The arrival of the U.K.-based Indian restaurant Gymkhana in the U.S. last year will be followed by a line of consumer-packaged goods.
A line of simmer sauces and marinades under the brand Gymkhana Fine Foods is launching in Whole Foods Markets nationally, the company announced this week. The move coincides with an $8.5 million Series A funding round led by CAVU Consumer Partners, founded by Rohan Oza of “Shark Tank” fame and hedge fund veteran Brett Thomas.
Gymkhana, operated by London-based JKS Restaurants, made its U.S. debut in Las Vegas at the Aria Resort & Casino last year. The concept was inspired by Indian gymkhana clubs first established by the British during colonial rule, and later opened to Indian high society.
Founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi, JKS has a portfolio of more than 30 Indian concepts that also includes the restaurants Trishna, Brigadiers, BiBi, Sabor and Berenhjak. The group has also opened the Punjabi concept Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York.
Across the group, JKS boasts eight Michelin stars and six Bib Gourmand mentions.
Indian cuisine is having a moment, with concepts across the U.S. elevating and innovating with modern versions of traditional dishes. And investors are paying attention. Last year, the private-equity firm L Catterton invested in Dishoom, another growing London-based concept coming to the U.S.
The Gymkhana CPG line is co-founded by JKS with Gulrez Arora, who also helped grow the retail products in the U.K.
Karam Sethi, who is also culinary and creative director for JKS, said the CPG line is a natural extension of Gymkhana’s mission, since it first opened 13 years ago.
“Each sauce, marinade and chutney has been created to deliver the same bold, authentic flavors found in our restaurants,” Karam Sethi said in a statement. “As we expand into the U.S., from our first restaurant in Las Vegas in 2025 to the launch of Gymkhana Fine Foods across the country, our aim remains the same: to offer Indian cuisine in its purest form, whether you’re cooking in your own kitchen or dining with us.”
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