Hillsborough, N.J. — Sigri Indian BBQ signed a franchise agreement for a Hillsborough, New Jersey location, expanding the North Indian barbecue concept’s presence in its home state. The restaurant is scheduled to open in 2026 under local ownership.
According to Craveworthy Brands’ announcement, the upcoming location will be operated by an entrepreneur with a background in cybersecurity and technology. Sigri operates as part of Craveworthy Brands’ portfolio, which includes concepts like Big Chicken and Genghis Grill.
Utkarsh Yadav, co-founder of Sigri, stated in the press release:
“Every dish at Sigri tells a story rooted in culture, and with the right local entrepreneur’s passion behind it, that story comes alive in new ways. Having started Sigri here in New Jersey, it’s deeply meaningful to see that story evolve through other operators. This next chapter brings new energy and perspective, sharing Sigri’s warmth and soul with a new generation of guests.”
The Hillsborough agreement follows Sigri’s recent Chicago multi-unit franchise deal. Founded in 2015, Sigri specializes in North Indian cuisine inspired by roadside restaurants called dhabas.
North Indian Barbecue Concept
Sigri’s menu centers on open flame cooking techniques using clay stoves called sigris. The concept offers kebabs, spiced bowls, and kathi rolls based on North Indian street food traditions.
The brand positions itself within the fast casual dining segment. Menu items incorporate marinated meats, freshly baked naan, and vegetables prepared using traditional cooking methods. Sigri aims to make North Indian barbecue accessible to mainstream American diners unfamiliar with the cuisine.
Chef Aarthi leads culinary development. The menu combines traditional Indian recipes with ingredient sourcing suitable for U.S. restaurant operations.
Franchise Model and Expansion Strategy
Sigri launched its franchise program recently. The brand targets operators interested in ethnic fast casual concepts. Craveworthy Brands provides operational support, site selection assistance, and training programs for franchise partners.
Samuel Stanovich, SVP of Franchise Leadership at Craveworthy Brands, stated in the press release: “Sigri embodies the bold, vibrant spirit of North Indian barbecue, a concept unlike anything else in the franchise space. Seeing interest ignite so quickly since launching the program has been incredible. Expanding in New Jersey, where the brand first took shape, makes this moment especially meaningful. It’s a clear sign that operators are craving concepts with real heart and growth potential.”
The franchise model offers what the company describes as a low barrier to entry. Sigri operates in flexible footprints suitable for various real estate formats. The brand positions itself for operators seeking alternatives to saturated burger and pizza franchise categories.
Why It Matters
Sigri’s franchise expansion illustrates growing investor interest in ethnic fast casual concepts. North Indian cuisine remains underrepresented in U.S. franchise systems compared to Chinese, Mexican, and Mediterranean formats. This creates opportunities for brands offering authentic regional Indian cooking.
For food manufacturers and co packers, ethnic restaurant expansion drives demand for specialty ingredients. North Indian cuisine requires specific spice blends, marinated protein products, flatbreads, and sauce bases. Suppliers who can provide restaurant grade versions of these ingredients at consistent quality levels position themselves for growth.
The fast casual segment increasingly values bold flavors and culinary authenticity. Franchise concepts differentiate through unique flavor profiles rather than competing solely on price or convenience. This trend benefits bulk spice suppliers, specialty protein processors, and co manufacturers capable of producing authentic ethnic ingredients at scale.
Sigri’s emphasis on open flame cooking also highlights equipment considerations. Clay oven installations, tandoor maintenance, and ventilation systems require specialized knowledge. Restaurant equipment suppliers and installation contractors familiar with Indian cooking methods gain advantages as more North Indian concepts franchise.
Craveworthy Brands Portfolio Strategy
Craveworthy Brands operates multiple restaurant concepts spanning different cuisines and price points. The portfolio includes Big Chicken, Genghis Grill, Fresh Brothers Pizza, and Soom Soom Mediterranean among others.
This multi-brand approach provides operational efficiencies. Craveworthy leverages shared services for franchise development, real estate, marketing, and supply chain management. Individual concepts benefit from corporate resources while maintaining distinct brand identities.
For ingredient suppliers and co manufacturers, multi-concept restaurant groups represent consolidated purchasing opportunities. A supplier relationship with Craveworthy Brands potentially provides access to multiple restaurant formats rather than single concept partnerships.
The ethnic fast casual focus within Craveworthy’s portfolio also indicates strategic emphasis on underserved cuisine segments. The company targets concepts with growth potential in categories not dominated by major chains.
Craveworthy Brands has continued to apply this multi-concept expansion strategy across its portfolio. In January 2026, the company announced that Wing It On!, its chicken wing franchise concept, would open a new location in Tampa, Florida, marking further growth in the Southeast. Like Sigri’s New Jersey agreement, the Wing It On! expansion relied on an experienced multi-unit operator and emphasized scalable, off-premises-friendly restaurant formats. Together, the two announcements highlight how Craveworthy is leveraging franchising to grow diverse cuisine concepts (from North Indian barbecue to chicken wings) under a shared operational and supply chain framework.
Specialty Cuisine Franchise Expansion
Specialty restaurant concepts continue expanding through strategic franchise agreements. In November 2025, Cousins Maine Lobster signed a multi unit deal to operate two food trucks in Indiana, launching in Gary and South Bend in March 2026 with a Fort Wayne location following in 2027. The seafood franchise expansion demonstrates how specialized cuisine brands are entering Midwest markets through mobile food truck formats. Read more about Cousins Maine Lobster’s Indiana food truck expansion.
What’s New
Update: January 2026 The growth of Sigri Indian BBQ isn’t stopping at the New Jersey border. Just as the brand solidifies its presence in Hillsborough, it has announced a major leap across the river into New York City. A new franchise agreement has been signed to bring the concept’s open-flame cooking to Brooklyn, marking its official debut in the Big Apple. For details on the new NYC location and the franchisee leading the expansion, read our full report on the Sigri Indian BBQ Brooklyn Opening.
About Source86
Source86 connects food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers with sourcing opportunities across the CPG industry. Sigri Indian BBQ’s franchise expansion exemplifies growing demand for authentic ethnic ingredients, specialty spice blends, and marinated proteins that restaurant chains require as they scale operations nationally.
Looking to supply North Indian spice blends, tandoori marinades, or flatbread products to expanding restaurant franchises? Need co manufacturing partners for restaurant grade ethnic sauces or bulk ingredient suppliers for authentic Indian cooking ingredients? Source86’s platform connects you with restaurant groups, co packers, and ingredient suppliers experienced in ethnic cuisine scaling. Contact us to explore supply partnerships with growing fast casual brands.
FAQs
When will the Sigri Indian BBQ Hillsborough location open?
The Sigri Indian BBQ Hillsborough, New Jersey location is scheduled to open in 2026. The restaurant will be locally owned and operated under a franchise agreement signed in November 2025.
What type of food does Sigri Indian BBQ serve?
Sigri Indian BBQ specializes in North Indian barbecue cuisine prepared using open flame cooking techniques with clay stoves called sigris. The menu features kebabs, spiced bowls, kathi rolls, and freshly baked naan inspired by roadside restaurants known as dhabas.
Who owns Sigri Indian BBQ?
Sigri Indian BBQ operates as part of Craveworthy Brands’ restaurant portfolio. The brand was founded by Jagat Parikh and Utkarsh Yadav in 2015 in New Jersey. Craveworthy Brands also owns concepts including Big Chicken, Genghis Grill, and multiple other fast casual restaurant brands.
