Taco Bell, the world’s largest Mexican-themed restaurant chain has signed a new master franchise agreement for India. The new APAC-region deal sees the brand roll out 600 new outlets in a move that is also set to bolster the Taco Bell Australian expansion.

The 600 new outlets will be developed over the next 10 years, with new franchise partner Burman Hospitality Private Limited (BHPL) revealing the expansion is expected to contribute over 20,000 jobs.

The move will transform India from a minor player to the brand’s largest market outside of the United States. Additionally, BHPL becomes one of the largest Taco Bell franchisees globally, by restaurant count.

“We see so much opportunity in India, as it is still a largely untapped market for Taco Bell and offers huge potential for the brand,” said Ankush Tuli, managing director, Taco Bell APAC.

“We’ve partnered with Burman Hospitality for the past four years growing our presence in India, and the master franchise partnership marks a significant step in our journey. We are excited to bring together BHPL’s industry knowledge and our expertise with product innovation and research to continue bringing Taco Bell to consumers across India.”

Taco Bell Australian expansion

The Indian growth isn’t the only expansion planned for the global tex-mex business.

Following a successful trial in Bangkok, Taco Bell has outlined plans for five new restaurants for Thailand by year’s end. However, it is the Taco Bell Australian expansion that has fans licking their lips.

Over the next 12 months, Taco Bell will roll-out stores in Sydney and Melbourne for the first time.

The move comes after two years of sustained interest in Queensland, with Taco Bell announcing it will continue to prioritise expansion in the region.

The Sydney and Melbourne roll-out will mark a significant step in the Taco Bell Australian expansion. The country’s two most populated cities are often difficult to crack, however Liz Williams, Taco Bell International president said the past signs had been encouraging.

“The incredible response we’ve seen in India, Southeast Asia and Australia proves to us that these markets are ripe for continued growth,” said Williams.

“The combination of consumer enthusiasm, a healthy business model and fantastic franchise partners makes now, more than ever, the right time for Taco Bell to expand around the world.”

Steering the Taco Bell Australian expansion is current franchise rights holders, Restaurant Brands New Zealand and Collins Foods.

The brand also revealed that through its partnership with Restaurant Brands Groups, Taco Bell will head to New Zealand for the first time within the next 12 months.

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