During the last few years, India’s food franchise business sector has experienced dramatic expansion. This growth is largely driven by the rising middle class, urbanization, changing dietary preferences, and an increasing trend towards public dining. The Best Food Franchise in India has become a top investment choice for entrepreneurs, as the Indian food service market is projected to reach ₹5.5 trillion by 2025.

The food franchise industry in India is a diverse landscape, consisting of both international giants like Domino’s and Subway, as well as domestic brands such as Wow! Momo and Haldiram’s. Food Franchises in India have exploded in popularity, offering a wide variety of options available across every part of the country.

Franchising presents a low-risk opportunity for new business owners to earn attractive financial returns. Franchise owners benefit from the strong recognition of an established brand and the well-defined management systems for operations and marketing. Food franchises have successfully expanded their reach, offering both economical kiosks and upscale dining options. As a result, the sector is targeting underserved areas of India, showing great potential for future growth.

Growing Trend of Food Franchises in India

India’s economic liberalization together with increasing disposable income and urban migration as well as an increasing demand for branded food experiences has led to the growth of Low-cost Food Franchise in India. National and international food franchise brands have established more than 3000 outlets across India while the food sector maintains a remarkable 15–20% per year expansion in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Franchises cater to various formats:

• Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) – QSRs form part of India’s restaurant landscape through the presence of McDonald’s and Domino’s within its food industry.
• Cafés/Beverage Chains – like Chai Point, Starbucks
• Casual Dining Restaurants (CDRs) – like Barbeque Nation
• Cloud Kitchens – The two notable cloud kitchen organizations available today are Faasos and Biryani by Kilo.

Why Start a Food Franchise Business in India?

• Growing Food Delivery Ecosystem:  The food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy provide franchises with customer access that requires minimal investment in restaurant space.
• Consumer Brand Loyalty: Consumer trust in well-established food brands within India helps franchisees launch their business operations more effectively.
• Lower Business Risk: Franchise operations present owners with a tested business plan of a Franchise business under 5 lakhs that leads to decreased risks when compared to separate business ventures.
• Training and SOPs: The franchise owners receive all the necessary operational support including recipes and market strategies and employee training curriculum through the training resources and standardized procedures.
• Franchise: The country holds one of the leading positions for franchise activity worldwide and government mandates through programs like Startup India foster the development of franchising systems.

Understanding the Food Franchise Business Model

The food franchise model is a business strategy in which an entrepreneur (franchisee) operates a restaurant or food service outlet under the branding, systems, and support of a larger company (franchisor). It’s a way to expand a brand quickly while reducing the franchisor’s financial risk.

The Franchisor:

• Owns the brand (e.g., KFC, Subway).
• Develops the product line, operating procedures, and marketing strategies.
• Grants licenses to franchisees to operate under their name.

The Franchisee:

• Pays fees to use the brand and system.
• Sets up and manages the business, hiring staff and running daily operations.
• Must follow strict brand guidelines for quality, service, and marketing.

As part of the franchise agreement franchisees must pay two types of fees which include an initial start-up payment as well as periodic royalty payments calculated as between 4% and 8% of their gross sales numbers. Every franchise operation requires specific area requirements and staff numbers as well as minimum capital start-up costs.

Typical investment range:

• Low-cost franchises: ₹5 – ₹15 Lakhs (e.g., Chaat Lounge, Giani’s Ice Cream)
• Mid-range: ₹15 – ₹50 Lakhs (e.g., Subway, Biryani Blues)
• High-end: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹2 Crores (e.g., Barbeque Nation, KFC)

Revenue Model Breakdown

Revenue Source	Description
Franchise Fee	One-time upfront payment to join the brand.
Royalty Fee	Ongoing percentage of sales (4–10% typical).
Marketing Fee	Contribution to national advertising.
Product Purchases	Required supplies often must be bought from approved vendors.

Factors That Make a Food Franchise “the Best”

All the Low-cost food franchises India, receive the The “best” food franchise recognition from two main factors including brand reputation and trust that it has established with customers along with a strong media presence.

• Brand Reputation and Trust: A brand reputation built from trust derives from its established customer following along with press exposure.
• Investment vs ROI: Payback period, typically between 18-36 months.
• Support Structure: The support system of this venture includes marketing functions alongside technical support and inventory-related service procurement.
• Location Flexibility: Scalable to multiple geographies.
• Menu Innovation: Adaptability to Indian tastes and regional preferences.
• Legal Compliance & Transparency: FSSAI, GST, and franchise agreements.

