Dishoom secures major investment and confirms first US opening

Indian restaurant group Dishoom has secured investment from a US firm backed by luxury goods brand LVMH.

L Catterton has taken an undisclosed stake in the business ahead of plans to open its first restaurant in the US in 2026.

The valuation of Dishoom has not been disclosed but The Sunday Times reports it is thought to be in the region of £300m.

It is the first time Dishoom founders Shamil Thakrar and Kavi Thakrar have brought outside investment into the group since the launch of their debut restaurant in Covent Garden in 2010.

The pair will remain in charge of managing the group’s operations alongside Brian Trollip, who became chief executive last year.

Shamil said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with L Catterton, and excited about the future of the business. It is wonderful to be contemplating the international opportunities ahead of us.

"As ever, even more important than growth and expansion is keeping our focus strongly on deepening our hospitality – on providing guests with the most delicious food and the warmest service in beautiful restaurants and continuing to make sure Dishoom is one of the very best workplaces in hospitality. And of course, this is only possible because of our amazing teams, who give their all every day to make Dishoom what it is.” 
 
L Catterton partner Miray Topay said:  “We look forward to supporting Shamil, Kavi, Brian and the team as they continue to grow the business in the UK and beyond."
 

Last week, L Catterton announced its investment in Kisshokichi, the world’s largest Kobe beef restaurant chain which has around 50 sites in Japan. The firm also backs casual dining burger chain Goiko in Spain and fashion brands Ganni and Birkenstock.

Further details of Dishoom’s first US restaurant have yet to be disclosed but the group  called in advisers last year following a successful summer pop-up at New York’s Pastis restaurant.

At the time, Shamil said there was a “long-held ambition to bring Dishoom to the US”.

Dishoom’s first Glasgow restaurant will open on 29 August, taking its UK portfolio to 11 main restaurants, alongside four Permit Room bars in Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton and London’s Notting Hill.

The Notting Hill restaurant also features the group’s first overnight bedrooms, which Trollip told The Caterer were a test-run for a possible Dishoom hotel.

Dishoom hired nearly 300 new staff members last year as its sales passed £100m for the first time.

The Indian restaurant group reported pre-tax profits of £7.4m in 2023, up from £4.7m the previous financial year.