If you’ve been thinking about jumping into the food business, there’s no better time than 2025 to dive into India’s sizzling restaurant franchise scene! With people eating out more than ever, the restaurant franchise industry is cooking up some serious growth.
India’s food services market will grow 12 %+ CAGR from 2023 through 2027 to a staggering $130 billion! Gen Z and millennial foodies are spearheading this trend, constantly seeking new flavours, and food ordering apps such as Swiggy and Zomato have converted ordering food to a tap on your mobile. This translates to franchises doing well in metros and covering smaller cities in a blanket!
Why is a restaurant franchise in India so tantalizingly appealing? First, you have the success formula: a proven brand, proven systems, and backup, consistent with McDonald’s and Domino’s, which bring convenience and familiarity to the doorstep everywhere in the country. And then there are native heroes, such as Haldiram, showing the power of local flavour.
As health trends and fusion foods spice up the menu, franchises find innovative ways to bring back customers for more. Whether you prefer to partner with a household name or try your hand at a niche concept, the choices are endless. Here, we will explore the top 10 restaurant franchise ideas to catch your eye in 2025. So, let’s begin!
Why Choose a Restaurant Franchise in India?
Indian restaurant franchise businesses have clear benefits that make them an entrepreneurial favourite of new business starters. Supported by tested and trusted business models, customer bases, and brand equity, franchises minimise the risk of building a new business. Some excellent reasons why investing in a restaurant franchise in India is a good business sense:
Proven Business Model
Franchises incorporate a proven and perfected business model that operated previously elsewhere. That implies you do not need to begin from scratch or try things blindly. Operating systems, supply chain, and advertising systems are usually already well-established, which minimises errors and chances of you making money.
Brand Recognition and Customer Trust
When you start a franchise, you benefit from a brand name already familiar to and trusted by people. This means you attract a constant flow of customers, conserving your time and money that would otherwise be spent building recognition for your brand. This is a massive plus in a country like India, where people grasp known brands with an open heart.
Training and Support
Most chains also provide comprehensive training to franchisees and workers. You will learn from making money to pleasing customers and managing stock through on-the-job training. The franchisors also offer ongoing support to help you deal with challenges and keep the business running smoothly.
Marketing and Advertising
Franchise businesses generally maintain in-house marketing teams responsible for advertising campaigns, promotion, and social media. You reap all these benefits as a franchisee and maintain your outlet in the spotlight and competitive within the marketplace. Centralised marketing assistance is priceless, particularly for novice business people.
Lesser Access to Financing
Banks and lenders like franchise companies since they are less risky than independent start-ups. With the leverage of a recognised brand name, your start-up appears more legitimate, and getting loans or investors to fund your restaurant franchise is simpler.
Top Restaurant Franchise Opportunities in India for 2025
1. Domino’s Pizza
Founded in India in 1996, Domino’s Pizza was initiated by Tom Monaghan in the US in 1960. It has become one of India’s largest pizza chains, having more than 1,400 stores in India. As a leading restaurant franchise in India, Domino’s is renowned for its quick delivery service, a vast array of pizzas, and innovative products such as the “Cheesy Burst” crust and national flavours adapted to Indian preferences. The company has successfully replicated its global success in India by offering vegetarian cuisine and local toppings tailored to regional tastes.
Thus, it was an instant hit among individuals of all age groups. Domino’s continues to grow aggressively, riding on the value-for-money quick food trend sweeping India. Its thin supply chain and online ordering platforms keep it ahead in the competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) space. The company invests significantly in technology like mobile ordering, delivery optimisation via AI, and customer interactions. Domino’s also rolled out contactless delivery and safety measures to respond to shifting consumer habits in post-pandemic periods. Its extended innovation in operations and on the menu has made it possess good customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Dominos’ high brand recall, streamlined delivery process, and constant menu innovation make it a top franchise choice in India’s expanding food-service industry.
- Investment Range: ₹1.2 – ₹1.7 Crores
- Profit Potential: ₹40 – ₹60 Lakhs per annum
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s has been open in India since 1996, originated in the US, and was established by Richard and Maurice in 1940. With more than 300 restaurants nationwide, McDonald’s has adapted the menu to Indian palates by emphasising vegetarian items and shunning beef and pork. Signature items such as the McAloo Tikki burger and Masala Grill have contributed to successful localisation.