Exploring Diverse Food Franchise Opportunities in India

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each food franchise opportunity listed under “Exploring Diverse Food Franchise Opportunities in India 

Type 1: Best Food Franchise in India

1. Domino’s Pizza India

• Name: Domino’s Pizza
• Founded in: 1960 (USA); 1996 (India, by Jubilant FoodWorks)
• Revenue (India, FY24): Approx. ₹6,500 crores 
• Outlets: 1,800+ stores in over 350 cities

The pizza delivery brand franhcise of Domino’s holds the leading position in Indian markets for prudent supply chain management as well as advanced digital systems for customer orders and efficient logistics operations. As a top Food Franchise in India, The 30-minute delivery service combined with products adjusted for Indian preferences has helped Domino’s establish devoted customers. Jubilant FoodWorks operates as the single franchise holder for all business activities within India alongside Sri Lanka Bangladesh and Nepal territories. Their established business strategy along with centralized purchasing methods allows them to operate efficiently.

• Franchise Cost: ₹50–65 lakh (excluding GST, interiors, and rentals)
• Space Required: 800–1,500 sq. ft. (depending on city and format)
• Franchise Fee: ₹4.5–5 lakh
• Profit Margin: 15–20% (depending on footfall and overheads)

Why It Stands Out:

Successful customer loyalty along with established supply networks combined with strong digital ordering capabilities and regular marketing initiatives turn Domino’s into an attractive franchise opportunity.

2. WOW! Momo

• Name: WOW! Momo
• Founded in: 2008 (Kolkata)
• Revenue (FY24): Approx. ₹450 crore
• Outlets: 800+ stores across 30+ cities

WOW! Momo operates by offering creative momo variants which include tandoori momos as well as momo burgers and chocolate momos. Food Franchise in India has expanded quickly through its market-leading value proposition as an Affordable food franchise opportunities in quick service restaurants while entering new markets in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The combination of low asset usage and high-gross margin products under a strong brand allows WOW! Momo to attract numerous investors.

• Franchise Cost: ₹12–30 lakh (depending on kiosk or full-format outlet)
• Space Required: 200–600 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹3–5 lakh
• Profit Margin: 20–25%

Why It Stands Out:

Gas and electric network availability in rural India make WOW! Momo a lucrative business through their franchises as startup costs are low while consumer demand is high and the franchisor provides ongoing marketing assistance along with a consistent supply network.As a growing Food Franchise in India, Momo is an attractive opportunity.

3. Chai Sutta Bar

• Name: Chai Sutta Bar
• Founded in: 2016 (Indore, India)
• Revenue (FY23): ₹150+ crore (estimated)
• Outlets: 450+ outlets in 200+ cities, including international presence

The tea retail sector of India received a revolutionary shift with the establishment of Chai Sutta Bar. A popular Food Franchise in India, The establishment sells kulhad chai and snacks via rustic cafés directed at the youth market. Operating at budget-friendly levels provides this establishment with low risks for entering the F&B sector. The brand supports social development through its hiring of disadvantaged young people and its commitment to sustainable earthenware.

• Chai Suuta Bar Franchise Cost: ₹6–10 lakh (kiosk or small outlet model)
• Space Required: 150–300 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹2–3 lakh
• Profit Margin: 35–40%

Why It Stands Out:

Rapid expansion of Chai Sutta Bar is attributed to its high return on investment and space-efficient model and quick-moving low-cost items and comprehensive franchisee support system.

4. Giani’s Ice Cream

• Name: Giani’s
• Founded in: 1956 (Delhi, India)
• Revenue (FY23): ₹100–₹150 crore (estimated)
• Outlets: 150+ across India, mostly in North India

Giani’s maintains its position as a one of the Top food franchise brands in India with a historical ice cream flavour which provides top-quality ice cream items and shakes alongside falooda desserts. The brand stands out because of its premium quality and rich flavors together with a large selection of products. All Giani’s franchises exist within kiosks as well as cafes and full outlets. The dessert franchise sphere offers entry through this business because it needs average startup capital while experiencing busy periods throughout the year.

• Franchise Cost: ₹10–15 lakh
• Space Required: 100–200 sq. ft. (ideal for kiosks or mall setups)
• Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakh
• Profit Margin: 20–25%

Why It Stands Out:

Popular in metro and suburban markets, low wastage model, seasonal demand surges, and wide audience appeal.

