BBQ opens first two stores in India, targeting Bengaluru's tech hub

Genesis BBQ Group has entered the Indian market, opening two stores in Bengaluru simultaneously — the HSR Layout and Koramangala locations — the company announced Thursday.

BBQ signed a master franchise agreement with a local partner and plans to expand from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, Chennai and Vellore. India has drawn growing attention from global food and beverage brands as a strategic base, backed by the world's largest population and a rapidly expanding dining-out market.

Bengaluru, where BBQ opened its first stores, is India's leading technology and startup hub. The Koramangala store sits in one of the city's most active dining and commercial districts — an area shaped by an influx of talent and startups drawn by the IT industry's growth, with heavy foot traffic throughout the day.

Both stores operate as quick-service restaurants targeting young working professionals and families. The HSR Layout store spans 232 square meters with 90 seats, while the Koramangala store covers 172 square meters with 60 seats.

Signature menu items include Golden Fried, Secret Sauce, Hot Spicy, Soy Garlic, Honey Garlic, Chizzling, Red Chakchak and Mara Hot Chicken. The stores also offer K-food options such as tteokbokki, rosé tteokbokki, kimchi fried rice and kimchi chicken fried rice.

All chicken menu items carry JAKIM halal certification. The JAKIM standard requires that the entire supply chain — from raw ingredients through cooking, processing, storage and retail distribution — meet halal requirements.

"We will showcase the appeal of K-chicken through menus and operating strategies that reflect local food culture and lifestyles, and accelerate our expansion in the global market," a BBQ official said.