Harry Ramsden’s plans 60 restaurants in India as other brands prepare to enter

International restaurant brands have announced fresh expansion plans for India’s franchise market. Britain’s Harry Ramsden’s has signed a master franchise agreement to develop at least 60 restaurants over the next ten years. Sourdough & Co., Pho Hoa and Harlem Shake have also announced partnerships or preparations to enter the Indian market. The announcements differ in both the scale of expansion and the stage of preparation.

Harry Ramsden’s: at least 60 restaurants over ten years

British fish and chips brand Harry Ramsden’s Group has signed a master franchise agreement to enter India. Under the agreement, master franchise partner Franchise India will develop at least 60 Harry Ramsden’s restaurants across the country over the next ten years. The first restaurant is planned to open in early 2027.

The agreement comes as the brand approaches its centenary in 2028. The proposed Indian expansion forms part of its global growth plans. With both a restaurant target and a timeframe announced, this goes beyond a simple expression of interest in the market.

However, the 60 restaurants should not be mistaken for an existing Indian network. They represent the development target set out in the agreement for the next decade, and the first location is still at the planning stage. For prospective local partners, the next practical step is to understand the opportunities available in their city and the master franchise partner’s selection process. An announced national target should not be treated as a guarantee that an individual franchise will be awarded.

Sourdough & Co.: plans to build a franchise network

California-based contemporary casual dining chain Sourdough & Co. is entering the Indian market in collaboration with FranGlobal. The brand plans to build its outlet network through franchise-led expansion in key markets.

The announcement positions India as a strategic market for the brand’s global franchise development. The company is seeking wider expansion across the country and will use franchise partnerships to establish its presence. The key news here is the collaboration supporting its market entry and its approach to expansion, rather than confirmation of an Indian outlet already trading.

This distinction matters to the franchise community. An ambition to expand nationally does not mean an opportunity is available in a particular city. Interested entrepreneurs should clarify matters such as location approval, operational responsibilities, training and supply arrangements during discussions. This will help them assess the brand’s broader plans separately from the practical readiness of any proposed restaurant.

Pho Hoa: entering India with FranGlobal

California-based Vietnamese restaurant chain Pho Hoa is also entering the Indian market. It has formed a strategic collaboration with FranGlobal, Franchise India’s franchise consultancy arm. The announcement adds another name to the international food brands establishing new partnerships in India.

The focus of Pho Hoa’s announcement is its entry into India and its partner organisation. It should not be linked to the restaurant numbers or timeframe announced for Harry Ramsden’s. These are separate brands with distinct plans. Equally, the fact that Sourdough & Co. and Pho Hoa share a partner does not mean their commercial agreements are the same.

Prospective partners should obtain written details of each brand’s own offering. Decisions on investment, locations, contracts and operations should be based on brand-specific terms, not on another international brand’s expansion announcement.

Harlem Shake: regional partnership opportunities

Harlem Shake, a fast-casual dining brand from Harlem, New York, is preparing to enter the Indian market. The initiative involves a strategic collaboration with Franchise India, with FranGlobal acting in an advisory capacity. The brand is offering regional master franchise and area development opportunities across India.

The regional nature of these opportunities is the distinctive feature of this announcement. Entrepreneurs interested in a single outlet and partners looking to take responsibility for development across a larger geographical area should make their expectations clear from the outset. Discussions should establish the extent of the territory, development obligations and contractual terms.

Taken together, these four announcements illustrate the different stages of international restaurant brands’ franchise plans in India: some involve agreements with stated targets and timelines, while others concern preparations for market entry and partnership development.

Practical takeaway: Do not confuse announced expansion targets with outlets already open. Before investing, obtain written confirmation of the authorised partner, available territory, total costs and your contractual obligations.