ALSO READ:
Naturals Ice Cream Franchise Cost

5. Haldiram’s (Kiosk Model)

• Name: Haldiram’s
• Founded in: 1937 (Nagpur); expanded nationally in the 1990s
• Revenue (Consolidated FY23): ₹5,500+ crore
• Outlets: 400+ across India (multi-format: casual dining, kiosks, express outlets)

Haldiram’s functions as a familiar industry leader while distributing authentic Indian snack products along with sweets and ready-made meals. As a well-known Food Franchise in India, it is also often discussed among options for a zero investment food franchise in India due to its flexible The kiosk strategy of Haldiram’s operates in busy traffic areas such as train stations to provide popular products from a restricted product range. Through its franchise model Haldiram’s provides strong backing for both supply chain administration and branding solutions and marketing advancement.

• Haldiram Franchise Cost: ₹25–30 lakh
• Space Required: 150–250 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹2.5–3 lakh
• Profit Margin: 18–22%

Why It Stands Out:

Strong brand trust, evergreen demand for Indian snacks and sweets, and high shelf-life products with excellent supply chain support.

6. McDonald’s India

• Name: McDonald’s India
• Founded in India: 1996
• Revenue (Westlife Foodworld FY23): ₹2,146 crore
• Outlets: 360+ (West and South India under Westlife); 150+ (North and East under Connaught Plaza Restaurants)

McDonald’s is a global fast-food icon and a pioneer in India’s QSR sector for all those who are seeking a Franchise business with high profit margin. As a leading Food Franchise in India, McDonald’s has established itself in Indian markets through its locally tailored items such as McDonald’s has established itself in Indian markets through its locally tailored items such as McAloo Tikki and Chicken Maharaja Mac. Global standards in franchisee education alongside supply chain development along with corporate brand marketing are what franchisees gain access to. The company proved successful with its digital-first operation and its addition of delivery app services.

• McDonald’s Franchise Cost: ₹6–14 crore (varies by city and format)
• Space Required: 1,500–2,500 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹30 lakh to ₹1 crore
• Profit Margin: 12–20%

Why It Stands Out:

The company achieves sustained profitability through international operational excellence and brand strength as well as strong supply chain management systems which come at an initial high investment cost.

Type 2: Food Franchises 

Under ₹2 Lakhs in India, featuring startup-friendly options with high demand, low investment, and strong brand identity.

7. Momos Co.

• Founded in: 2017
• Revenue: Estimated ₹10–₹15 crore annually (private company, figures not publicly disclosed)
• Outlets: 100+ across India

The fast-food franchise Momos Co. specializes in street-style momos as India increases its demand for this food item. A rising Food Franchise in India, The establishment provides three different cooking variations including steamed, fried and tandoori momos which allow it to serve both young consumers and working-class individuals. The restaurant brand implements budget-friendly costs while delivering swift services for communities that visit malls and universities and corporate business parks.

• Franchise Cost: ₹1.5–2 lakh
• Space Required: 80–150 sq. ft. (kiosk/compact kitchen)
• Franchise Fee: ₹50,000–₹75,000
• Profit Margin: 30–40%

Why It’s Ideal:

New investors starting out will find this operation beneficial because of low setup requirements and high market potential in cities and towns combined with an easy-to-run business model.

8. Goli Vada Pav

• Founded in: 2004
• Revenue: Approx. ₹40–₹50 crore (FY23 estimate)
• Outlets: 300+ across India

Goli Vada Pav represents Food Franchise in India, investment options as well as is the first brand which established the traditional vada pav through a sanitary fast-food approach. The franchise operation utilizes central kitchens together with frozen patties to guarantee business consistency while reducing operational responsibilities from the franchisees. The brand brings quick service restaurant efficiency to Indian flavors in its menu.

• Franchise Cost: ₹1.5–2 lakh (for basic kiosk/low-investment formats)
• Space Required: 100–150 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹50,000
• Profit Margin: 25–30%

Why It’s Ideal:

The operational management of this brand remains straightforward because it needs minimal staffing and training while providing inventory that prepares quickly for quick expansion.

9. Café Coffee Day (Kiosk Format)

• Founded in: 1996
• Revenue: Approx. ₹600 crore (declining trend due to restructuring)
• Outlets: 500+ (including traditional cafés and kiosk formats)

The most famous Indian chain Café Coffee Day (CCD) introduced kiosks for smaller investors who target busy areas with limited space. As a well-established Food Franchise in India, a minimal selection of hot and cold drinks and food items together with bakery goods are served through these kiosks that concentrate on branding and automation from coffee equipment.

