Top 10 Cloud Kitchen Franchise Opportunities in India

The Indian food industry is undergoing a wave of revolution led by the never-before-seen boom of cloud kitchens. This novel business model, free from the conventional dine-in culture and based solely on online orders and delivery, has led the growing demand for convenient and diversified food to its height. With India’s digital payment ecosystem, particularly UPI, serving as the backbone, more than 91.7% of the entire food delivery business is now digital. 

India’s cloud kitchen market size is estimated at USD 1,097.5 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 3,211.7 million by 2033, growing at a strong CAGR of 12.67% during 2025-2033. This impressive expansion, fuelled by hyper-urbanization, shifting consumption patterns, and smartphone penetration, makes this one of the most sought-after destinations for an investor interested in investing in a cloud kitchen franchise. Here, we present the rapidly expanding market of cloud kitchens in India, the 10 most promising franchising opportunities to invest in, and a step-by-step guide for the prospective investor. So, let’s begin!

Understanding the Cloud Kitchen Phenomenon in India

Cloud kitchens, ghost kitchens, or virtual restaurants are kitchen facilities that prepare food solely for delivery. They utilize online platforms and food aggregators to serve consumers without the need for costly storefronts and dining spaces.

• Delivery-First Model: The core concept of a cloud kitchen operates solely on a delivery model, where every effort is focused on rapid food preparation and timely delivery by third-party delivery services like Zomato and Swiggy. This optimizes operations for speed and scope at the expense of in-person customer experience.
• Reduced Overhead Costs: By avoiding the costs associated with a physical restaurant location, cloud kitchens can significantly lower expenses such as rent, front-of-house personnel, and elaborate interior design. Efficient operation means room for higher profitability.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Perhaps most important is the ease of scalability. Various brands can be operated from one kitchen, with the scope to test new cuisines and quickly respond to changes in consumer demands and taste a little in the way of structural outlay.
• Technology-Based Operations: Cloud kitchens are technology-dependent, employing tools such as online ordering systems, kitchen display systems (KDS), and data analytics to process orders, inventory, and marketing in an optimized and holistic manner.
• Focus on Food Quality and Efficiency: Since there are no in-house dining distractions, there is an absolute focus on preparing consistent, high-quality food and streamlining the cooking and packaging processes for delivery, ensuring that food reaches consumers fresh and flavorful.

Why Choose a Cloud Kitchen Franchise?

Investing in a cloud kitchen franchise offers an attractive entry point into the profitable food sector, providing the entrepreneurial autonomy of owning a business of one’s own while benefiting from the security of a brand identity. As a modern form of food franchise, it eliminates the need for dine-in space while retaining the power of trusted branding and scalable operations. Here is why you should choose a cloud kitchen franchise:

• Strong Brand Recognition: Franchising provides a head start with a well-established name brand, existing customers, and proven recipes. This reduces the marketing effort and time required to establish trust with the brand and acquire customers.
• Reduced Investment & Risk: In contrast to conventional restaurants, a cloud kitchen franchise requires less initial investment due to its smaller real estate footprint and fewer employees. It reduces the risk of capital and lowers the entry barrier for new entrepreneurs.
• Operational Support & Training: Complete training is given to franchisees in every aspect, from food preparation and sanitation to business operations and technology use. Extra assistance in marketing and supply chain also ensures success.
• Proven Business Model: Successful business models are offered by franchisors, thereby ending trial-and-error business models prevalent among individual business owners. This comprises proven process procedures, known vendor relationships, and tested menu items that work.
• Technology & Marketing Access: Franchisees are granted access to trademarked order-management technology platforms and typically benefit from the leverage of grouped marketing efforts undertaken by the parent company, which further enhances their visibility and customer acquisition.

Top 10 Cloud Kitchen Franchise Companies in India

1. Rebel Foods

Rebel Foods, founded in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, is India’s most prominent internet food firm, with more than 4,000 internet restaurants in countries. They are known for their “multi-brand, single kitchen” strategy, hosting popular brands such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, and Oven Story Pizza. Rebel Foods was declared a unicorn firm in 2021 when it raised $175 million in funding, valuing the company at $1.4 billion. Their own in-house kitchen operating systems make operations 35% more efficient than the conventional restaurant setups, making it very efficient to run a franchise as a cloud kitchen with them.

