In yet another proof of India’s attraction among global investors in hospitality, US major Planet Hollywood is entering India with a planned series of alliances in hotels as well as in the restaurant business.
With lavish destination resorts in Las Vegas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and India, US famed major Planet Hollywood is looking towards Asia and India for new luxury development opportunities.
Heading the team that will focus on opportunities throughout Asia and India, Planet Hollywood has appointed Rohan Jetley, a young hospitality executive with deep roots in India where he was the CEO of TGI Friday’s India operations until 2021. He then joined Reef Technologies, where he ultimately became the CEO for the Middle East. Jetley’s international experience and connections position him for success in his new role leading the international expansion plans for Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
Jetley till recently handled the TGI brand with restaurants in India. He has deeper hospitality links in the country with his father, Rajan Jetley, having earlier been the MD of ITDC and a former head of Air India.
“The market for the lifestyle hotel category is rapidly growing and has become the preferred category with global travelers today,” said Jetley.
“I am looking forward to reaching out to my incredible friends and contacts in the region, and meeting new potential partners, as we demonstrate both the strength of our core brand and the many ancillary brands that are part of our Planet Hollywood group—all of which can be added onto hotel and resort projects to enhance the overall offering of amenities.”
Asked how their two existing properties, one in Goa and the other in Thane Mumbai, where they are in partnership with Joshi Group, the owners of the famed Kingfisher villa and a brewery, among other business interests, Jetley said these two locations had tested waters for the group. The response has been most encouraging and led them to take this big plunge into one of the world’s most promising markets for hospitality.
Asked on how they will go about their iconic restaurants in India, Jetley said they are open to both stand alone locations as well as those located within hotel.
Earl Enterprises, the parent company of brands that include Planet Hollywood International, Inc., is a recognized leader in the hospitality, lodging, food and beverage industries. Founded by entrepreneur and restauranteur Robert Earl, the company owns and operates over 180 restaurants both in the U .S. and internationally. Under the Earl Enterprises umbrella, big name brands include Buca di Beppo , Planet Hollywood, Earl of Sandwich, Brio Italian Grille, Bravo! Italian Kitchen, Bertucci’s and Chicken Guy! Some of these may be yet unfamiliar names to us in India, but they have proven success behind them in the US, which remains easily the biggest market for food globally.
Earl and his team aren’t stopping here. In addition to this, through Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC) which owns Mr Beast Burger, Tik Tok Creators Kitchens, Mariah Carey’s cookies and many other deliveries only brands, it holds the largest virtual brand company in the world.
