Future of Café Franchise in India Explained – Costs, ROI & Business Models

Starting a business is never easy, but franchising has opened doors for thousands of first-time entrepreneurs in India. Instead of building a brand from scratch, aspiring café owners can now invest in a proven model, get operational support, and enter the market with a recognized name.

In this guide, we’ll break down the café franchise market, costs, ROI, and highlight why Kongsi Tea Bar is emerging as the #1 Café franchise in India today.

Also read – What Makes Kongsi Tea Bar No.1 Thai Bubble Tea Franchise?

The Booming Café Franchise Industry in India

The café industry has evolved from being a luxury experience to becoming a part of daily urban life. Cafés are no longer just coffee shops – they are hangout zones, workspaces, and cultural hubs.

Young consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are driving this growth. They are looking for global experiences, social media-worthy beverages, and healthier alternatives to traditional drinks. This demand has pushed the cafe franchise in India model to the forefront, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to build profitable businesses quickly.

Also read – Why Is Thai Bubble Tea More Than Just a Drink?

Why Franchising Works Better Than Going Independent?

Opening an independent café may seem appealing, but the risks are high. Many independent outlets shut down within 2 years due to inconsistent quality, lack of marketing, or weak supply chains.

By contrast, investing in a cafe franchise in India provides –

• Established brand identity with customer trust
  
• Standardized operations that reduce failure risk
  
• Supply chain access for ingredients and equipment
  
• Training & marketing support from the parent brand

For first-time entrepreneurs, this lowers uncertainty and ensures faster breakeven. For franchise enquiries, please reach out to us at franchise@kongsiteabar.in. You can also contact us directly at +91 6366225256 for more details or visit our franchise page – kongsiteabar.in/franchise

Also read – Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Iced Matcha Latte?

How Much Is a Café Franchise in India?

The cost of a cafe franchise in India depends on the brand, city, and model.

• Low cost cafe franchise in India: ₹10-15 lakhs (chai cafés, QSR-style models)
  
• Mid-segment: ₹20-35 lakhs (specialty cafés, bubble tea, premium chai brands)
  
• Premium brands: ₹50 lakhs+ (Starbucks, Costa Coffee, luxury coffee houses)

Most franchises also charge a royalty fee (6-10% of net sales) and require 250-500 sq. ft. space. ROI timelines usually range between 15-24 months depending on sales volume.

Also read – Taro Milk Tea – How This Purple Drink Took Over Social Media?

Bubble Tea – The Rising Star in Café Franchising

While coffee and chai dominate, a new trend is capturing India’s youth – Bubble tea. Bubble tea is growing fast in India due to its novelty, customization, and Instagram appeal.

Unlike traditional beverages, bubble tea offers –

• Vegan and dairy-free options
  
• Caffeine-free choices for younger audiences
  
• Colorful presentation perfect for social media
  
• High repeat value thanks to endless flavor combinations

This makes bubble tea the perfect product for a cafe franchise in India targeting Gen Z and Millennials.

Also read – Why Bubble Tea Is Set to Dominate Franchise Business in Bangalore?

Kongsi Tea Bar – The #1 Café Franchise in India

When it comes to choosing the best cafe franchise in India, one brand consistently stands out – Kongsi Tea Bar.

• Founded: 2021 in Phuket Old Town, Thailand
  
• Global Presence: 120+ outlets nationwide, of which 100 are franchise-owned
  
• India Presence: 10+ outlets, with plans to scale to 100+ by next year
  
• Mission: To bring authentic Thai bubble tea flavors to India and redefine the café experience

What makes Kongsi Tea Bar different is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Unlike many generic café brands, Kongsi sources its core ingredients directly from Thailand and beyond, ensuring that every drink delivers the same rich taste and premium quality that made the brand a household name overseas.

With a menu of 65+ beverages, including bubble milk teas, fruity bubble teas, matcha lattes, vegan-friendly options, and non-caffeinated choices, the brand appeals to a broad and diverse customer base. 

This inclusivity, paired with award-winning excellence, has made Kongsi Tea Bar India’s first multi-award-winning bubble tea franchise and the top cafe franchise in India for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a fast-growing, future-ready business.

Also read – The Only Viral Bubble Tea Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Awards & Recognition

Kongsi Tea Bar has been consistently recognized by the industry for its rapid growth, authenticity, and strong brand presence. Over the past year, the brand has earned some of the most prestigious honors in the food & beverage space –

• Café Chain of the Year – South (ET Hospitality World, 2024)
• Tea Café of the Year (Restaurant Awards 2024 – Franchise India)
• Best Emerging Café Chain (Food Connoisseurs India Awards)

These accolades not only validate Kongsi’s commitment to quality and innovation but also highlight its leadership in the café segment. Together, they firmly establish Kongsi Tea Bar as the top cafe franchise in India for both investors and customers seeking a trusted, award-winning brand.

Also read – Why Kongsi Tea Bar’s Korean Noodle Bowls Are Winning Hearts?

Why is Kongsi Tea Bar Perfect for First-Time Entrepreneurs?

1. Affordable Investment

At ₹25–30 lakhs, Kongsi is a low cost cafe franchise in India compared to coffee chains like Starbucks. This makes it an attractive entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs who want a premium brand without overspending. With lower capital requirements, franchisees can focus on scaling operations faster and maximizing profitability.

