Chai Waale Franchise in India (2025): Low-Investment, High-Profit Tea Business Opportunity
Quick Summary: Chai Waale is a fast-growing tea café franchise in India, founded by Vidur Maheswari in 2018. With over 70 outlets across Chennai and plans to expand nationwide, it offers entrepreneurs a low-investment (₹8–25 Lakhs), high-profit opportunity in the booming tea café industry. The brand provides complete support, including training, raw material supply, marketing, and operational assistance, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enter India’s food & beverage sector. Franchisees can also benefit from government loan schemes for financing.
Quick Overview
| Franchise Brand | Chai Waale |
|---|---|
| Founder | Vidur Maheswari |
| Founded Year | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Industry | Food & Beverage (Tea Café / QSR) |
| Investment Range | ₹8 – ₹25 Lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | ₹3 – ₹5 Lakhs |
| Royalty Fee | 6–8% |
| Average ROI Period | 12–18 Months |
| Official Website | chaiwaale.com |
Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking to start a low-investment, high-profit tea café business in India? The Chai Waale franchise is one of the most exciting and fast-growing opportunities in the Indian beverage market. Known for its premium yet affordable chai experience, Chai Waale has quickly become a beloved brand across South India, offering entrepreneurs a chance to join the thriving tea café revolution.
India’s love affair with tea is timeless, and brands like Chai Waale are turning that tradition into a modern business success story. Founded in 2018 in Chennai, Chai Waale has become one of South India’s most trusted and fast-growing tea café chains. With innovative business models, strong brand visibility, and affordable investment plans, Chai Waale is an ideal franchise for budding entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in India’s F&B industry.
Also Read: Ajay’s Café Franchise in India (2025)
Why Choose Chai Waale?
- India consumes over 1 billion kilograms of tea annually — making the tea business a safe and scalable venture.
- Affordable investment starting from ₹8 lakhs with flexible franchise formats.
- Modern branding combined with a strong local appeal.
- Easy-to-run model with comprehensive training and support.
- Attractive profit margins and a quick return on investment (12–18 months).
Founder & Brand Story
Vidur Maheswari, a Chennai-based entrepreneur, founded Chai Waale in 2018 after returning from the UK, inspired by the café culture of London. He holds a Business Management degree from King’s College London and has completed courses from Harvard University. His vision was simple — to make high-quality chai accessible, affordable, and hygienic across India.
Under his leadership, Chai Waale has expanded to over 70+ outlets across Tamil Nadu, with plans to reach 1,500 outlets globally. In 2021, the brand received an investment of ₹5 crore from actor Nayanthara and director Vignesh Shivan, marking a major milestone in its growth journey.
Today, Chai Waale has tie-ups with Indian Oil Corporation to open outlets across fuel stations — boosting brand presence and convenience for customers nationwide.
Franchise Models & Formats
Chai Waale offers flexible franchise formats designed to suit different business goals, investment capacities, and location types. Each model is created to maintain the brand’s quality and customer experience while allowing entrepreneurs to choose what best fits their market.
1. Chai Waale Play (Dine-in Model)
The Chai Waale Play model is a full-fledged dine-in café designed for high-footfall areas such as malls, busy commercial streets, and educational zones. This format focuses on providing a cozy environment where customers can relax and enjoy a wide variety of chai, snacks, and quick bites. The dine-in setup is ideal for entrepreneurs aiming to build a long-term brand presence.
- Investment: ₹13 Lakhs (Approx.)
- Space Required: 300 – 500 sq. ft.
- ROI Period: 12 – 18 months
- Ideal Locations: Shopping malls, college areas, tech parks, and city centers
2. Chai Waale Run (Kiosk Model)
The Chai Waale Run model is a compact kiosk setup, best suited for high-traffic zones such as metro stations, office complexes, or market areas. It’s a great choice for first-time franchise owners due to its lower investment and faster ROI. Despite its smaller size, the kiosk model offers the same quality menu and taste as the dine-in outlets.
- Investment: ₹10 Lakhs (Approx.)
- Space Required: 100 – 150 sq. ft.
- ROI Period: 10 – 14 months
- Ideal Locations: Railway stations, airports, food courts, office complexes
Both models come with complete franchise support, including staff training, branding, logistics, raw materials, and ongoing operational assistance from the Chai Waale corporate team.
