Pizza might be an Italian delicacy, but it is loved dearly by people of all nationalities and age groups alike. The pizza industry in India has grown exponentially over the last couple of decades and is estimated to be valued at INR 3,500 crore and has been growing at nearly 25% in the last few years.

Although dominated by the likes of Domino’s and Pizza Hut, the Indian pizza market is now also embracing the finer dine-in experience that includes designing innovative pizza menus for different tastes and preferences. In recent years, several national and international F&B brands have recognised and utilised the need for catering to tier II and III cities as well and in turn, sustained a loyal customer base.

Pizza Franchise Business Opportunities In India

1. Sbarro
2. Xero Degrees
3. Pizza Hut
4. One Bite
5. Domino’s
6. Smokin’ Joe’s
7. U.S. Pizza

Here’s a look at some of the most exciting pizza brands in India:  

Sbarro Pizza Franchise

• Operating since: 1956
• Number of outlets in India: 20+ (approximately)
• Space required: 400 sq. ft. – 1500 sq. ft. (approximately)
• Investment required: INR 38-65 lacs (approximately)

Sbarro was founded by an Italian couple who migrated from Naples to the U.S. in the 1950s. Their freshly baked pizza slices for the shift workers is what led the foundation of this world-famous pizzeria. Today, the brand has over 800 stores in more than 40 countries and is globally known for its original New York-style pizzas.

Having learned from their previous mistakes, Sbarro re-entered the Indian market in 2014 with its various traditional and non-traditional outlets. Since then, it has witnessed substantial success in its expansion in the northern and eastern part of the country.

Xero Degrees Pizza Franchise

• Operating since: 2018
• Number of outlets in India: 5 (approximately)
• Space required: 300-1000 sq. ft. (approximately)
• Investment required: INR 15-35 lacs (approximately)

Xero Degrees was launched as a continental cuisine cafe nestled in Delhi’s Connaught Place, but what caught everyone’s eye was its signature dish, “pizza in a jar.” Stuffed with bite-sized pieces of base crumbs, topped with sauces and thick melted cheese, this “pizza in a bar” is a dream come true for every cheese lover. It is one of the more affordable places that does not compromise on either quality or quantity of its food.

The many innovative, unique, and yet, affordable menu options have led to its quick fandom, making it a favourite among locals. Thus, Xero Degrees is an ideal franchise brand for someone interested in buying a pizza franchise outlet with minimal investment and noteworthy returns. The brand is rapidly expanding in several North Indian cities. 

Pizza Hut Pizza Franchise

Operating since: 1958

• Number of outlets in India: 400+ (approximately)
• Space required: 300-1500 sq. ft. (approximately)
• Investment required: INR 80 lacs-2.5 crores (approximately)

Pizza Hut is the world’s largest pizza chain in terms of the number of locations. The brand currently has over 400 outlets in India and plans to expand its outreach further by opening 200 more stores by 2022.

In 2019 Q1 itself, the company has reported an 11% sales growth in India. It markets itself as not just a pizza delivery company but instead, as a fine-dine experience of authentic pizzas, and this is what distinguishes Pizza Hut and its target audience from that of other pizza joints. 

One Bite Pizza Franchise

• Operating since: 2019
• Number of outlets in India: 300+ (approximately)
• Space required: 150-1000 sq. ft. (approximately)
• Investment required: INR 09-15 lacs (approximately)

One Bite is a quick-service restaurant that successfully distinguishes itself from mainstream fast food joints, owing to its wide range of menu options. In its vast menu, what catches one’s eye is their extensive pizza menu, starting at unbelievable prices. With plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, One Bite is extremely popular among families and youngsters alike.

For prospective franchise outlet owners, One Bite is an ideal franchise option for it offers complete staff training for two months, does not require any skilled chef and attracts consumers with its vast menu and affordable prices.

For franchise enquiry – Click here

Domino’s Pizza 

• Operating since: 1965
• Number of outlets in India: 1200+ (approximately)
• Space Required: 250-1000 sq. ft. (approximately)
• Investment Required: INR 75 lacs-3 crore (approximately)

Domino’s entered the Indian market in 1996 with Jubliant FoodWorks and since then, has built its reputation as a brand offering superior quality pizzas at affordable prices and most importantly, an expert in delivering pizzas within 30 minutes. The company relies on unit economics that has resulted in rapid growth and increased market share, thereby giving a fierce competition to its peers. 

Smokin’ Joe’s Pizza 

• Operating since: 1993
• Number of outlets in India: 40+ (approximately)
• Space required: 750-1000 sq. ft. (approximately)
• Investment required: INR 30-50 lacs (approximately)

Smokin’ Joe’s Pizza is a Mumbai-based pizzeria that was started by a Parsi family. The popular pizza brand takes its name from a legend about a Mexican boy named Joe who falls in love with an Italian girl who bakes pizzas. After the girl’s demise, Joe starts baking pizzas in her memory and soon, his pizzas become the talk of the town and hence, the name “Smokin’Joe’s Pizza” came to be.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the brand has established a trustworthy reputation and a loyal consumer base for itself in the central and southern parts of India. The brand now wants to expand its outreach further across the nation, thereby providing entrepreneurs with a golden opportunity to take advantage of the brand image and trust that Smokin’Joe’s Pizza has created over the years.

U.S. Pizza

• Operating since: 1972
• Number of outlets in India: 60+ (approximately)
• Space required: 250-2000 sq. ft. (approximately)
• Investment required: INR 40-65 lacs (approximately)

The fascinating journey of U.S. Pizza began when its founder Judy Waller opened her first U.S. Pizza store with a unique recipe of thin crust pizza and old fashioned stone hearth oven. Over the decades, the brand has undergone various changes with respect to its marketing strategies and menu upgrades. However, the method of making thin-crust pizzas from scratch as well as the stone hearth ovens remains the same, even today. 

Contrary to what experts predicted when big pizza brands came to India, pizza industry today is the largest and one of the most profitable segments of the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry and continues to grow rapidly.

Therefore, now is the ideal time to venture into the Indian pizza industry, especially with highly profitable yet affordable franchise options such as U.S. Pizza, Xero Degrees, and Sbarro. If you are also considering opening your own pizza place, reach out to us by filling the Investor Enquiry form, and we’ll help you select the best pizza franchise business opportunity in India. 

Karan Makan

Technology Engineer and Entrepreneur. Currently working with International Brands and helping them scale their products Globally through different ventures. He owns Multiple Food Brands and is on a continuous spree to acquire many more businesses in the coming years. With over 10 years of experience and strong background in Brand Acquisition, Karan Makan is soon poised to be a Brand in the coming years.