09:17 AM EST, 01/03/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Papa John's confirmation in the first and second paragraphs.)

Papa John's International (PZZA) is planning to enter the Indian market this year through its franchisee, a company spokesperson confirmed to MT Newswires in an email Friday.

The India market "remains a priority for Papa Johns ( PZZA )" which has a "strong, proven franchisee who plans to open their first restaurants in 2025," the spokesperson said.

The company exited India in 2017 as it said its restaurants fell short of expectations set by the brand and the franchisee, Reuters reported.