McDonald’s balances low prices with high quality and convenience, which attracts a broad spectrum of consumers from families to working professionals and youth. As a prominent restaurant franchise in India, its focus on food safety, sustainable sourcing, and tireless innovation has fueled steady growth in the country’s competitive QSR space. McDonald’s India has a franchise model that fosters local entrepreneurship with global standards. It targets local initiatives like creating employment and environmentally sustainable practices that build its corporate standing. McDonald’s also introduces seasonal and festive items from time to time to keep customers engaged throughout the year.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: McDonald’s global experience and indigenous adaptation model make it a contender for outperforming India’s restaurant chain segment.
- Investment Range: ₹6 – ₹10 Crores
- Profit Potential: ₹1 – ₹1.5 Crores per annum
3. KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), founded by Harland Sanders in 1930, first entered India in 1995. The chain now has more than 450 restaurants across India, offering fried chicken made from a recipe of 11 herbs and spices that is a secret. The popularity of KFC is boosted by its exclusive Indian menu, such as “Fiery Grilled Chicken” and “Veg Zinger,” which help it target India’s huge vegetarian population. The company has a status for quick service and a family atmosphere, and is India’s most successful fast-food chain.
Urbanisation and restaurant meal spending have propelled KFC to rise steadily. As a well-established restaurant franchise in India, The company maintains supply chain effectiveness and rigorous quality control to guarantee fresh food and similar taste. KFC also invests in digital innovation through online ordering, delivery alliances, and loyalty programs to support customer experience. Apart from that, KFC is also actively working towards sustainability efforts, such as minimising plastic usage and waste food.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: KFC’s distinctive product portfolio, blended with increased brand equity and continuous menu innovation, creates long-term customer loyalty in India.
- Investment Range: ₹3 – ₹6 Crores
- Profit Potential: ₹50 – ₹80 Lakhs per annum
4. Subway
Subway was established by Peter Buck and Fred DeLuca in 1965 in the US and entered India in 2001. Subway has more than 600 outlets and is a quick food, healthy alternative with sandwiches made of fresh vegetables and any choice of breads. Its emphasis on healthy and quick service delights health-conscious consumers and urban professionals. The brand keeps growing in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, capitalising on the increasing trend of quick, healthy food.
Subway’s franchising model, which is quick to respond, enables the businessman to reach various areas such as shopping malls, corporate offices, and schools. As a growing restaurant franchise in India, the company is also aware of sustainability through support for reusable boxes and minimising wastage. Besides, Subway provides thorough support and training to its franchisees to ensure store consistency and quality. The firm also spices its menu with local tastes and dietary patterns to enhance customer interaction.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Subway’s healthy concept and flexible menu resonate well with various consumers who desire fresh and easy food.
- Investment Range: ₹60 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
- Profit Potential: ₹20 – ₹35 Lakhs per annum
5. Wow! Momo
Sagar Daryani and Binod Homagai founded Wow! Momo in 2008. Wow! Momo expanded from a small street stall in Kolkata to a nationwide chain with more than 400 outlets. Wow! Momo is a popular fast-food chain among young consumers. The company provides momos in plenty of variety, such as steamed, fried, and tandoori momos with next-generation fillings including chicken, paneer, and foreign cheese. Its cost-effective, delicious, and clean value proposition for quick food has fueled fast growth in metro and Tier II locations.
Wow! Momo also focuses on technology with app ordering and delivery, leading the pack in India’s QSR segment. The organisation spends a lot on quality control, using new materials and following cleanliness norms. The organisation has an innovative menu with fusion foods such as momo burgers and wraps catering to different tastes. Wow! Momo engages consumers proactively through online promotional campaigns and loyalty schemes.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Great! Momo’s innovative product strategy, price consciousness, and youth appeal make it a high-growth franchise option.
- Investment Range: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹80 Lakhs
- Profit potential: ₹15 – ₹30 Lakhs per annum
6. Haldiram’s
Established in 1937 by Shivkisan Agarwal (Haldiram Ji) in Rajasthan, Haldiram today is a legendary Indian brand with over 100 outlets nationwide. As a beloved restaurant franchise in India, it is renowned for the diversity of traditional snacks, sweets, and meals. Haldiram blends the flavour of Indian heritage with contemporary retail formats. The brand is popular at every home and is available in sweet shops, quick service restaurants, and packaged foods. Haldiram is renowned for its namkeens, bhujia, and local cuisine with a mass base across generations.