• Franchise Cost: ₹1.8–2 lakh (for micro or kiosk format)
• Space Required: 50–100 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: Included in total cost
• Profit Margin: 15–20%

Why It’s Ideal:

The combination of loyal consumer affinity with youth attractiveness and steady customer numbers in tech parks and shopping centers makes this business model secure despite its average profitability.

10. The Belgian Waffle Co. (Kiosk Lite Format)

• Founded in: 2015
• Revenue: ₹50+ crore (FY23)
• Outlets: 450+ in over 100 cities

The Belgian Waffle Co. launched waffle sandwiches at the same time dessert cafés and quick snacks became popular which attracted both Gen Z and millennials customers. The “Kiosk Lite” format from this company represents their basic model for food courts and markets and areas near educational institutions, making The Belgian Waffle Co. one of the best Low-cost Food Franchise in India.

• Franchise Cost: ₹1.75–2 lakh
• Space Required: 50–100 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh (based on city and outlet type)
• Profit Margin: 25–30%

Why It’s Ideal:

Customers find the trendy product appealing since it meets rising market needs while offering social media assistance along with training programs and centralized supply networks for batter and packaging.

11. Natural Ice Cream (Franchise Lite/Takeaway Format)

• Founded in: 1984
• Revenue: ₹300+ crore (FY23)
• Outlets: 165+ across major cities

The signature product of Natural Ice Cream consists of natural fruit-based ice creams which remain free from manufactured flavorings and additive preservation. As a growing Food Franchise in India, The new “Franchise Lite” format by Natural Ice Cream targets food delivery areas while minimizing capital outlays and requiring limited core products.

• Natural Ice Cream Franchise Cost: ₹1.5–2 lakh
• Space Required: 100–120 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹75,000–₹1 lakh
• Profit Margin: 20–25%

Why It’s Ideal:

The business operates successfully in smaller cities because health-conscious branding combines with repeat customer demand and minimal menu waste through limited products.

Type 3: low-cost Food Franchises

The ₹5 Lakhs investment budget in India serves new business owners who seek affordable opportunities with powerful brand recognition and attractive returns.

12. Amul Ice Cream Franchise (Preferred Outlet Format)

• Founded in: 1946
• Revenue: ₹61,000+ crore (2023-24 consolidated turnover of Amul brand by GCMMF)
• Outlets: 2,000+ Amul parlors across India

The trusted Indian brand Amul provides the businessmen with the idea of Best Food Franchise in India and  its customers with three different franchise models consisting of Amul Preferred Outlet (APO), Ice Cream Scooping Parlors, and Amul Kiosk. The franchise provides Amul products including milk in addition to ice cream and milkshakes and cheese alongside butter and paneer from Amul’s distribution chain. The business requires minimal setup complications because of its strong brand identity alongside its extensive distribution network.

• Franchise Cost: ₹2–5 lakh (includes equipment and initial stock)
• Space Required: 100–150 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: Nil (no royalty; security deposit may apply)
• Profit Margin: 20–25% on milk, 35–40% on ice creams and other products

Why It’s Ideal:

Because of its trusted brand recognition and numerous products including ice cream at profitable prices the business enables low-risk entrance into food retail operations.

13. Tea Time

• Founded in: 2017
• Revenue: ₹100+ crore (FY 2023 estimated)
• Outlets: 3,500+ outlets across 23 states

Tea Time operates as one of the quickest-growing tea networks within India. A rapidly expanding Food Franchise in India, Affordable pricing serves as the main strength of this tea company together with ingredient distribution from the franchisor and their capability to draw a large number of customers. Customers can choose from more than ten tea varieties as well as refreshments and milkshakes and eat light snacks at this establishment. The company operates in smaller cities through basic and budget-friendly outlet designs.

• Tea Time Franchise Cost: ₹4.5–5 lakh
• Space Required: 100–150 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: Included in the cost
• Profit Margin: 40–60% depending on location and menu

Why It’s Ideal:

The industry offers an exceptional choice for start-up investors due to its minimal operational costs alongside short returns on investment periods (within 6–9 months) along with standardized raw material procurement.

14. Burger Singh (Cloud Kitchen/Kiosk Format)

• Founded in: 2014
• Revenue: ₹65–70 crore (FY 2023)
• Outlets: 150+ in India + international presence

India possesses Burger Singh which has the Best low-cost food franchise model as its indigenous response to international burger chains that include traditional local elements. The business model features cloud kitchens and kiosks as investment points which deliver the complete menu from a smaller capital investment. The delivery of sauces together with patties and packaging through their supply chain enables franchisees to manage their local purchasing needs.

