10 Best Cafe Franchises in India

The cafe culture has evolved over centuries, from the European coffeehouses of the 17th century to the modern-day Instagram-worthy spaces. Let’s sip on some history:

• Coffeehouses in Europe: The first coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1645, and soon, these establishments spread across Europe. They became intellectual hubs where artists, writers, and thinkers congregated to discuss ideas and share their passion for caffeine.
• The Coffee Revolution: The 18th century witnessed the coffee revolution. Cafés in London, Paris, and Vienna became epicenters of culture, politics, and literature. Think Voltaire, Rousseau, and Mozart sipping espressos and debating life’s mysteries.

Here are some Of the best Cafe Franchises

1. Café ChocoliciouS

• History and Background:
  • Café ChocoliciouS was founded in 2013 by Vinayak Lohokare in Mumbai, India.
  • It is a publicly listed firm with over 50 franchises across the country.
  • The café combines two beloved flavors—chocolate and coffee—to create a delightful experience for its customers.
• Brand Loyalty and Sustainability:
  • Café ChocoliciouS has established itself as one of the most sustainable growth stories in the café segment.
  • Their focus on quality products and customer satisfaction has contributed to their success.
  • With more than 25 partner outlets nationwide, they have demonstrated that growth and profit can go hand in hand with customer happiness.
• Franchise Details:
  • Investment Range: The investment required for a Café ChocoliciouS franchise is INR 5 lakh to 10 lakh.
  • Unit/Brand Fee: INR 1,500,000.
  • Master/Brand Fee: INR 1,000,000.
  • Royalty/Commission: 5%.
  • The franchisee can establish single or multiple units in any region, city, or state.
  • There is a performance guarantee for unit franchisees.
• What’s Included:
  • Café ChocoliciouS provides the initial equipment setup and raw materials to kickstart your venture.
  • They share their branding knowledge to align the outlet with others in the family.
  • Expertise in interior designing to set up the outlet.
  • Extensive training for employees to ensure quality service.
  • Assistance with advertising and social media marketing to reach consumers.

2.Unique Brew Cafe top Cafe Franchises 

• Brand Origin:
  • Unique Brew Cafe originated in Gujarat, India.
• About Unique Brew Cafe:
  • Unique Brew Cafe takes pride in its processes and systems.
  • Their business model aims to replicate the success story of UniqueBrew Café across the country.
  • They seek associates who are willing to actively contribute to the business’s development.
• Franchise Models:
  • Unique Brew Cafe offers several franchise models:
    • FOFO Model: Franchisee-Owned, Franchisee-Operated
    • Cloud Kitchen Model
    • Fast Food Model
    • Café Restro Model
• Investment and Area:
  • The investment required varies based on the chosen model and space:
    • Space: Ranges from 200 sq.ft. to 1800 sq.ft.
    • Total Investment: Starts from INR 9.75 lakhs for smaller spaces and goes up to INR 46 lakhs for larger spaces.
    • ROI: Typically achieved within 8 to 30 months.
    • Royalty: 0%
• Key Features:
  • Gourmet Coffees: Over 30 specialty coffee varieties, sourced in required sizes.
  • Beverages and Desserts: Largest variety, carefully curated mixology-based drinks.
  • Fresh and Local Food: Wide range of food products, locally sourced.
  • Feedback-based customization options for new products and recipes.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Investment: Entrepreneurs willing to invest in the specified range.
  • Passion for the café business: Dedication and involvement in running the franchise.
  • Desire to be part of a successful brand: Commitment to Unique Brew Cafe’s growth.

