The Malpani Group, known for owning Imagicaaworld, is expanding its footprint into the industrial and logistics sectors while also strengthening its entertainment portfolio through a licensing agreement with Dave & Buster’s, the American entertainment brand. Dave & Buster’s combines a restaurant, sports bar, and gaming arcade, offering a space where visitors can eat, drink, play games, and watch sports—all under one roof.
Ashish Malpani, director of the real estate division of the Malpani Group, announced that Malpani Industrial & Logistics Park is developing two parks in Chakan, totalling 220 acres. The first park is a 70-acre site with a 1.5 million sq ft operational area at Ambethan, while the second park will cover 150 acres with a planned development of three million sq ft in Phase V of Chakan. According to Malpani, two companies from the Tata Group have signed agreements to lease space at their park. Tata Toyo Radiator, a joint venture with TACO Group, has leased 250,000 sq ft for its warehouse, while Tata Katcon Exhaust Systems will also set up its facilities there.
Initially focused on acquiring, aggregating, and dealing with land, the Malpani Group diversified to developing commercial and residential spaces. Imagicaaworld was an acquisition for the Group which is being expanded. They have either developed or have projects in the pipeline for around seven million sq ft of commercial space in Pune and are also pursuing residential projects in Mumbai.
Malpani expects to lease out space at the park soon and is actively engaged in discussions with more industries. He noted that land prices in Chakan have tripled over the last five years, making it increasingly difficult to acquire land here. The Group aims to establish a presence in all types of real estate assets and is considering expanding its industrial and logistics business to other states. It also venturing into the data centre space.
In the entertainment segment, the Malpani Group has introduced the Dallas-based Dave & Buster’s brand to India. This 200-store chain in the US is entering the Indian market with Malpanis getting rights for the brand in India. The first outlet opened in Koramangala, Bangalore, a month ago, and they are currently developing a second location in Mumbai, with plans for further expansion to Delhi and Punjab. Dave & Buster’s is designed to cater to adults and families, offering a blend of dining, entertainment, and gaming experiences. Moreover, Malpani mentioned the addition of a bowling alley specifically tailored for the Indian market. He believes that their experience from operating Imagicaaworld amusement park will come in handy for this new venture.