Bengaluru, India-based vegetarian buffet restaurant chain Desi Masala has announced plans to invest Rs1bn ($11.59m) to grow its presence across the country.  

The company aims to open 50 new outlets up to 2026, as reported by ETRetail.com. 

Founded in 2019, Desi Masala is now operating six outlets in Bengaluru and has catered to more than five million customers.

With the food sector in India rapidly expanding, Desi Masala aims to capitalise on this growth by targeting metro cities and Tier 1 markets. 

Desi Masala founder and managing director Sandeep Jain was quoted by the media outlet as saying: “With our FICO [franchise invested, company operated] model, franchisees can leverage our proven business model, helping us achieve sustainable growth.  

“Our gross margins increased from 15% to 25% this year, with gross revenue up 30%. Currently generating Rs400m [$4.6m] annually, we aim to reach Rs5bn [$57.99m] in revenue within five years.” 

The company's expansion strategy includes a mix of company-owned outlets and FICO models.  

This approach allows for scaleable growth while maintaining quality control over operations.  

Saachi Venus India, parent company of Desi Masala, is exploring funding options to support the ambitious expansion plan. 

The restaurant chain has a variety of combos and menu options to choose from ranging from “15 varieties” to “27 varieties,” with prices from Rs149 to Rs229 per person.  

The Bengaluru branches are located at Banaswadi, Brookefield, Devanahalli, Gandhinagar, Jayanaga and RR Nagar.