Belgian bakery-café chain Le Pain Quotidien is set to re-enter India after signing a master franchise agreement with Bake & Brew Private Limited.
Le Pain Quotidien, French for ‘the daily bread’, launched in India in 2010 with a store in Mumbai but exited the market during the pandemic in 2020.
With an initial investment of Rs 35 crore ($4.1m), Le Pain Quotidien and Bake & Brew plan to open two flagship stores in Mumbai over the next six months before expanding to other major Indian cities.
With a focus on key travel hubs, the bakery-café chain is seeking to open more than 100 outlets across India by 2035.
Writing on LinkedIn, Le Pain Quotidien CEO Annick Van Overstraeten said the move marked a ‘significant step’ in its global expansion strategy, which also includes planned launches in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Peru.
“We are ecstatic to bring Le Pain Quotidien back to India. This marks a new chapter where we aim to create spaces that foster a sense of community, offering an authentic dining experience that celebrates the joy of simple, nourishing food. Partnering with Bake & Brew and (Managing Director) Brijesh Agrawal ensures we meet the local market’s expectations and sustainability goals,” she said.
In India, the brand will maintain 80% of its global menu while adapting 20% to local tastes. Additionally, the restaurants will offer a range of healthy beverages, including house-made lemonades, teas, and coffees.
The brand is also expected to generate approximately 1,500 new jobs, accompanied by skills training programs.
Founded by Alain Coumont in Brussels in 1990, Le Pain Quotidien operates more than 200 outlets across 18 markets globally. The Belgian business said approximately 80% of its menu in India will mirror its global stores, with the remaining 20% dedicated to locally-inspired products.
Founded in 2024, Bake & Brew is a new venture formed to facilitate Le Pain Quotidien’s India expansion backed by Gurugram-based automotive parts manufacturer Nalanda Group.
Have news or topic to share with industry? Write to us editorial@pfionline.com