• Investment Details: The minimum initial investment for a Rebel Foods cloud kitchen franchise ranges from INR 20-30 lakhs for operational franchises and INR 30-50 lakhs for master franchises. The franchise fee is usually INR 5-10 lakhs (non-refundable).
• Support Offered: Complete training, marketing assistance, integration into their supply chain, access to their state-of-the-art technology platform, and multi-brand assistance.
• Ideal Locations: Metro destinations and high food delivery demand spots.

2. Biryani By Kilo

Biryani By Kilo (BBK), established in 2015 by Vishal Jindal and Kaushik Roy, is dedicated to delivering fresh, dum-cooked biryani in individual-sized handis, allowing you to experience authentic flavor and a distinct eating experience. BBK has achieved a remarkable 60% year-over-year growth rate since 2018, with over 120 outlets in more than 25 cities. Their actual cooking strategy and high-quality ingredients result in a 42% customer retention rate, which is significantly higher than the industry standard. The brand is expected to grow to 200 units by 2026 and is a highly sought-after cloud kitchen franchise opportunity.

• Investment Details: The minimum investment in a Biryani By Kilo cloud kitchen franchise is INR 20-30 lakhs, with a franchise cost of INR 7.5 lakhs.
• Support Offered: Chef training, marketing services, and central ingredient procurement.
• Ideal Locations: City centers and highly populated cities where people demand traditional biryani.

3. BOX8

BOX8 was founded in 2012 by Amit Raj and Anshul Gupta. It began as a quick-service restaurant before transitioning into a full-stack cloud kitchen format. They specialize in their “All-in-One Meals,” which are healthy, ready-to-consume Indian meals designed for delivery. BOX8 fuses Indian flavors with cost-effective packaging solutions, reducing delivery time by 13% compared to the industry average.

The internally developed kitchen management system facilitated a 42% decrease in order preparation time, serving over 60,000 customers in a week with a satisfaction rate of 4.3/5. With an emphasis on operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction with end-to-end technology, mistakes are minimized, and the overall delivery experience is enhanced.

• Investment Details: The initial investment for a BOX8 cloud kitchen franchise is INR 15-20 lakhs. For micro-cloud kitchen setups, the investment can be as low as INR 5 lakhs, with a franchisee fee of INR 1.5 lakhs.
• Support Offered: Setting up of the kitchen, technology solution for order taking, training of staff, marketing activities, and supply chain management.
• Ideal Locations: Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities with high footfall commercial and residential areas, particularly in areas with a high concentration of working professionals.

4. WarmOven

WarmOven, founded by Gautam Balijepalli, Mahesh Madiyala, Sumit Gupta, and Rohan Kumar Rao in 2019, is a well-established cloud kitchen brand offering a variety of cakes, pastries, and baked goods. They have more than 70 kitchen franchises across India. This concentration on specialty products generates a higher average order value, and proprietary packaging provides 30% longer product freshness, allowing for larger delivery areas. WarmOven fulfills approximately 35,000 orders per month with an 88% on-time delivery rate.

This bakery and dessert food store is targeting a constantly demand-driven market, usually for celebratory events. Their advanced packaging technology takes on a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the product during transportation, hence allowing maximum customer satisfaction and repeat orders.

• Investment Details: The investment amount will be between INR 2 lakhs and INR 5 lakhs, with the initial franchise cost being INR 1 lakh.
• Support Offered: Recipe training, access to their technology platform, and marketing material.
• Ideal Locations: City and semi-city locations where there is a demand for baked food and dessert items, especially on celebratory occasions.

5. FreshMenu

Rashmi Daga founded Freshmenu in 2014 in Bangalore. It became a market leader in India’s food ordering business by serving chef-designed international food with a local twist. Operating more than 50 cloud kitchens across four major cities, it is renowned for its daily rotating menus, fresh ingredients, and speedy service.