• Franchise Cost: ₹4–5 lakh (for kiosk/cloud model)
• Space Required: 120–150 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: ₹50,000 (approx.)
• Profit Margin: 25–35%

Why It’s Ideal:

The company stands out due to fusion cuisine and minimal domestic competition and it continues to develop its delivery-focused cloud kitchen network throughout India.

15. Rolls & Bowls by EatFit (Lite Model)

• Founded in: 2020 (under CureFoods brand, a spin-off of EatFit by Cure.fit)
• Revenue: Approx. ₹80+ crore for Curefoods (FY 2023)
• Outlets: 80+ outlets (expanding rapidly via cloud kitchen/franchise model)

Rolls & Bowls serves Indian fusion rolls in addition to rice bowls and provides various healthy meals to customers. The restaurant exists to serve those who care about their wellness within the urban population. The franchise offers two options including cloud kitchens and lite models that incorporate online delivery services with pre-made meal ingredients sourced from central kitchens.

• Franchise Cost: ₹3.5–4.5 lakh
• Space Required: 150–200 sq. ft.
• Franchise Fee: Included
• Profit Margin: 30–35%

Why It’s Ideal:

The business benefits from its strategy to serve metros and tech parks because health-conscious customers who prefer app ordering are plentiful in these areas. High scalability due to online focus.

16. Theka Coffee

• Founded in: 2017
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed (rapidly scaling startup)
• Outlets: 250+ across India

Theka Coffee serves its cold brew coffee in unique beer container glass bottles. The modern playful branding tackles professional young adults along with college students. This Food franchise profitability India provides both pre-brewed cold coffee concentrates and flavored syrups as part of their supply to operational simplicity.

• Franchise Cost: ₹2.5–4.5 lakh (based on format)
• Space Required: 60–100 sq. ft. (kiosk-style setup)
• Franchise Fee: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh
• Profit Margin: 30–40%

Why It’s Ideal:

Theka Coffee presents itself as an efficient urban concept that appeals to Gen Z customers while requiring minimal equipment which yields high returns on investment.

How to Choose the Right Food Franchise in India

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

• Define Your Budget: Your initial funding must account for all expenses from equipment purchase to rental costs and operational licenses together with necessary startup capital.
• Research the Brand: Investigate the Brand by studying its market reach along with its operational results as well as its image within the market.
• Evaluate ROI and Payback Period: The industry segment’s peers must be used to compare the payback duration and ROI calculation.
• Check Support and Training Offerings: Assess the supplier’s training programs for operations and marketing alongside employee development support.
• Visit Existing Franchisees: Conduct a site visit with current franchisees to discover their practical operational challenges.
• Understand Legal Obligations: The requirements pertaining to legal obligations include inspection of the franchise agreement and termination clauses and the specifications regarding area exclusivity.
• Assess Demand in Your Target Location: Determine the demand potential of your location through evaluating between urban and semi-urban and rural market factors.

Conclusion

With the growing trend of food varieties in India, the food franchise business sector in India is also manifesting itself as a booming industry featuring enduring prospects for development. Entrepreneurs achieve significant returns from running the Top food franchise brands in India through strategic brand choices combined with suitable locations and business approaches and gain advantages from trusted food brands among customers. Business ownership through franchise investments now offers multiple possibilities for new entrepreneurs to join the market.

Consumer taste patterns modify while organized and hygienic food choices gain increasing popularity which will result in ongoing demand growth. Starting a business with a food franchise between tea kiosks and casual dining restaurants serves as an excellent move in India’s expanding F&B market when the franchise matches your strategic objectives alongside budget and target audience requirements.

FAQs

Which food franchise operating in India offers the highest profitability?

Domino’s Pizza holds the position of most profitable food franchise at present because it maintains a reliable delivery infrastructure together with an enduring connection with its consumer base.

What amount is required for beginning a food franchise venture?

The minimum investment to begin a food franchise starts at ₹2 to ₹5 Lakhs when choosing brands like Amul or small kiosk models.

To begin operating an F&B franchise do I require any former expertise in the food service industry?

Not necessarily. The majority of franchise organizations teach their franchisees how to manage their operations and provide standardized procedures for running their business effectively.

Is it more advantageous to start an Indian franchise over an international franchise?

The quoting benefits of Indian brands include affordable setup costs along with superior market adaptation but international brands provide immediate worldwide recognition with standardized operating methods.

A food franchise operation requires what length of time to become profitable?

A franchise operation requires 18 to 36 months of business to achieve profitability with time frames based on location selection and brand quality and operational performance.