JKS to make US debut

JKS Restaurants is set to launch two of its Indian brands in the US this year, with the opening of Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York, followed by Gymkhana in Las Vegas.

New York, New York

The first US location of Ambassadors Clubhouse, launching this autumn, will open at 1245 Broadway, bringing the celebration of Punjabi hospitality to Manhattan’s NoMad neighbourhood. The New York location is set to open just over a year after Ambassadors Clubhouse first debuted in London, in August 2024.

As with the London restaurant, the menu will draw inspiration from Punjab’s opulent royal kitchens, alongside street and roadside eateries. The cocktail programme will centre on tequila and mezcal blended with regional ingredients, including large-format cocktails designed for tables to share, playful shots and interactive service to underscore the festive atmosphere.

Named after the grandfather of siblings and founders, the Sethis, who was a former Indian ambassador, the restaurant’s interiors will take inspiration from his summer house in Dalhousie and the abandoned party mansions of Northern India. 

Viva Las Vegas

This winter, JKS will also launch its second US Indian site with the launch of Gymkhana at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Inspired by the private clubs of India, where high society gathers to dine, drink, socialise and play sport, Gymkhana Las Vegas will bring refinement and exclusivity to the Strip.

Gymkhana's cuisine draws influence from the breadth of India, known for its bold flavours and rich layered spicing. The Las Vegas menu will feature many of Gymkhana London's signature dishes, broadly focusing on tandoori-grilled specialities, classic curries, fragrant biryanis and chaat-style sharing plates.

Alongside the signature offering, there will be new dishes exclusive to the Las Vegas location. The restaurant’s bar will feature Indian-inspired cocktails, including regional punches served tableside and an extensive gin and tonic selection, drawing on the cocktail heritage of 42, the intimate lounge above Gymkhana London.

Following the opening of the Las Vegas restaurant, JKS will also launch Gymkhana Fine Foods – the premium range of at-home Indian cooking sauces and marinades crafted by the same chefs – in the US. 

With a presence already established in the Middle East, JKS aims to continue growing across both regions and explore opportunities in other international markets in the coming years.

On the group's upcoming US debut, Karam Sethi comments: "Expanding to the US marks a significant milestone for us at JKS. We have had our sights set on the US for the last 10 years, wanting to make our entry with the right brands, in the right cities, at the right moment. With Gymkhana and Ambassadors Clubhouse, we’re proud to introduce two very personal projects to a new audience. As interest in Indian food and culture continues to grow globally, we’re excited to contribute to that momentum by championing the depth and diversity of regional Indian cuisine."

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