3.Costa Coffee

• History and Origins:
  • Costa Coffee began as a small coffee shop in London in 1971.
  • In 1978, the brand offered its first franchise unit for sale.
  • Over the years, Costa Coffee has garnered acclaim, winning the title of “Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland” for eight consecutive years.
• Brand Loyalty and Recognition:
  • Costa Coffee has 3,880 units operating successfully under its brand name.
  • The franchise’s mission revolves around selling high-quality coffees, teas, cold drinks, snacks, and pastries.
• Franchise Benefits:
  • Proven Business Model: Costa Coffee provides a well-established and successful business framework.
  • Reasonable Initial Cost & Fees: The franchise fee varies based on location, with an initial investment range of £250,000 to £800,000.
  • Comprehensive Training and Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing assistance from the franchise team.
• Investment Requirements:
  • Minimum Personal Investment: To open a Costa Coffee café franchise, you must have a minimum personal investment of £250,000.
  • Additional Costs: Consider real estate expenses, licenses, permits, equipment, signage, uniforms, and insurance.
• Application Process:
  • Evaluate your prior business experience.
  • Assess market availability for Costa Coffee franchises in your desired location.
  • Submit your application for review by the Costa Coffee franchise team.
  • Upon approval, you can proceed with opening your Costa Coffee franchise.

 4.Gloria Jean’s Coffees

• History and Founding:
  • Establishment: Gloria Jean’s Coffees was founded in 1979 by Gloria Jean Kvetko in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Relocation: Over time, the company shifted its main operations to Castle Hill, Sydney, Australia, signifying a pivotal shift in focus and leadership.
• Franchise Model:
  • Gloria Jean’s Coffees adopted a franchising model, which played a crucial role in its rapid growth both within the United States and internationally.
  • The brand’s commitment to high-quality products and individualized customer service sets it apart in the competitive coffee market.
• Product Offerings:
  • Gourmet Coffee Beverages: Gloria Jean’s Coffees boasts an extensive selection of gourmet coffee beverages, including flavored coffees, espresso-based drinks, and chilled brews.
  • Teas: They also offer a variety of teas.
  • Food Menu: Many outlets provide a diverse menu of food items, ranging from baked goods to sandwiches and wraps.
• Brand Loyalty and Values:
  • Gloria Jean’s Coffees prides itself on:
    • Building relationships grounded in honesty and trust.
    • A relentless pursuit of excellence and creativity.
    • Fostering an atmosphere filled with happiness and enthusiasm.
• Investment Details:
  • Initial Investment Range: The total investment to start a Gloria Jean’s Coffees franchise falls between $179,000 and $496,000.
  • Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee is $15,000.
  • Royalty Fee: Ongoing royalty fee is 6.0% of sales.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Net Worth Requirement: Franchisees should have a minimum net worth of $450,000.
  • Liquid Capital Requirement: At least $200,000 in liquid capital.
  • Place Required: Consider suitable locations for setting up the coffeehouse.
  • Training: Franchisees undergo training to ensure consistent quality and service.

5. Barista Franchise: A Coffeehouse Legacy

• Founded: Barista Coffee was established in 2000 in New Delhi, India.
• CEO: The visionary leader behind Barista’s success is Rajat Agrawal.
• Industry: Barista operates in the coffee and cafe industry.
• Locations: With over 350+ outlets, Barista has a strong presence across various cities in India and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and the Middle East.
• Expansion Plans: Barista aims to extend its reach to a total of 500+ stores within the next two years, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India.

Why Consider Owning a Barista Coffee Franchise?

1. Brand Reputation: Barista is a well-established brand known for its diverse offerings, including coffee, tea, shakes, desserts, snacks, sandwiches, and cakes.
2. Growth Prospects: The coffee industry in India continues to thrive, making it a lucrative business opportunity.
3. Flexible Business Setup: Barista offers a flexible and affordable franchise model.

Investment Details:

• Franchise Fee: Ranges from ₹6 Lakhs to ₹20 Lakhs.
• Area Required: Minimum of 200 sq ft.
• Total Initial Investment: Starts from ₹15 Lakh to 90 Lakh.

Additional Insights:

• Profit Margin: Barista charges a royalty fee of 8%+GST on net sales.
• Alternatives: If you’re exploring other coffee franchises, consider Pret A Manger, Tim Hortons, or Third Wave Coffee.

How to Get Barista Franchise?

1. Visit the official Barista franchise page.
2. Become part of the global coffee community by franchising with Barista.
3. Experience an international coffee culture in a warm, friendly, and peaceful environment.

