Bakshi vs McDonald’s: A battle that perpetuated over 21 years

McDonald’s opened its first outlet in India in 1996. India was the first country where they decided to serve "only non-beef or non-pork items". The brand in India is managed by two business entities. McDonald’s stores of North and East India are handled by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL) – which is a 50:50 joint venture between entrepreneur Vikram Bakshi and the global fast food chain. The stores of South and West India are handled by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, which is owned by entrepreneur Amit Jatia. Hardcastle Restaurants pays a franchise fee and royalty to McDonald’s for using its brand name.