With an increasing focus on cleanliness, new packaging, and menu diversification, Haldiram is catching up fast in city and semi-urban locations. The company has also entered the online space and made serious inroads through e-commerce, extending its reach beyond locales. Haldiram invests in food quality checks, safety, and consumer confidence programs to win the population’s trust. The company’s emphasis on holidays and catering business also provides further sources of income for it.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Haldiram’s unparalleled heritage, broad product portfolio, and robust brand franchise make Haldiram’s a secure and lucrative franchise investment.
- Investment Range: ₹1 – ₹2 Crores
- Potential Profit: ₹30 – ₹50 Lakhs per annum
7. Barbeque Nation
Barbeque Nation was founded in 2006 by Prosenjit Choudhury and Sajid Dhanani and became India’s trendsetter for live grill dining. With over 150 outlets nationwide, it offers a novel buffet dining idea where customers grill vegetables and meat themselves at the table. The firm has established a niche through its interactive dining experience and abundant grilled starters, mains, and desserts. Barbeque Nation targets corporate groups, families, and youth food enthusiasts, becoming the destination for celebrations and regular dining. The company updates its menu from time to time to include regional flavours and also seasonally based delicacies, attracting diverse palates.
Its focus on quality, cleanliness, and customer service has driven repeat business. The company also invests in digital marketing and loyalty plans for customer retention. Apart from this, Barbeque Nation has also expanded into international markets with international brand positioning. Their lean kitchen operations and supply chain enable consistency in food quality and freshness across all their centres. This places Barbeque Nation among the most desirable restaurant chains to franchise in India.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Barbeque Nation’s unique dining experience and frequent menu updates make it a people magnet and a profit-making franchise opportunity.
- Investment Range: ₹2 – ₹4 Crores
- Profit Potential: ₹60 – ₹90 Lakhs per annum
8. The Belgian Waffle Co.
Shrey and Alisha Aggarwal founded The Belgian Waffle Co. in 2015 and brought India its first authentic Belgian waffles with a mix of local taste. With more than 250 centres nationwide, the business now stands for quick, tasty, and affordable waffle snacks. There is a range of sweet and savoury waffles, topped with fresh fruits, chocolates, and creative syrups that appeal to millennials and families. Its kiosk and food-court structure allows it to easily expand at malls, universities, and transit terminals. Its focus on quality ingredients and clean preparation has helped it build loyal customers.
The Belgian Waffle Co. also invests in social media promotion and digital ordering platforms to stay in touch with its customers. Limited-time and seasonal offerings keep the menu fresh, so customers return from time to time. Its modest pricing model and relatively low investment make it a sought-after choice for budding entrepreneurs. The Belgian Waffle Co. is an excellent example of a successful restaurant franchise with a quick-service dessert focus.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: The Belgian Waffle Co. combines affordability, hipness, and ease of operation, perfect for rapid growth in urban environments.
- Investment Range: ₹30 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs
- Profit Potential: ₹8 – ₹15 Lakhs per annum
9. Chai Sutta Bar
Chai Sutta Bar was launched in 2016 by Anubhav Dubey and Anand Nayak, and soon became a favourite among tea lovers across India. As an emerging restaurant franchise in India, it now has more than 100 outlets providing a relaxed, casual, and affordable tea café experience with unique chai flavours, treats, and fast food. The brand’s quirky atmosphere appeals to young adults and college students in search of a tangy hangout place. Chai Sutta Bar is differentiated by serving several regional teas, masala chai varieties, mixed drinks, and conventional food snacks. Its low-capital, kiosk-type stores are easy to establish in high-traffic areas such as malls, railway stations, and office parks.
The brand engages its consumers actively through social media campaigns, contests, and associations, creating a strong sense of community. Chai Sutta Bar is also widening its menu horizon for health and craft food, which aligns with industry trends. The brand provides intensive training and guidance, enabling the franchisees to keep up with quality and service standards. All these factors make Chai Sutta Bar a good restaurant franchise opportunity for gamers in the tea and snacks category.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Chai Sutta Bar’s unique concept and high youth appeal make it a fast-growing franchise in India’s casual dining industry.
- Investment Range: ₹20 – ₹40 Lakhs
- Profit Potential: ₹6 – ₹12 Lakhs per annum
10. Ajay’s Café
Ajay’s Café is a 2014 venture by Ajay Solanki and Jaideep Solanki that grew quickly to over 150 outlets in India. It is a friendly café experience that emphasises freshly made coffee, bakery, and fast food to meet the developing café culture of India’s urban areas. Ajay’s Café is motivated by quality coffee bean sourcing and ingredient freshness, combined with old-world café traditions and new options such as cold brews, handcrafted sandwiches, and healthy bowls. The brand appeals to young working professionals, students, and convenience users who want an informal space to work, meet, or relax.
