Tandooriwala Franchise in India (2026): A Chef-Led Indian BBQ Brand with Strong Demand & Scalable Returns

Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Tandooriwala |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Dr. Chef Shajahan Mohamed Abdul |
| Industry | Food & Beverage |
| Cuisine | Indian BBQ, Tandoori, North Indian |
| Business Model | Dine-In, Takeaway, Delivery |
| Franchise Type | Casual Dining / Chef-Driven Brand |
| Ideal Cities | Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities |
| Brand Support | Training, SOPs, menu & operations |
Introduction
Indian consumers have a deep emotional connection with tandoori and barbecue-style food. From smoky kebabs to rich gravies and freshly baked breads, this cuisine category continues to enjoy consistent demand across dine-in and delivery platforms.
Among the emerging brands that have successfully blended authentic Indian barbecue with global presentation, Tandooriwala stands out. Founded by a globally acclaimed chef and built on a chef-driven restaurant philosophy, the brand has grown from a single outlet in Mysore into a globally recognized Indian BBQ chain.
For entrepreneurs looking to invest in a restaurant franchise in India (2026) that combines culinary credibility, global vision, and scalable operations, the Tandooriwala franchise offers a compelling opportunity.
Why Choose Tandooriwala Franchise?
1. Chef-Led Brand with Global Credibility
Unlike many generic restaurant brands, Tandooriwala is founded and led by an internationally experienced chef, which adds strong credibility, authenticity, and long-term brand value.
2. Evergreen Indian BBQ & Tandoori Cuisine
Tandooriwala specializes in:
- Indian BBQ & tandoori starters
- North Indian gravies
- Kebabs, grills & signature marinades
- Indian breads & combo meals
These dishes enjoy high repeat orders, especially on food delivery platforms.
3. Balanced Dine-In + Delivery Model
The brand is designed to perform well across:
- Family dine-in dining
- Office & corporate orders
- Online delivery aggregators
This multi-channel revenue approach reduces dependency on footfall alone.
4. Standardized Recipes & SOPs
Franchise partners benefit from:
- Chef-approved standardized recipes
- Kitchen & service SOPs
- Quality control systems
- Menu engineering support
This ensures taste consistency across outlets, a key success factor in food franchises.
Also Read: Kritunga Restaurant Franchise
Founder & Leadership – The Vision Behind Tandooriwala
Tandooriwala was founded by Dr. Chef Shajahan Mohamed Abdul, popularly known as Chef Abdul—a globally acclaimed culinary expert and visionary.
🔹 Founder Profile
- Name: Dr. Chef Shajahan Mohamed Abdul (Chef Abdul)
- Role: Founder, Culinary Visionary & Brand Leader
- Experience: 25+ years in the hospitality industry
- Global Exposure: Worked across 64 countries
- Vision:
To bring authentic, high-quality Indian barbecue to a global audience while preserving a 2000-year-old culinary tradition
Chef Abdul’s international exposure and deep understanding of Indian flavors form the backbone of the Tandooriwala brand.
🔹 Leadership Team
Tandooriwala is led alongside CEO Mr. ABHAY NAYAK, who focuses on:
- Strategic expansion
- Franchise growth
- Operational scalability
- Global brand positioning
This strong chef + business leadership combination has helped the brand scale sustainably.
About the Company
Brand Origins
- Founded in: 2013
- First Outlet: Mysore, India
- Concept: A chef-driven global restaurant chain specializing in Indian barbecue
Tandooriwala was built to showcase innovative tandoori recipes, premium ingredients, and consistent quality—bridging traditional Indian cooking with modern dining expectations.
Business Snapshot
- Cuisine: Indian BBQ, Tandoori, North Indian
- Formats:
- Dine-in restaurants
- Takeaway outlets
- Delivery-enabled kitchens
- Customer Base: Families, urban diners, office crowd
The brand focuses on taste, hygiene, and repeat customer loyalty.
