Samuthra Group, a diversified business conglomerate with 35 companies across 11 countries, plans to build on Nandhana’s established presence in Singapore to expand the restaurant brand into international markets through a master country franchise model. The expansion is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs globally, including 1,250 guaranteed placements, while directing an estimated S$10 million annually into India through ingredient sourcing, food processing, culinary training and associated investments.
Nandhana’s currently operates eight restaurants in Singapore and is known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. The partnership aims to use the brand’s existing market presence as a foundation for international growth, with the initial focus on Asian and Middle Eastern markets, followed by expansion into the US and the UK.
Commenting on the acquisition, Dr. Subash Sukumar, Founder and Chairman of Samuthra Group, said, "The acquisition of Nandhana's marks Samuthra Group's strategic entry into the international food and hospitality sector and is an important step in our vision to take established Indian food brands to global markets. With a strong presence in Singapore, Nandhana's offers a valuable platform for expansion across Asia, the Middle East, the US and the UK."
"Our ambition goes beyond building an international restaurant network. We aim to create a sustainable cross-border business ecosystem that generates employment, strengthens India's agricultural and food-processing sectors, and opens global opportunities for Indian culinary talent. By integrating international restaurant operations with sourcing, food production and skills development in India, we expect to create long-term economic value while taking authentic Indian cuisine to the world," Dr. Sukumar added.
Welcoming the partnership, Mr. Sivavadivel, Chairman of Nandhana's Restaurant Group, said, "Nandhana's has built a loyal customer base in Singapore by staying true to its South Indian culinary roots and consistently delivering authentic flavours. We are proud of the brand and the dedicated team behind its growth. Our partnership with Samuthra Group marks an exciting new chapter, providing the scale and international reach to take Nandhana's to new markets while preserving the quality, identity and values that our customers have come to trust. We look forward to building on this strong foundation together."
The acquisition covers a 50% stake in the six companies operating Nandhana's, Shri Balavinayagar, Nandhanas Express and Ministry of Briyani in Singapore, including their central kitchen and food production facilities. Samuthra Group intends to acquire the remaining 50% stake in phases, with the transaction targeted for completion before April 2027.
All eight existing outlets will continue operating without any changes to their menus, employees or customer service. The existing management team, led by Mr. Sivavadivel, will remain responsible for overseeing operations to ensure a seamless transition and maintain business continuity.
Under its international expansion strategy, Samuthra Group plans to develop Nandhana's through a master country franchise model. The model will offer exclusive country-level partnerships backed by the Group's culinary expertise, recipes, training, supply chain and operational capabilities.
The first phase of international expansion will begin in January 2027, targeting Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and key Middle Eastern markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. The second phase, scheduled for 2028–29, will focus on the United States and the United Kingdom.
Interested investors and experienced restaurant operators can contact the Group at franchise@nandhanas.com for franchise opportunities.
The international expansion is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs over the next three years, including 1,250 guaranteed placements. These opportunities will comprise 100 jobs in Singapore, 450 in India and 680 across international franchise markets. The remaining employment opportunities are expected to emerge from the Group's wider operations and expansion.
Samuthra Group also expects to channel approximately S$10 million annually into India through the sourcing of spices, rice, lentils and ready-to-cook products from Indian farmers, food processors and exporters across 12 states.
As part of its employment and skills development plans, the Group intends to recruit and train around 150 chefs annually in India for overseas deployment. A dedicated culinary training programme in Bengaluru will prepare chefs for international restaurant operations, providing global employment opportunities for Indian culinary talent.
Founded by Dr. Subash Sukumar in 2006 in southern Tamil Nadu, Samuthra Group has developed into a diversified business conglomerate under Family Eight Holdings, with a presence spanning 35 companies across 11 countries. Led by Founder and Chairman Dr. Subash Sukumar, the Group has interests in industrial and warehousing parks, mines and minerals, infrastructure and construction, power and renewable energy, trading and entertainment.
Its operations and business interests extend across India, Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Africa. The Group's portfolio includes Samuthra Cement, alongside businesses operating across multiple infrastructure and industrial sectors. Leveraging its international network, diversified business interests and investment capabilities, Samuthra Group continues to explore strategic opportunities for expansion and long-term value creation across markets.
Established in 2020, Nandhana’s is a Singapore-based restaurant group operating eight restaurants under four brands: Nandhana’s, Shri Balavinayagar, Nandhanas Express and Ministry of Briyani. Known for its authentic South Indian cuisine and signature dishes, the group serves approximately one million customers annually, reflecting its growing presence in Singapore's food and hospitality sector.
The acquisition marks Samuthra Group's entry into international food and hospitality, combining Nandhana's established restaurant operations in Singapore with plans for a wider franchise network. The proposed expansion also aims to connect overseas restaurant operations with India's agricultural supply chain, food-processing industry and culinary workforce.
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