6.Indian Coffee House

• History:
• • Coffee cultivation in India dates back to the 16th century, but the concept of coffee houses gained prominence in the 18th century, particularly in Madras and Calcutta.
  • However, during British colonial rule, these coffee houses were exclusively for Europeans, excluding Indians.
  • In the late 1890s, the idea of an “Indian Coffee House” chain emerged.
  • The India Coffee House chain officially began in 1936 with its first outlet in Churchgate, Bombay (now Mumbai), operated by the Indian Coffee Board.
  • By the 1940s, there were nearly 50 Coffee Houses across British India.
  • After India’s independence, the Coffee Board decided to close down the Coffee Houses.
  • Inspired by Communist leader A. K. Gopalan, workers of the Coffee Board formed Indian Coffee Workers’ Co-operatives and took over the outlets, renaming them as Indian Coffee House.
  • The movement spread, and co-operatives were established in various cities, including Bangalore and Delhi.
  • Indian Coffee House has been a hub for intellectual discussions and played a significant role in India’s political landscape.
• Franchise Details:
  • Investment Cost: The initial investment required for an Indian Coffee House franchise varies based on location and scale. However, specific figures are not readily available.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Anyone interested in running an Indian Coffee House franchise can explore the opportunity. The franchise model operates through co-operative societies.
  • Branches: Indian Coffee House has nearly 400 branches across India, making it a well-established brand.
  • Management: Thirteen co-operative societies manage the coffee houses, with managing committees elected from employees.
  • Notable Branch: The Coffee House at College Street in Kolkata (Calcutta) is particularly famous and has a rich history dating back to the Albert Hall in 1876.
• Products and Services:
  • Indian Coffee House offers a variety of coffee blends, snacks, and light meals.
  • It serves as a cultural and social space, fostering discussions and camaraderie.
  • The most iconic branch is the one at College Street, Kolkata.

7.Coffee Culture: Where Every Sip Tells a Story

Introduction

Coffee Culture, awarded as the Emerging Cafe Chain Of The Year by Franchise India, has become a thriving success with over 21 outlets across India. Since its inception in 2004 with the launch of its flagship store in the diamond city of Surat, Coffee Culture has been growing exponentially year by year. By the end of 2021, they plan to launch a total of 100 outlets across the country.

Spaces and Ambience

• Coffee Culture focuses on creating spaces that connect with the local culture of each location.
• Each café is a community space, a socializing spot inspired by the localism of the area.
• From lighting to curated music, free-walk spaces to seating arrangements, every detail contributes to a marvelous ambiance.

Menu and Innovation

• Coffee Culture is equally known for its vast range of food items and their presentations.
• Their coffees are famous, but they also offer an extensive menu of innovative dishes and beverages.
• From serving burgers in treasure boxes to sizzlers on wooden ships, Coffee Culture pushes the limits, unculturing themselves and their visitors.

Franchise Details

• Investment Range: The initial investment required for a Coffee Culture franchise varies based on location and scale.
• Eligibility Criteria: Anyone interested in running a Coffee Culture franchise can explore the opportunity.
• Brand Loyalty: Coffee Culture aims to create a warm and inviting environment where coffee lovers can savor their favorite brews.

8.Dunkin’ Donuts

• History:
  • Dunkin’ Donuts was originally founded in 1948 by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts under the name “Open Kettle.”
  • Initially, donuts were priced at five cents, and coffee was just ten cents!
  • In 1950, after a brainstorming session with executives, the restaurant was renamed “Dunkin’ Donuts.”
  • The brand’s mission was to serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.
  • By 1955, the first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise opened as a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), and within a decade, the number of restaurants grew to over 100 shops.
  • Today, Dunkin’ operates more than 12,600 restaurants worldwide in 46 countries.
  • In 2019, the brand changed its name to Dunkin’ to reflect its increasing emphasis on coffee, other drinks, and sandwiches.
• Franchise Model:
  • Dunkin’ Donuts franchises 100 percent of its locations.
  • Unlike Starbucks, which licenses a portion of its stores, Dunkin’ offers franchise opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Investment and Eligibility:
  • To become a Dunkin’ franchisee, you’ll need:
    • Minimum $250,000 in liquid assets.
    • A net worth of $500,000 per restaurant.
  • The total initial investment ranges from $97,500 to $1,717,103 depending on the location and type of store (freestanding or storefront).
• Brand Loyalty and Products:
  • Dunkin’ has a loyal customer base, especially in the Northeast.
  • The brand is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants.
  • Known affectionately as “Dunks,” it emphasizes coffee, donuts, and other beverages.
  • Dunkin’ offers a variety of products, including coffee, donuts, sandwiches, and more.
• Services and Investment Location:
  • Dunkin’ provides support to franchisees, including training, marketing, and ongoing assistance.
  • Whether you’re a business expert or not, Dunkin’ welcomes franchisees with diverse backgrounds.
  • The brand’s success lies in its commitment to quality and customer service.

