Sameer Khetarpal, the CEO and MD of QSR chain operator Jubilant Foods Ltd. (JFL), revealed on Wednesday that the company anticipates its fried chicken brand Popeyes to surpass Rs 1,000 crore in sales within the next 3–4 years. Jubilant Foods Ltd., which is also the master franchisor of Domino’s, is poised for extensive expansion and is projected to have approximately 3,000 outlets in the medium term.
Khetarpal emphasized the company’s swift expansion plans across its QSR brands, with Domino’s taking a central focus due to India’s rapidly expanding market and increased discretionary income fuelled by urbanization and economic growth.
Regarding Popeyes’ performance, Khetarpal expressed satisfaction with the brand’s reception, stating, “We have got an outstanding response from Popeyes as a brand here.” JFL inaugurated its first Popeyes store in Delhi on Wednesday, marking its 33rd store nationwide, with plans to add four more stores in the National Capital Region next week.
Khetarpal asserted that Popeyes is set to become the fastest QSR chain to achieve Rs 1,000 crore in sales, a milestone typically taking 11–15 years for other chains to reach. He outlined ambitious expansion targets for the current and upcoming fiscal years, aiming for rapid store openings and regional expansion, particularly in North India.
JFL intends to invest around Rs. 750 crores in expansion and new store openings for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the company is augmenting its infrastructure with the establishment of food factories, with plans to commission a third facility soon.
The recently launched Jubilant Food Park Bangalore, the company’s largest food processing unit, is designed to cater to over 750 Domino’s stores and 300 outlets of Popeyes, Hong’s Kitchen, and Dunkin’. Khetarpal emphasized Domino’s ongoing expansion across metro and smaller towns, with a medium-term outlook of reaching 3,000 outlets in the next four years.
Despite these ambitions, Khetarpal highlighted the untapped potential for further expansion, citing opportunities in colleges, metro stations, and airports. JFL also holds franchise rights for Dunkin’ and Hong’s Kitchen, signalling expansion plans for all its brands, both through company-owned stores and franchise models.
As of December 30, 2023, JFL operated 1,928 Domino’s stores, 25 Dunkin’ outlets, and 22 Hong’s Kitchen stores.