FreshMenu is poised to leverage its franchise model to capitalize on the projected $2.5 billion growth in India’s cloud kitchen segment by 2026, targeting young working professionals and families seeking restaurant-standard food that can be conveniently ordered. Its daily rotational menu maintains customer interest and induces repeat orders through change. Its commitment to fresh and good ingredients appeals to a new audience of health-conscious consumers.

• Investment Details: Investment of INR 30-75 lakhs based on location and kitchen size, payable as a one-time upfront franchise fee of INR 10 lakhs (renewable 5-year contract).
• Support Offered: Full training, centralized marketing, technology platform, and operations support.
• Ideal Locations: Wellness-oriented locations and office spaces in large cities.

6. The Rolling Plate

The Rolling Plate, founded in 2019 by Jahaan Khurana and Divy Kohli, has expanded to over 20 outlets, offering innovative rolls and bowls of street food in modern avatars. Placed between fine dining and QSRs, they command average order values 27% above category standards, with operations in the middle- to upper-income pockets.

Their operationally focused optimization of workflow minimizes staff requirements by 30% through leverage of full kitchen productive capacity, with the outcome being a profitable and scalable cloud kitchen franchise. Significant savings in labor costs, resulting from their lean operation, fuel overall profitability for franchisees. Their positioning of a trendy, flexible food type such as rolls and bowls is highly appealing and subsequently in demand.

• Investment Details: The investment is generally less than INR 10 lakhs, and the franchise cost is INR 2 lakhs.
• Support Offered: Operational training, marketing assistance, and connectivity to their technology platform.
• Ideal Locations: Small and medium-sized cities with a developing food ordering business, as well as areas with a high concentration of residents and businesses.

7. Karim’s

Karim’s, with its rich heritage founded by Haji Karimuddin in 1913, successfully fuses its authentic Mughlai cuisine with contemporary cloud kitchen operations. With their franchise model, they maintain traditional recipes and use digital delivery platforms. The company began operating cloud kitchen franchises in 2018 and now has 50 sites, with plans to expand to 150 sites by 2027. The strong legacy of the brand enables it to offer competitive pricing to market competitors, and the brand maintains strong loyalty with its consumers. Their widespread exposure in the food business provides franchisees with unmatched knowledge of traditional food preparation methods and consumer tastes.

• Investment Details: The investment for Karim’s cloud kitchen franchise ranges from INR 50 lakhs to 1 crore, with a franchise cost of INR 15 lakhs.
• Support Offered: Extensive training of chefs to offer unique original recipe preparation, complete marketing assistance, and inclusion of the latest technologies for hassle-free operation.
• Ideal Locations: City hubs of high population density and cities that have an outlet for better, authentic Indian cuisine where food of good quality can be delivered quickly.

8. Gobbler’s

Abhishek Bansal and Ankush Mantoo founded Gobblers Cloud Kitchen in 2019 and have grown at a staggering pace, operating 53 outlets that serve upscale rolls and wraps with a niche focus on fusion food. Their streamlined kitchen design occupies 40% less built-up space compared to traditional cloud kitchen franchises but provides the same quantity of food. With AI-powered predictive technology, Gobbler’s reduces ingredient wastage by 27%.

Their system processes around 1,500 orders per day across their entire operating network. Such space and resource optimization has a direct impact on higher margins for the franchisees. Demand planning augmented by AI technology is an equally valuable benefit with minimal food wastage and optimal inventory levels.

• Investment Details: The investment range is INR 7-15 lakhs, with a franchise fee of INR 3 lakhs.
• Support Offered: Intensive training, proprietary recipes, and marketing assistance.
• Ideal Locations: Premium locations with high demand in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, commercial hubs, and residential areas.

9. Mr. Shawarma

Mr. Showarma is among the finest restaurant franchises, serving several Indian cities proudly since 2014. It was initially established in the name of Mr. Shawarma by Mr. Samarpit Ahuja and operates more than 50 franchised cloud kitchens, selling Middle Eastern food with an Indian touch. Their purpose-built tools capital investment allows them to generate actual shawarma products at 40% greater velocity compared to general-purpose kitchens.

