Haldiram’s in talks to bring Jimmy John’s to India, eyes QSR expansion

The Haldiram Group, one of India’s largest ethnic food services companies, is in advanced discussions with US-based Inspire Brands to bring American sandwich chain Jimmy John’s to India through an exclusive franchise partnership, according to information .The move marks a major step in Haldiram’s plan to diversify beyond traditional Indian snacks and sweets into the fast-growing western-style quick service restaurant (QSR) segment. The company aims to directly compete with established global brands such as Subway and Tim Hortons, targeting India’s expanding base of young, urban consumers who are increasingly embracing café and sandwich culture.
Jimmy John’s, known for its made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, operates more than 2,600 outlets worldwide and recently reported $2.6 billion in sales in the United States. Partnering with Haldiram’s would mark its first foray into the Indian market—one of the fastest-growing QSR destinations in Asia.Haldiram’s, which already runs over 150 restaurants across India, recently consolidated its FMCG operations to streamline growth and attract new investors. The company counts Temasek and Alpha Wave Global among its financial backers, signaling its readiness to scale up in both domestic and international markets.
Inspire Brands, the parent company of Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, and Arby’s, reported $32.6 billion in global sales last year. Industry experts believe that with Inspire’s extensive QSR expertise and Haldiram’s deep understanding of Indian consumer preferences, Jimmy John’s could achieve a strong and rapid rollout in India’s metropolitan hubs.
India’s food services market is projected to reach Rs7.76 lakh crore by FY28, driven by rising disposable incomes, changing consumption habits, and the surge in food delivery platforms. If finalized, the deal would further intensify competition in India’s sandwich and café sector, offering consumers a wider range of choices.As discussions progress, both companies are expected to outline a phased launch strategy focusing on major urban centers such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru before expanding into other cities.
The potential entry of Jimmy John’s under Haldiram’s leadership underscores the growing globalization of India’s dining landscape—where traditional taste meets modern convenience.