A multi-unit franchise agreement will bring the brand to Chicagoland.
Craveworthy Brands, the parent company of a portfolio of food and beverage franchise brands, is launching its latest franchise program.
Sigri Indian BBQ, serving authentic North Indian barbeque plates, has signed a multi-franchise agreement for the greater Chicago market. The upcoming locations will be locally owned and operated by entrepreneur Niraj Shah with openings planned in Schaumburg and Naperville, Illinois, in 2026.
“As a longtime food and beverage operator, I’ve always believed in the power of hospitality to create community,” said Shah. “When I discovered Sigri, it felt like reconnecting with a beloved culture I am familiar – the flavors, the warmth, the tradition. Bringing that to Chicago, a city known for its diverse food culture, felt like the perfect next step in my journey.”
According to Craveworthy Brands, Shah began his journey in Virginia working in convenience stores before moving to Illinois. He went on to open his first liquor store, eventually expanding into hospitality. Today, he runs a popular neighborhood bar and restaurant.
Sigri brings the centuries-old tradition of North Indian grilling to the modern American table, Craveworthy Brands said. Founded in 2015, Sigri reimagines the culinary culture of India’s roadside restaurants or ‘dhabas’ through fast casual dining with a bold take on the global cuisine.
The Sigri experience features the ancient art of cooking on the open flame, infusing every dish with the depth of smokey flavor. Its menu blends the techniques with vibrant ingredients and customizable options, from fire-cooked meats and fresh kebabs to craveworthy kathi rolls.
“Sigri was created to share a flavorful journey rooted in centuries of tradition and to feel like home,” said Co-Founder of Sigri, Utkarsh Yadiv. “Niraj brings entrepreneurial heart and industry experience, making him the right steward for Sigri’s next chapter in Chicago. Together, we’re taking the art of North Indian barbecue and giving others the opportunity to discover it in their own backyard.”
The brand has gained popularity through social media content that has gone viral, including TikTok and Instagram.
“The positive response we’ve received from consumers and entrepreneurs alike has been incredible,” said Gregg Majewski, CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands. “When fans are asking for Sigri in their communities, we listen. That passion and energy are exactly what make this brand special and we’re using it as a guide for how and where we grow.”
Now, prospective franchise partners can gain access to streamlined operational support, industry-leading expertise and a scalable business model. Sigri’s initial franchise growth is focused on key markets, including Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Nevada and Texas, where demand for global cuisine continues to rise.
“I’m proud to be part of a brand that celebrates tradition while offering something entirely new to U.S. diners,” Shah added.
Craveworthy Brands’ lineup of restaurants includes Shaquille O’Neal-founded Big Chicken, Bd’s Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top Grill, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Genghis Grill, Gregorys Coffee, Hot Chicken Takeover, Krafted Smashburgers, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Nomad Dawgs, Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin’ Ed’s, Sigri Indian BBQ, Soom Soom Mediterranean, taim Mediterranean Kitchen, The Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On!
To learn more about Sigri and its franchise opportunity, please visit http://www.sigriindianbbqfranchise.com. To learn more about Craveworthy, visit http://www.craveworthybrands.com.