The niche menu strategy results in food being 33% cheaper than at multi-cuisine restaurants, with no impact on consumer ratings, which remain above 4.2/5. The firm handles 2,500 orders daily across its different cloud kitchen chains. They can apply very specialized equipment and processes, leveraging their niche concentration in shawarma, which results in higher-quality offerings and more efficient operations. The ability to achieve good customer ratings and low food expenses is a good indicator of a profitable and sustainable business model.

• Investment Details: Investment of INR 5-10 lakhs, out of which franchise fee is INR 2 lakhs.
• Support Offered: Training on specialized equipment, standardization of recipes, and support in marketing.
• Ideal Locations: Locations with a variety of demographics and demand for Middle Eastern cuisine, residential as well as commercial.

10. Faasos

Faasos is an Indian “food on demand” company which was established in 2004. It is an owned brand by Rebel Foods, an online restaurant company. It is a largely popular brand in India because of its huge assortment of wraps, biryanis, and Indian comfort foods; all presented using its scalable cloud kitchen delivery platform. Faasos has revolutionized efficiency for the food business by specializing in delivery alone. Faasos succeeded because of its emphasis on high-quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and fast service in big city areas.

Faasos processes orders smoothly through technology, even in the busiest moments, thus being a predictable cloud kitchen brand. Efficient operating and supply chain procedures, thanks to Rebel Foods, allow for a timely and consistent supply of products and quality. Diversity in the menu serves the large target population and thus receives tremendous volumes of orders from franchisees.

• Investment Details: The investment required is approximately INR 10-18 lakhs, covering kitchen setup, material procurement, and launch promotion.
• Support Offered: Menu planning support, integration of food app, supply chain assistance, and operation training.
• Ideal Locations: Campus locations and metros where locals and students prefer quick, affordable food.

Investment and Cost Considerations for a Cloud Kitchen Franchise

Investment in a cloud kitchen franchise tends to offer a cheaper entry into the food industry compared to a standard restaurant. That being stated, understanding the various cost factors is essential in preparing to plan money adequately.

• Initial Franchise Fee: This is the one-time fee paid to the franchisee for availing of their business model, brand name, and intellectual property. This can vary widely depending on the brand name and market presence, often between a few lakhs and more than INR 10-15 Lakhs for players with a proven track record.
• Equipment and Kitchen Layout: Minimize the dine-in space as much as possible, but a reasonably well-equipped commercial kitchen is required. The expense of planning, including kitchen ventilation, cook stoves, ovens, refrigerators, freezers, preparation counters, and utensils, is included. This will vary from INR 5 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs, depending on the size and complexity of the operation.
• Working Capital: This is used to fund initial operating expenses, such as the procurement of raw materials, salaries for the first few months of employees, electricity bills, and preliminary marketing efforts until the business becomes self-sustainable. A buffer of INR 2-5 Lakhs would be generally recommended.
• Technology and Software: Cloud kitchens are heavily reliant on technology. Investment will be required for Point of Sale (POS) solutions, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), order management software that can be integrated with aggregators, and possibly for building your website or app. Most franchises have this included in their overall package or charge a regular fee.
• Marketing and Licensing: While the brand support is done by the franchisors, local advertisement, in most cases, is the responsibility of the franchisee. This includes online promotion, local advertising, and social media management. Also, obtaining necessary licenses and approvals (FSSAI, municipal, and fire safety) will cost money.

Steps to Start a Cloud Kitchen Franchise in India

Entering a cloud kitchen franchise business requires a step-by-step procedure to ensure compliance and the ground for success. Each step is essential for a smooth launch and performance.

