Taco Bell’s parent company is setting its veggie chalupas, pizza and fried chicken sights on India.
As part of its global expansion plan, Yum Brands – which operates Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut – will expand by at least 300 units through franchise deals with three private equity firms, according to Indian newspaper Mint.
The paper said Samara Capital, CX Partners and an unnamed West Asia-based investment firm would pay $100 million for 250 to 300 eateries and the rights to more locations in western and southern India.
Yum Brands has been in India for more than 12 years and has roughly 800 restaurants in the country, including seven Taco Bell locations. The brand wants to have 2,000 Yum Brands restaurants in India by 2020.
In 2013 the company announced plans to invest $100 million in India over the next three to four years. The country has been a favorite for U.S. brands including Domino’s Pizza, with more than 800 outlets in the country, and Subway with 513 locations.
Earlier this year, Taco Bell entered its 26th international market when it opened its first restaurant in Tokyo. The fast-food chain opened a modern outlet in the hipster neighborhood of Shibuya. Roughly 150 people, some camping overnight, waited in line to be the first in the door.
Taco Bell partnered with franchisee Asrapport Dining Co. to grow the brand in Japan. Taco Bell declined to say how many outlets it plans to open.
Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans
