Gymkhana Fine Foods makes US debut

NEW YORK — Gymkhana Fine Foods, founded out of Gymkhana’s London-based Indian restaurant, has made its US debut by launching nationwide exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores and online.

Its US debut and Whole Foods launch is backed by an $8.5 million Series A funding round that was led by Cavu Consumer Partners.

Gymkhana Fine Foods, which launched in the United Kingdom in 2023, makes Indian-inspired simmer sauces and marinades that were developed in the Gymkhana restaurant.

The lineup that is launching at Whole Foods, which the company said are its best-selling simmer sauces and marinades, includes butter masala, Goan coconut curry, korma, tikka masala and madras simmer sauces, alongside classic tandoori barbecue, green tikka and roasted garlic and chili marinades. The products retail for $8 to $10.

“Gymkhana restaurant has proved that Indian cuisine belongs at the highest level of global dining,” said Gulrez Singh Arora, chief executive officer and co-founder of Gymkhana Fine Foods. “Now we’re bringing that magic into every kitchen. This isn’t just a product launch, it’s the beginning of Indian food’s premium moment in America, and Whole Foods is exactly where that story should start.”

Cavu Consumer Partners also led the company’s 2024 seed round.

The $3 million seed round was used to fund the company’s growth in the UK and internationally following its launch in Whole Foods Markets across London, according to the company.

As part of the funding round Rohan Oza, co-founder and managing partner at Cavu Consumer Partners; and Jared Jacobs, managing partner at Cavu, will continue to serve on Gymkhana Fine Foods’ board of directors.

“The best brands solve problems, and for too long, the at-home Indian category hasn’t reflected the depth and quality of the cuisine itself,” Jacobs said. “Gymkhana changes that, bringing restaurant-caliber Indian flavor into the modern home. We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership and support their ambition to build an iconic global Indian food brand.”