What the Brand Provides
- End-to-end setup support — from site selection to launch.
- Interior design and layout planning.
- Comprehensive training for franchise owners and staff.
- Centralized raw material supply chain.
- Marketing, branding, and social media support.
- Ongoing operational assistance and quality checks.
Investment & ROI Details
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | 3,00,000 – 5,00,000 |
| Interior & Furniture | 4,00,000 – 8,00,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | 2,00,000 – 3,00,000 |
| Initial Stock & Branding | 1,00,000 – 2,00,000 |
| Total Investment | ₹8 – ₹25 Lakhs |
| Expected ROI | 12 – 18 Months |
| Profit Margin | 25 – 35% |
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age: 21 years.
- Basic business management knowledge.
- Shop space of 100–300 sq. ft. in a prime location.
- Investment capacity of ₹8–25 lakhs.
- Passion for hospitality and customer service.
Documents Required for Application
- PAN & Aadhaar Card
- GST Registration
- FSSAI License
- Business Registration (MSME / Udyam)
- Bank Statements (6 months)
- Property Lease or Ownership Documents
How to Apply for the Franchise
- Visit the official page: chaiwaale.com/franchises
- Fill out the online franchise enquiry form.
- The brand’s franchise team will contact you for discussion and verification.
- Finalize location and sign the franchise agreement.
- Store setup and training begin immediately after confirmation.
Research Insights & Industry Growth
According to Invest India, the organized tea café sector in India is expected to grow by 18–20% CAGR by 2030. Rising urbanization, millennial demand for experiential cafés, and affordable pricing models are fueling this surge. Brands like Chai Waale, with strong backend systems and celebrity-backed credibility, are uniquely positioned to lead this growth wave.
Government Financing Options for Franchise Owners
| Scheme | Loan Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) | Up to ₹20 Lakhs | Collateral-free small business loans. |
| CGTMSE | Up to ₹2 Crores | Government-guaranteed MSME funding. |
| PMEGP | ₹20–₹50 Lakhs | Subsidies up to 35% for new ventures. |
| Stand-Up India | ₹10 Lakh – ₹1 Crore | For SC/ST and Women Entrepreneurs. |
Best Locations to Start Chai Waale
- Metro Cities: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad – near tech hubs and colleges.
- Tier-2 Cities: Coimbatore, Madurai, Mysuru – high footfall areas.
- Highways: Indian Oil fuel stations and rest stops.
- Urban Hotspots: Malls, business parks, transit hubs.
Achievements & Recognition
- Featured in The Hindu and Economic Times for innovative tea retailing.
- Recognized by Franchise India as one of the top emerging beverage brands (2023).
- Partnership with Indian Oil Corporation for national expansion.
- Secured celebrity funding and expanded across Tamil Nadu with over 70 outlets.
- Awarded “Best Startup Café Brand” at Chennai Food Business Awards 2022.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low investment and high ROI. | Limited awareness in North India (expanding soon). |
| Strong brand and celebrity-backed trust. | Franchise approvals based on availability. |
| High-quality supply chain and training support. | Profit varies by outlet location. |
Future Outlook & Expansion Plans
Chai Waale plans to expand to over 1,500 outlets globally by 2030, entering markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. With sustainability, digital ordering, and eco-friendly packaging as its new focus, the brand is on track to become one of India’s top café exports.
Conclusion
The Chai Waale franchise is more than a business—it’s a chance to be part of India’s growing café movement. With affordable investment, government loan support, and a powerful brand story, it offers an ideal entry point into the F&B industry. For entrepreneurs seeking stability, scalability, and strong brand recognition, Chai Waale is a brew worth betting on.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the investment cost for a Chai Waale franchise?
The investment ranges from ₹8 to ₹25 lakhs, depending on format and location.
Who is the founder of Chai Waale?
Vidur Maheswari, a Chennai-based entrepreneur and alumnus of King’s College London, founded Chai Waale in 2018.
Does Chai Waale provide raw materials?
Yes, the company provides standardized raw materials and packaging to maintain quality consistency.
Can I get a government loan for a Chai Waale franchise?
Yes. You can apply for schemes like PMEGP, MUDRA, or CGTMSE for business loans up to ₹50 lakhs.