Also Read: Chaitanya Food Court Franchise
Research Insights & Market Demand
- Indian BBQ and North Indian cuisine remain among the top-ordered categories on food delivery platforms
- Chef-led brands enjoy higher customer trust and brand recall
- Casual dining with delivery support shows better resilience during market fluctuations
🔗 Industry Reference:
- Indian Food Industry Overview – IBEF: https://www.ibef.org/industry/indian-food-industry.aspx
Investment & ROI (Estimated)
| Investment Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | ₹5–8 lakhs |
| Interiors & Setup | ₹22–38 lakhs |
| Kitchen Equipment | ₹12–18 lakhs |
| Initial Inventory & Staff | ₹4–7 lakhs |
| Total Investment | ₹45–70 lakhs |
Expected Returns
- Monthly Revenue: ₹12–25 lakhs
- Net Profit Margin: 15%–22%
- Break-Even Period: 18–30 months
Figures are indicative and vary by city, location, and outlet size.
Training, Operations & Franchise Support
Franchise partners typically receive:
- Pre-launch training (kitchen & service)
- Chef-approved SOPs & recipes
- Vendor & sourcing guidance
- Branding & marketing support
- Ongoing operational assistance
This support structure makes the franchise suitable even for first-time restaurant investors.
Eligibility Criteria
- Entrepreneur or investor interested in F&B
- Ability to invest required capital
- Willingness to follow brand SOPs
- Hospitality experience (preferred, not mandatory)
- Commitment to quality & hygiene
Required Documents
- Aadhaar & PAN card
- Address proof
- Business registration documents
- GST registration
- Bank statements
- Property documents / lease agreement
- Passport-size photographs
Official Application Process
Official Franchise Page:
👉 https://tandooriwala.com/franchise-business-opportunities/
Application Steps
- Visit the official franchise opportunity page
- Submit your franchise inquiry form
- Initial discussion with brand team
- Location feasibility & approval
- Agreement signing & outlet setup
Best Cities & Locations to Open a Franchise
Recommended Cities
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Chennai
- Pune
- Mumbai
- Kochi
- Indore
Ideal Locations
- High-street commercial areas
- IT & office hubs
- High-density residential zones
- Mall food courts & mixed-use developments
Future Outlook (2026 & Beyond)
With increasing demand for premium Indian BBQ, rising delivery penetration, and global appreciation for Indian cuisine, Tandooriwala is well-positioned for long-term franchise growth in India and abroad.
The brand’s chef-led DNA and global outlook make it a strong contender in the evolving restaurant franchise space.
Conclusion
The Tandooriwala Franchise in India (2026) represents a powerful blend of culinary expertise, brand credibility, and scalable business model. For entrepreneurs seeking a mid-investment restaurant franchise rooted in authentic Indian flavors with global appeal, Tandooriwala stands out as a future-ready opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. Is the Tandooriwala franchise profitable in India?
Ans: Yes, it can be profitable due to steady demand for Indian BBQ and tandoori cuisine. Profitability mainly depends on location quality, rent control, delivery performance, and daily operations, rather than the brand name alone.
2. Who is the CEO of Tandooriwala?
Ans: The current CEO is Mr. Abhay Nayak, who oversees franchise expansion, operations, and strategic growth across India and international markets.
3. Who founded the Tandooriwala brand?
Ans: The brand was founded by Dr. Chef Shajahan Mohamed Abdul (Chef Abdul), a globally experienced culinary professional with over 25 years in hospitality across 64 countries, bringing a chef-driven vision to the concept.
4. What kind of food does Tandooriwala serve?
Ans: The brand focuses on Indian BBQ, tandoori, and North Indian cuisine, including kebabs, grilled starters, signature gravies, and Indian breads, suitable for both dine-in customers and online delivery orders.
5. Is prior restaurant experience mandatory for franchise partners?
Ans: No. Prior restaurant experience is not compulsory. Franchise partners receive training, standardized recipes, and operational SOPs, making the model suitable for first-time food business investors.
6. How long does it take to open the outlet after approval?
Ans: Most outlets are launched within 60 to 120 days after agreement signing, depending on property readiness, interior execution, equipment installation, and local licensing approvals.
7. Does the brand support online food delivery platforms?
Ans: Yes. Online delivery is a core revenue channel, especially in urban and semi-urban markets, and franchise outlets are encouraged to operate on leading food delivery platforms.
8. How can I apply for the franchise?
Ans: You can apply through the official franchise opportunity page:
👉 https://tandooriwala.com/franchise-business-opportunities/