9.The Chocolate Room: Where Cocoa Dreams Come True

Introduction

The Chocolate Room, a delightful haven for chocoholics, has been serving over 10 million customers globally since its inception in 2007. With a presence in 11 countries and 290+ chocolate cafes worldwide, this renowned chocolate cafe brand has become synonymous with indulgence and joy.

Why Choose The Chocolate Room?

1. Years of Brand Recognition: The Chocolate Room’s product sells itself. Years of brand recognition, exclusive award-winning recipes, and customer loyalty make it a sweet choice for franchisees.
2. Low Investment: The Chocolate Room’s unique business model delivers high margins with a minimum investment, taking your business to a whole new level.
3. Good ROI: Their franchise model yields good return on investment at a faster level, ensuring guaranteed and greater profits.
4. Recognized Brand: A trusted and loved brand, The Chocolate Room is sweetly associated and well-known among chocoholic circles everywhere.
5. Franchise Support: They transfer their time-tested knowledge to you, helping your business thrive and grow to the next level.
6. Chocoholic-Friendly Menu: From decadent hot chocolates to delightful desserts, their menu tickles taste buds and spreads happiness.

Franchise Models and Investment

1. Compact Model:
   • Franchise Fee: ₹10 Lakhs
   • Total Investment: ₹50-55 Lakhs
   • Area Required: 500-700 sq. ft
2. Kiosk Model:
   • Franchise Fee: ₹5 Lakhs
   • Total Investment: ₹35-40 Lakhs
   • Area Required: 100-300 sq. ft

Success Stories

1. Mount Abu Outlet: Owned by Digviraj Singh and Manviraj Singh, this franchisee outlet near Nakki Lake has become a favorite cafeteria for tourists. Exclusive flavors of coffee and true chocolate make it a delightful experience.
2. Vadodara Outlet: Priya Singh and Gurinder Singh efficiently handle their standalone model of The Chocolate Room outlet, shining both personally and professionally.
3. Another Vadodara Success: Tanmay Patel, Bhawin Shah, and Ronak Modhiya manage a buzzing outlet, living their entrepreneurial dream with absolute support from the parent company.
4. Delhi Standalone Model: Dolly Gupta runs a standalone franchisee model of The Chocolate Room bistro and café in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, brilliantly managing it while being a mother of two children.

10.Café Coffee Day (CCD)

• Introduction:
  • Café Coffee Day (CCD) is an Indian multinational chain of coffeehouses headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • It is a subsidiary of Coffee Day Enterprises Limited.
  • Internationally, CCDs are also present in Austria, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Nepal, and Egypt.
• Founding and History:
  • V. G. Siddhartha started the café chain in 1996 when he incorporated Coffee Day Global, which is the parent company of the Coffee Day chain.
  • The first CCD outlet was set up on July 11, 1996, at Brigade Road in Bangalore, Karnataka.
  • CCD rapidly expanded to other cities in India, with more than 1,000 cafés open across the nation by 2011.
  • The company is vertically integrated, owning coffee plantations, growing coffee, manufacturing coffee machines, and creating furniture for the outlets.
  • CCD is the largest producer of arabica beans in Asia, exporting to various countries including the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
• Franchise Details:
  • To start a CCD outlet, you would need an investment of approximately ₹9 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs.
  • This amount includes equipment costs, interior expenses (which account for about ₹3 to ₹4 lakhs), and a brand fee of ₹50,000.
  • CCD franchises typically sign a bond for 4 to 5 years, with the option to renew the agreement at the end of this period.