Wagamama and Charcoal Concepts Launch Landmark Joint Venture to Open 100 Restaurants Across India in the Next Decade

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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August 5, 2026 8:44 PM

The Restaurant Group (TRG) has announced a major joint venture with Charcoal Concepts, the multi-brand restaurant platform owned by K Hospitality Corp, marking a significant milestone in Wagamama’s international growth strategy. The multi-million-pound partnership aims to accelerate the expansion of the popular Asian-inspired restaurant brand across India, with plans to open at least 100 restaurants over the next 10 years.

Summary

• Wagamama and Charcoal Concepts form joint venture to expand across India.
• Partners target opening 100 Wagamama restaurants within 10 years.
• Mumbai welcomes Wagamama’s fourth restaurant in India.
• India becomes a strategic international growth market for Wagamama.
• Expansion backed by K Hospitality’s nationwide restaurant expertise.

The announcement comes alongside the opening of Wagamama’s newest restaurant in Mumbai, which becomes the brand’s fourth location in India. The agreement reflects growing confidence in India’s rapidly evolving dining market and highlights the country’s importance in Wagamama’s long-term international ambitions.

India Becomes a Key Market for Wagamama’s Global Expansion

India has emerged as one of the most attractive growth markets for international restaurant brands as urban consumers increasingly embrace global dining experiences. Through this new joint venture, The Restaurant Group and Charcoal Concepts intend to significantly increase Wagamama’s footprint while adapting its internationally recognised dining experience to the preferences of Indian customers.

Andy Hornby, Chief Executive Officer of The Restaurant Group, described the agreement as an important step in the company’s international strategy.

He said the partnership follows months of collaboration between both organisations and positions India as one of Wagamama’s priority markets for future growth. According to Hornby, the expansion will introduce more guests across the country to the brand’s distinctive flavours, energetic atmosphere and unique casual dining experience.

The ambitious target of opening at least 100 restaurants over the coming decade demonstrates both companies’ confidence in India’s expanding hospitality and food service industry.

Mumbai Success Creates Momentum for Nationwide Rollout

The latest restaurant opening in Mumbai builds upon the strong performance of Wagamama’s first Indian outlet, which opened in Churchgate one year ago.

The debut location exceeded expectations, attracting strong customer demand and encouraging both partners to accelerate expansion plans.

Francisco Neves, Senior Vice President for Franchise and Partnerships at Wagamama, said the partnership represents an important milestone for the brand.

He noted that the company’s first restaurants in India had outperformed initial expectations and expressed enthusiasm about bringing the Wagamama experience to more cities across the country.

The successful launch has demonstrated that Indian consumers are increasingly receptive to modern Asian dining concepts that combine fresh ingredients, contemporary interiors and a vibrant customer experience.

Charcoal Concepts Brings Strong Local Expertise

The expansion strategy will be supported by Charcoal Concepts, a dedicated restaurant platform created by K Hospitality Corp to develop and scale premium food and beverage brands throughout India.

The company combines extensive operational expertise with deep knowledge of Indian consumer preferences, making it an ideal partner for international restaurant brands seeking sustainable expansion.

Its existing portfolio includes established Indian restaurant brands such as Copper Chimney and Bombay Brasserie, alongside global concepts including Wagamama.

Karan Kapur, Executive Director of K Hospitality, said customer demand since Wagamama’s arrival in India had surpassed expectations.

He explained that the strong response confirms growing consumer interest in internationally recognised restaurant brands that also resonate with local tastes and dining habits.

Kapur added that the partnership with The Restaurant Group will help establish Wagamama as one of India’s leading Asian casual dining brands.

Long-Term Vision to Transform India’s Pan-Asian Dining Market

The partners believe the joint venture represents far more than a simple restaurant rollout. Instead, it is intended to create one of India’s most recognised casual dining brands within the expanding pan-Asian restaurant segment.

Rohan Sable, Chief Executive Officer of Charcoal Concepts, said the agreement marks the beginning of a long-term growth journey.

He explained that combining Wagamama’s internationally recognised brand with Charcoal Concepts’ understanding of Indian consumers and experience in scaling restaurant businesses creates a strong foundation for future success.

According to Sable, both organisations intend to establish new standards for pan-Asian casual dining across India while building a business capable of long-term sustainable growth.

Wagamama Continues International Growth Through Kaizen Philosophy

Founded in London’s Bloomsbury in 1992, Wagamama has built its reputation around the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, meaning continuous improvement.

The concept has shaped the brand’s approach to both food and customer experience, with menus inspired by Japanese ramen bars and broader Asian cuisine.

Its offering includes freshly prepared ramen, teppanyaki dishes, rice bowls and seasonal specials, all served immediately after preparation to maintain freshness and quality.

Today, Wagamama forms one of the principal brands within The Restaurant Group, alongside Barburrito and the Brunning & Price pub restaurant business. The company’s international expansion strategy continues to focus on high-growth markets where demand for premium casual dining continues to increase.

India’s Restaurant Industry Continues to Attract Global Investment

The joint venture also highlights broader investment confidence in India’s restaurant and hospitality sector.

K Hospitality Corp, founded in 1972, has grown into one of India’s largest privately held food service companies. The group operates more than 700 locations across eight countries and employs over 12,000 people.

Its diverse business portfolio spans quick-service restaurants, cafés, airport lounges, institutional catering, banqueting, travel food services and premium restaurant brands. Alongside Wagamama, its portfolio includes recognised names such as Copper Chimney, Bombay Brasserie, Nando’s, Travel Food Services and Blue Sea Banquets.

With urbanisation, rising disposable incomes and increasing consumer demand for international dining experiences continuing to reshape India’s food service landscape, the partnership between The Restaurant Group and Charcoal Concepts positions Wagamama to become one of the country’s fastest-growing pan-Asian restaurant brands over the next decade. The planned rollout of 100 restaurants signals one of the most ambitious international casual dining expansion programmes currently underway in the Indian hospitality market.