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Global investment firm Hunch Ventures has taken full ownership of Jamie Oliver Restaurants in India, acquiring the remaining stake from UK-based International Market Management (IMM). The deal makes Hunch the sole operator of the brand’s Indian operations, which include Jamie’s Pizzeria, Jamie’s Italian, and Jamie Oliver Kitchen.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but both Karanpal Singh, Founder of Hunch Ventures, and Jasper Reid, Founder of IMM, confirmed the development. “Hunch, the joint venture partner of IMM, will now become the sole owner of Jamie Oliver Restaurants in India,” said Reid, adding that UK shareholders were seeking an exit.
Hunch Ventures first invested in the Indian Jamie Oliver business in 2015. The acquisition includes all 14 restaurants operated under the brand across India. Going forward, the company plans to invest ₹200 crore over three years to expand the brand’s footprint into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, using a mix of company-owned and franchised outlets.
“This acquisition consolidates our hospitality portfolio,” Singh said. “We’re looking to scale the Jamie’s brand beyond metros and also build new food-led IPs.” He noted that the company would leverage synergies with its other investments in agritech, real estate, and premium consumer services.
Singh added that franchisee investments could be significantly higher than Hunch’s ₹200 crore commitment, as the brand enters new markets and formats.
The move comes at a time when India’s hospitality sector is recovering, driven by improving discretionary spending, moderating inflation, and a renewed interest in dining out. Western casual dining formats are seeing growing popularity, especially among young urban consumers.
“Disposable incomes are rising, and the appetite for western comfort food is growing,” Singh said.
According to industry estimates, India’s food services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1%, reaching ₹7.76 lakh crore by 2028.
This marks IMM’s second India exit, following its sale of Wendy’s India operations to Rebel Foods in 2023.
With the Jamie Oliver acquisition, Hunch Ventures is strengthening its position in the premium casual dining segment and betting on long-term growth across both metro and emerging Indian markets.
