Washington D.C. based fast-casual pizza chain &pizza has signed its first-ever international franchise agreement, marking a major milestone in its global growth strategy with plans to open at least 10 restaurants in India by 2032. The deal will see India-based operator The 90s Venture develop the brand across Northern India, with the first outlet slated to open in Mumbai in 2027.
The agreement represents the first international expansion for &pizza since the company formally launched franchising in 2025 and comes just months after parent company Latitude Food Group (LFG) was established following the acquisition of Tijuana Flats.
Founded in 2012, &pizza has built a reputation for its customizable oblong-shaped pizzas, fast-casual service model, and counter-culture brand identity. The chain currently operates 43 restaurants across the United States, including 38 company-owned locations and five franchised units.
According to the company, India emerged as the most active source of international franchise inquiries over recent years, ultimately convincing leadership that the country should become the brand’s first overseas market.
“There’s some serious momentum and energy right now behind &pizza, and we intend to fully leverage it as we shift our focus to strategic growth,” said Brett Willis, Chief Development Officer of Latitude Food Group and &pizza. “We’re looking for the right partners, those that are committed to and understand the trajectory of where we’re taking the brand, and the right markets where &pizza can flourish. The 90s Venture not only aligns with our goals, but is eager to bring this differentiated, fast-casual experience to pizza lovers across India.”
Mumbai to Serve as Launchpad
While the franchise agreement targets Northern India, the first restaurant is planned for Mumbai, a market that company executives describe as a strategic gateway for building brand awareness and refining operations before broader expansion.
Willis noted that regional food preferences vary significantly across India, making a phased rollout essential.
The company expects approximately 60% to 70% of the menu to mirror its U.S. offering, while the remaining 30% to 40% will be tailored to local tastes, including a greater emphasis on vegetarian and chicken-based menu items. Beef will not be offered.
“India was a strategic decision,” Willis said. “The fast-casual category there is maturing fast. The QSR pizza giants paved the road, but nobody owns the fast-casual, build-your-own lane at scale. That’s a real opening for a brand with our format.”
Explaining the choice of Mumbai, he added that the city offers “density, a young consumer with disposable income, real estate that fits our footprint, and cultural relevance.”
The 90s Venture to Lead Market Development
Under the master franchise agreement, The 90s Venture will oversee development, site selection, hiring, supply chain establishment, and sub-franchising opportunities within India. The company reportedly has experience operating American restaurant brands in the Indian market.
A representative of The 90s Venture said India presents a significant opportunity for the emerging fast-casual pizza segment.
“India represents a compelling growth market for &pizza, especially in high-energy cities like Mumbai. With strong leadership and following the brand’s successful resurgence in the U.S., we’re confident &pizza will translate well internationally,” the company said in a statement.
The franchise partner added that its focus would be on scaling the brand while preserving &pizza’s distinctive identity and adapting the concept to local consumer preferences.
Franchising at the Centre of Growth Strategy
The India deal is part of a broader franchising push underway at Latitude Food Group. Since launching franchising, &pizza has signed development agreements across multiple U.S. markets including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Nevada.
The company has so far focused exclusively on multi-unit franchise agreements and has stated that it prefers experienced operators capable of developing multiple restaurants rather than single-unit franchisees.
Long-term, &pizza aims to grow to between 250 and 300 restaurants by 2030, with approximately 80% to 90% of the system operated by franchisees.
The India agreement is also expected to serve as a springboard for broader international expansion. Company executives have confirmed that discussions are underway with potential partners across Europe, Asia and South America, though India remains the immediate priority.
Willis emphasized that the company is focused on finding the right partners rather than pursuing rapid international growth.
“We do not chase markets. We respond to readiness. India is ready and so are we.”
