India’s love for coffee has moved beyond traditional filter kaapi into trendy, cozy, and Instagram-worthy café spaces. With the café culture booming, coffee shop franchises have emerged as one of the most sought-after business opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country. The demand for quality brews, comfortable hangout spaces, and artisanal experiences is growing, especially among millennials and Gen Z.
If you're considering investing in a coffee shop franchise, here are the top 5 most profitable brands in India, complete with investment requirements and ROI timelines.
1. Cafe Coffee Day (CCD)
Established: 1996
Franchise Outlets: 400+
Initial Investment: ₹10 – ₹15 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹50,000 – ₹1 Lakh
ROI Period: 24 – 30 months
Why CCD?
CCD is a household name in India with a loyal customer base. Known for affordable pricing and widespread brand recognition, it's a safe bet for franchisees looking for consistency and strong backend support. CCD offers franchise models ranging from kiosk to full café formats, ideal for urban locations.
2. Barista
Established: 2000
Franchise Outlets: 350+
Initial Investment: ₹12 – ₹20 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹2 – ₹4 Lakhs
ROI Period: 18 – 24 months
Why Barista?
Barista blends Italian coffee traditions with Indian preferences. It’s one of the oldest premium café chains in India and has a strong presence in high footfall areas. The brand offers extensive support in terms of marketing, operations, and supply chain.
3. Third Wave Coffee Roasters
Established: 2016
Franchise Outlets: 100+
Initial Investment: ₹18 – ₹25 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹4 – ₹6 Lakhs
ROI Period: 18 – 22 months
Why Third Wave?
Known for its artisanal, hand-crafted coffee and minimalist interiors, Third Wave appeals to younger, urban coffee lovers. The brand has scaled rapidly and targets premium high-street and mall locations. Strong branding and social media presence make it a modern and lucrative franchise option.
4. Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters
Established: 2013
Franchise Outlets: 70+
Initial Investment: ₹20 – ₹28 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹5 – ₹6 Lakhs
ROI Period: 24 – 30 months
Why Blue Tokai?
Blue Tokai is a pioneer in India’s specialty coffee space. Their emphasis on single-origin beans, transparent sourcing, and quality roasting has created a niche yet loyal customer base. While the investment is on the higher side, it’s ideal for premium markets and offers long-term brand value.
5. The Belgian Waffle Co. (Cafe Model)
Established: 2015
Franchise Outlets: 350+
Initial Investment: ₹12 – ₹14 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹3 – ₹5 Lakhs
ROI Period: 12 – 18 months
Why Belgian Waffle Cafe?
Although known for waffles, their café model includes coffee beverages and is perfect for small-format, high-margin business. The brand is popular among youth, requires limited space, and offers quick returns, making it a great low-risk coffee+snack option.
Final Thoughts
India’s coffee shop franchise market is growing rapidly, fueled by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and a strong youth demographic. Whether you want to tap into the premium artisan coffee market or a value-based high-volume café chain, there’s a model for every type of investor.
When choosing a franchise, consider:
Location: High footfall areas yield faster ROI.
Target Audience: Match your brand with local preferences.
Support System: Go for brands with strong operational backing.
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