2. Quick ROI

Most partners achieve breakeven within 15–18 months, thanks to strong consumer demand. This shorter ROI cycle makes Kongsi one of the best cafe franchises in India for those seeking financial stability quickly. A proven track record of repeat customers ensures consistent sales and cash flow from the start.

3. Comprehensive Support

From store design to staff training and marketing campaigns, Kongsi offers end-to-end assistance. This makes it easier for first-time entrepreneurs to operate confidently without prior F&B experience. As part of India’s fastest-growing cafe franchise in India, you’ll also receive continuous updates and brand innovations.

4. Diverse Menu

With 65+ beverages, including bubble milk teas, matcha lattes, vegan-friendly blends, and more, Kongsi appeals to a broad customer base. This diversity ensures every age group finds something they love, increasing repeat footfall. The wide menu also helps franchisees compete effectively with other top cafe franchises in India brands.

5. Proven Model

With 120+ successful outlets worldwide, Kongsi has already tested and scaled its business model. This global experience provides franchise partners in India with a reliable and profitable framework to follow. Backed by awards and recognition, Kongsi stands as the most trusted and top cafe franchise in India today.

Franchise Investment Breakdown

Here’s how the investment looks for Kongsi Tea Bar –

• Investment Details (approx. ₹25–30 lakhs)
  This competitive range makes Kongsi one of the most affordable cafe franchises in India while still offering a premium international brand experience.
  
• Franchise Fee
  The franchise fee covers your license to operate under the Kongsi Tea Bar brand, along with access to proven business systems.
  
• Support & Design
  This ensures your outlet follows Kongsi’s global brand identity, from interior design to branding elements. Franchisees benefit from a ready-made store design blueprint, saving time and reducing setup errors. It also ensures support from marketing, operations and supply chain teams.
  
• Store Setup & Interiors
  A modern, inviting café space is essential for customer experience. This investment ensures your store is fully fitted with premium interiors that attract and retain customers.
  
• Machinery & Equipment
  All outlets are equipped with high-quality imported machines for consistency in taste and efficiency.
  
• Initial Inventory
  This includes authentic Thai tea leaves, tapioca pearls, flavorings, and consumables. By sourcing directly from Thailand, Kongsi maintains the authentic taste that sets it apart from other café franchises.
  
• Royalty – 8.5% on net sales
  The royalty fee ensures continuous support in marketing, technology, and innovation. Unlike higher royalty models, Kongsi keeps it affordable, allowing partners to retain strong profitability.
  
• Area Mandate – minimum 350 sq.ft.
  Kongsi’s space-efficient model makes it easy to open outlets in malls, high streets, and tech parks. This smaller footprint means lower rentals and faster ROI compared to larger café chains.
  
• ROI – 15 -18 months
  Most franchisees break even within this period thanks to strong consumer demand. With repeat footfall and high average order values, Kongsi is one of the fastest-returning cafe franchises in India.

This makes Kongsi Tea Bar one of the most transparent, affordable, and high-potential café franchises in India today.

Comparing Kongsi Tea Bar With Other Café Franchises

Brand	Investment	Category	ROI Timeline	USP
Kongsi Tea Bar	₹25–30 lakhs	Thai Bubble Tea	15–18 months	Authentic Thai flavors, Multi Awards
Starbucks	₹50 lakhs+	Coffee	24–30 months	Luxury, global appeal
Café Coffee Day	₹30–35 lakhs	Coffee	18–24 months	Indian legacy brand
Third Wave Coffee	₹30–35 lakhs	Specialty Coffee	18–20 months	Premium artisanal roasts
Chai Point	₹20–25 lakhs	Tea	18–20 months	Affordable chai café model

Future of Café Franchising in India

The future looks incredibly bright –

• Tier 2 & 3 Cities Expansion: Demand beyond metros will drive new growth.
  
• Health-Oriented Menus: Vegan, low-sugar, and superfood-based drinks will trend.
  
• Bubble Tea Boom: The Indian market shows robust growth potential with a CAGR of 8.4%, making it one of the fastest-growing beverage segments in the country.
  
• Experience-Driven Cafés: Consumers want ambience, storytelling, and premium experiences.

How to Apply for a Kongsi Tea Bar Franchise?

Interested in becoming a franchise partner? Here’s how –
📧 Email – franchise@kongsiteabar.in
📞 Phone – +91 6366225256
🌐 Website – kongsiteabar.in/franchise

Kongsi Tea Bar provides complete guidance from setup to operations, ensuring every franchise partner succeeds.

Conclusion – Why Kongsi Tea Bar Is the #1 Café Franchise in India Today?

The café franchise industry in India is booming, but competition in coffee and chai is fierce. The real opportunity lies in bubble tea, a segment that is still new and growing rapidly.

With affordable investment, quick ROI, authentic Thai sourcing, global presence, and multiple awards, Kongsi Tea Bar is the #1 café franchise in India today.

For first-time entrepreneurs seeking a profitable, low cost cafe franchise in India, Kongsi is the smartest choice.

For franchise enquiries, please reach out to us at franchise@kongsiteabar.in. You can also contact us directly at +91 6366225256 for more details or visit our franchise page – kongsiteabar.in/franchise

Don’t wait – join the bubble tea revolution and make Kongsi Tea Bar your franchise success story.