06:11 AM EDT, 08/26/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Papa John's International (PZZA) will return to India in October with plans to open 650 stores by 2035, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing a master franchisee executive.

The first outlet will reportedly open in Bengaluru under a joint franchise agreement between India-based Pulsar Capital and UAE's PJP Investments.

Papa John's, which left India in 2017, disclosed its re-entry plans last year as fast-food chains face weaker sales from strained consumers and intensifying competition, the news outlet reported.

The company will compete with Domino's Pizza (DPZ), which has over 2,200 outlets in India, and Pizza Hut with around 950 stores, Reuters reported.

India's fast-food market remains under-penetrated, and the company expects strong long-term potential, the media outlet quoted Pulsar Capital's Vish Narain as saying.

Papa John's did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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