JKS confirms US openings

JKS Restaurants has announced it will launch two of its Indian restaurant brands in the US later this year.

The restaurant group plans to open Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York this autumn, followed by Gymkhana in Las Vegas later in the winter.

Ambassadors Clubhouse will open at 1245 Broadway in New York, offering guests Punjabi cuisine inspired by royal kitchens as well as street and roadside eateries.

Named after the Sethis’ grandfather, who was a former Indian Ambassador, the restaurant’s interiors will take inspiration from his summer house in Dalhousie and the abandoned party mansions of Northern India.

Later in the year, a Gymkhana restaurant will open at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The menu will feature many of the signature dishes served at the original two-Michelin-starred London restaurant, including tandoori-grilled specialities, classic curries, biryanis and chaat-style sharing plates, alongside dishes exclusive to the Las Vegas site.

JKS also plans to launch its Gymkhana Fine Foods retail brand in the US.

The Sethi family founded JKS in November 2008 and now includes 35 restaurants in London and the Middle East.

JKS Restaurants co-founder Karam Sethi said: “Expanding to the US marks a significant milestone for us at JKS. We have had our sights set on the US for the last ten years – wanting to make our entry with the right brands, in the right cities, at the right moment.

“With Gymkhana and Ambassadors Clubhouse, we’re proud to introduce two very personal projects to a new audience. As interest in Indian food and culture continues to grow globally, we’re excited to contribute to that momentum by championing the depth and diversity of regional Indian cuisine.”