop 75 outlets in India. The proposed expansion covers several Indian markets and will use regional master franchise and area development models. For prospective franchise partners considering India, the partnership structure is as important as the number of planned outlets.

Agreement sets out plans for 75 outlets

According to a Fast Casual report published on 21 October 2026, Harlem Shake’s agreement provides for the development of 75 outlets across several Indian markets. Franchise India and FranIndia are parties to the master franchise agreement. The announcement therefore concerns a multi-market expansion rather than an opening at a single location.

It is important to understand that the figure of 75 represents a development plan. Signing an agreement is not the same as opening every outlet covered by it. The announcement should not be taken as confirmation that Harlem Shake already has 75 operating outlets in India or that trading has begun at all locations. The central fact is the agreement to develop those outlets.

This distinction also matters to prospective partners. The brand’s overall expansion plan offers an initial indication of the opportunity, but rights available in a particular city, site suitability and operating responsibilities should be assessed against the relevant proposal and contract.

Expansion will use two partnership models

The agreement includes both regional master franchise and area development models. This makes clear that the proposed Indian expansion is not limited to a single type of partnership. However, the two model names should not be assumed to imply identical rights or responsibilities.

Entrepreneurs considering an offer should first establish the scope of the partnership being offered. Does it involve responsibility for developing a defined territory? Must the partner operate outlets directly? Will they be permitted to bring in other partners? The written agreement should answer these questions clearly; the model’s name alone does not.

Development deadlines, site approval procedures and the terms that apply if commitments are not met also warrant separate scrutiny. These are questions for pre-investment due diligence, not confirmed terms of Harlem Shake’s announced agreement.

Search for further partners continues

According to Fast Casual, Harlem Shake is also seeking franchise partners and investors interested in bringing the brand to additional markets. This information accompanied the announcement of the 75-outlet agreement for India. However, a search for partners in additional markets should not be confused with confirmation that rights are available in a particular Indian city.

For applicants interested in India, the next step should be to confirm the status of the relevant opportunity and identify the authorised contact. Early discussions should establish which partnership model applications relate to and whether the proposed location falls within that arrangement.

Such clarity can help the brand and prospective partners set expectations. Understanding local responsibilities is just as important as discussing the headline expansion figure.

Check the local offer before investing

Harlem Shake’s announcement centres on expansion across several Indian markets and the partnership models intended to support it. For an entrepreneur, its relevance will depend on whether the available offer suits their capital, operating capabilities and chosen location. A plan for 75 outlets alone provides no basis for judging the earnings or success of an individual outlet.

Before proceeding, it would be sensible to request written details of the total investment, fees, working capital, training, supply arrangements and operational support. Treat these as a due diligence checklist rather than as terms already announced by the brand. Financial projections should also be tested against the rent, staffing costs and other expenses specific to the proposed location.

Practical takeaway: Harlem Shake’s agreement is a plan to develop 75 outlets in India. Before investing, obtain a clear written account of the available rights, your responsibilities and local costs. Do not treat the scale of the expansion as a promise of returns.