Ajay’s Café has an adaptive format that works well in malls, corporate parks, and standalone outlets. Their focus on value for money and excellent customer service has established a loyal following of clientele. The company is also dedicated to training baristas and developing a homey atmosphere, offering a cozy ambiance. Ajay’s Café is expanding its online presence through order-based apps and in-store delivery, staying up with changing consumer patterns.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Ajay’s Café’s emphasis on quality, value for money, and friendly experience makes it well-placed in India’s over-saturated café industry.
- Investment Range: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
- Profit Potential: ₹15 – ₹25 Lakhs per annum
Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Restaurant Franchise
Investing in a restaurant franchise in India can be profitable, but meticulous consideration is essential to ensure you choose the most appropriate one for your requirements and resources. The following are some crucial points to be remembered before arriving at your investment decision:
Brand Reputation and Market Presence
Select a franchise with a well-established, solid brand name and reputation for success. Market presence drives customer confidence, and hence frequent footfalls and revenues. Check out customer reviews and industry ratings to measure brand strength.
Initial Investment and Regular Fees
Understand the overall cost invested—the initial franchise fee, the royalties paid, marketing fees, and other recurring expenses. Ensure that they align with your budget and represent a realistic break-even time.
Franchise Support and Training
A good franchise will offer extensive training and continued support, from marketing to operations. It will help you operate the business profitably, particularly if you have no experience in the restaurant sector or with a franchise.
Location and Target Market
Analyze the optimal location profile of the franchise and identify whether your chosen area is so. The correct location influences visibility, traffic, and eventually sales. Knowing the targeted group of people and the demand in the region is critical.
Menu and Concept Flexibility
Look for franchises that allow some freedom in their menu or service mode to accommodate local taste and fashion. This will increase customer drawing power and make you competitive in your area.
Steps to Choosing the Right Restaurant Franchise
Selecting the right restaurant franchise in India is a systematic approach to positioning the business for your purposes and market environment. Consider these key steps for an informed choice:
Perform Market Research
Research your location’s food and beverage market and determine gaps and consumer demand. Review competitors and emerging food trends to seek out a franchise opportunity with high potential for growth in your local market.
Evaluate Franchise Options
Filter franchises by budget, lifestyle, and interests. Ask for in-depth franchise disclosure documents and examine their business models, support networks, and projected income.
Interview Current Franchisees
Get firsthand information by interviewing current franchise owners and asking them about their experience, issues, and achievements. This brings to your notice the reality of day-to-day functioning and potential risks.
Read Agreements Legally
Take the help of a legal advisor to study franchise agreements, contracts, and any prohibitions carefully. Understanding your responsibilities and your rights will avoid unwanted liabilities.
Organise Your Operations and Finances
Draw up a sound business plan along with sources of funds, cash flow statements, and working strategies. Consider the marketing, human resources, and supply chain management so that you can operate the business effectively.
Conclusion
Investing in a legitimate restaurant franchise in India and selecting it carefully can open the door to a lucrative and fulfilling business opportunity in the country’s ever-changing food industry. Properly considering all key elements and following a systematic selection process can build a good foundation for success. With India’s thriving restaurant franchise business presenting diversified choices, your prudent decisions now will make a flourishing business tomorrow.
Apart from this, using operational support systems offered by franchisors can help you manage operational aspects efficiently, even if you are inexperienced in the restaurant industry. Timely access to food trends and ongoing communication with your customer base will make your franchise competitive and viable. Ultimately, persistence, dedication, and planning will make your franchise investment a feasible and profitable business.
FAQs
Which is the best restaurant franchise to invest in India?
Traditional and popular chains are Domino’s, McDonald’s, KFC, and newer-generation chains such as Wow! Momo and Chai Sutta Bar have unique concepts and satisfactory growth prospects.
What kind of investment does a restaurant franchise involve?
The investment is highly varied based on brand and format and can vary anywhere from ₹20 Lakhs for quick-service formats to ₹4 Crores for full-service franchises.
What are the advantages of a restaurant franchise?
Restaurant franchise ownership brings brand recognition, proven business systems, training assistance, and lower risk than opening an independent restaurant.
How critical is location to a restaurant franchise?
Location is critical; a heavy traffic and target market match contributes heavily to the franchise’s success and customer viewability.
Can I operate a restaurant franchise without any prior experience in the food industry?
Yes, most franchises provide extensive training and ongoing assistance, which enables individuals with minimal experience to run a restaurant franchise successfully.
