Dishoom in ‘positive’ talks regarding US investment

Indian restaurant group Dishoom has confirmed it is in “positive” talks to secure investment from a US private equity firm backed by leading luxury brand LVMH.

A spokesperson for Dishoom told The Caterer: “Talks are ongoing and positive and we will let you know when we have any news.”  

It comes after Propel reported investment firm L Catterton is “in advanced talks” to invest in Dishoom in a deal that could value the restaurant group at more than £300m.

L Catterton was formed in 2016 following a partnership with LVMH, Group Arnault, the family holding company of Bernard Arnault, and consumer-focused private equity firm Catterton.

The firm’s investment could further support Dishoom’s ambitions to enter the US market while driving expansion across the UK.

Last November, Dishoom said it had called in advisers ahead of plans to launch its first overseas restaurant in the US following a successful summer pop-up at New York’s Pastis restaurant.

At the time of reporting, Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of Dishoom, said the group had a “long-held ambition to bring Dishoom to the US”.

Earlier this month, the restaurant group also confirmed plans to open its first restaurant in Glasgow, which will take its total domestic portfolio to 12 restaurants, as well as four Permit Room bars in Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton and London’s Notting Hill.

The Notting Hill Permit Room also features Dishoom’s first bedrooms. Earlier this month, chief executive Brian Trollip told The Caterer the rooms could be the first of many.

Dishoom, which is inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, was founded by Shamil and Kavi Thakrar in London’s Covent Garden in 2010.