JKS Restaurants to expand to USA after Gymkhana success

JKS Restaurants has announced its plans to expand into the USA, following success in the UK with the likes of Gymkhana.

Led by chef director Sid Ahuja, Mayfair Indian restaurant Gymkhana has held two Michelin stars since 2024, having received its first star a decade earlier.

The portfolio of JKS also includes Trishna, BiBi and Sabor in London, as well as a Gymkhana in the Middle East.

Now they are set to move Stateside, opening Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York, followed by Gymkhana Las Vegas.

Karam Sethi, founder of JKS Restaurants, said: “We have had our sights set on the US for the last ten years - wanting to make our entry with the right brands, in the right cities, at the right moment.

“Ambassadors Clubhouse and Gymkhana are expressions of who we are and we are excited to connect with a new community of guests.

“We join the market at a time when the interest in Indian cuisine and culture is growing rapidly, and we look forward to contributing to this momentum by raising greater awareness of regional Indian cuisine.”

Coming later this year, JKS will open Ambassadors Clubhouse at 1245 Broadway in Manhattan’s NoMad neighbourhood.

It follows the original Ambassadors, which opened in London last year. It is described as “a celebration of Punjabi hospitality through culinary traditions”.

It is named after Karam’s grandfather, who was a former Indian ambassador.

Then in the winter, Gymkhana Las Vegas will launch at ARIA Resort & Casino.

In London, Gymkhana has become highly popular with locals packing out the venue on a daily basis and high-profile celebrities paying a visit.

The Las Vegas menu is set to feature many of the signature dishes on the London menu, focusing on tandoori-grilled food, classic curries, biryani’s and chaat-style sharing plates.

The bar will feature Indian-inspired cocktails.

JKS will also launch Gymkhana Fine Foods in the US, a premium range of at-home Indian cooking sauces and marinades, just like they currently do in London.

A statement from JKS concluded: “JKS aims to continue growing across both regions and explore opportunities in other international markets over the coming years.”