• Research and Choose the Best Franchise: Start with good research on different cloud kitchen franchise opportunities that are available, such as investment needed, reputation of the brand, type of cuisine, type of support offered, and demand in your area of interest. Choose a brand that meets both your business objectives as well as individual interests.
• Financing and Budgeting: Develop a complete business plan outlining your projected expenditure, revenue, and profitability. Secure financing from personal sources, banks, or investor associations. Establish the franchise fee, initial installation price, and repeat fees.
• Legal Formalities and Registrations: Complete all necessary legal formalities, including registration of your business entity, trade license, FSSAI license (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), GST registration, and any local permits required. Ensure all legal documents are in place before proceeding further.
• Kitchen Installation and Site Selection: Select a location for your cloud kitchen that offers proper connectivity for delivery partners, sufficient space, and adequate hygiene. Give priority to effective kitchen design, adequate ventilation, and the procurement of all necessary commercial kitchen equipment.
• Staffing and Training: Hire skilled kitchen personnel, such as chefs and support staff. The franchisor will generally provide extensive training in their standard recipes, cooking processes, hygienic standards, and the use of their technology systems, which is essential to ensure brand consistency.

Key Factors for Success in a Cloud Kitchen Franchise

Although a cloud kitchen franchise has some built-in strengths, certain aspects become a priority for its long-term sustainability and profitability in the competitive Indian market.

• Operational Efficiency and Speed: Speed is key in the fast-food era of online food ordering. Proper running efficiency of the kitchen, order processing through technology, and timely preparation time are the necessities so that the consumer is content and delivery time is the absolute minimum, which will maximize the overall customer experience.
• Food Quality and Consistency: There can be no compromise on the high quality and consistency of every order. The same taste and presentation are anticipated by the customers time and again to build brand loyalty. Following recipes, checking quality, and maintaining sanitary food handling practices are crucial.
• Strong Marketing and Web Presence: Although the franchise has a name brand, local marketing is essential. Be proactive in defending your online reputation on food delivery sites by engaging with customers through social media, running targeted promotions, and soliciting positive reviews to boost visibility and attract new customers.
• Strong Supply Chain Management: Smart procurement of fresh, high-quality produce at competitive rates is essential to profitability. Establishing good relationships with vendors and maintaining efficient inventory management reduces waste and guarantees continuous product supply.
• Customer Feedback and Flexibility: Sincerely seek and respond to customer feedback to continually innovate your products and services. The cloud kitchen model facilitates swift adaptation to market trends and consumer preferences, allowing you to devise new offerings or modify existing ones in response to demand.

Conclusion

Indian cloud kitchen franchise model is a profitable opportunity for investors eager to capitalize on the expanding food ordering segment with lesser risk and guaranteed success. With lower expenses, robust brand support, and complete backup systems, the cloud kitchen business is ready to gain from the fresh consumer trend toward convenient and diversified eating. While the food business is being transformed by the digital age, the investment in a good cloud kitchen chain can well be the recipe for success.

FAQs

What is a cloud kitchen franchise?

A cloud kitchen franchise is a business model in which an entrepreneur operates a delivery-only kitchen using the name and tested system of a well-established food companies, allowing them to enjoy the company’s recipes, marketing, and operational support.

What is the average investment needed for an Indian cloud kitchen franchise?

The investment for an Indian cloud kitchen franchise may range extensively but is approximately between INR 10 lakhs and INR 50 Lakhs, which includes franchise fees, kitchen equipment, and working capital.

What are the main advantages of a cloud kitchen compared to a traditional restaurant?

Cloud kitchens have reduced capital and operating expenses (no restaurant rental, reduced staff), increased scalability, greater flexibility for menu experimentation, and a singular focus on efficient delivery, making them perfect for the digital era.

Is experience in the food industry necessary to start a cloud kitchen franchise?

Experience is beneficial, but most cloud kitchen franchises offer comprehensive training as well as ongoing support, and therefore, even inexperienced owners with little food industry experience can start.

How do cloud kitchens achieve delivery without a fleet?

Cloud kitchens primarily utilize third-party food aggregators, such as Zomato and Swiggy, for their deliveries, leveraging their extensive logistics networks to deliver food quickly to customers. They might also build a small in-house delivery team for specific geographies.