Top 10 Food Franchises in India to Invest In 2025 Edition

The food we eat is more than nutrition; it's emotion, memory, and celebration. That’s why investing in the top food franchises in India is not just a business move, it's an invitation to become part of someone’s birthday, reunion, or first date. With rising demand, growing urbanisation, and brand trust soaring, now is your moment to step in.

Why Food Franchising is a Journey of Heart and Hustle

Food franchising in India is not just about profits and expansion, it’s about becoming a part of people’s everyday stories. It’s the joy in a father’s eyes when he buys his child their first Happy Meal. It’s the comfort of familiar taste during homesick hostel days. 

Top 10 Fast-Growing Food Franchises in India for 2025 

In 2025, the Indian food franchise landscape is buzzing with innovation, cultural pride, and bold entrepreneurship. The top fast-growing food franchises aren’t just expanding their footprints;, they’re expanding their hearts.

Top Picks of Profitable Restaurant Franchises in India – 2025 Edition

1. The Beer Garden – A Garden of Hops, Heart & Heritage

When you walk into The Beer Garden, it doesn’t feel like a brand, it feels like home. Brewed from passion, served with soul, this urban gastropub is redefining the dining experience with handcrafted beers, hearty food, and an unmatched vibe. Whether it’s a city high street or a cozy hill station, this franchise adapts and thrives. Backed by strong SOPs, community-driven events, and rising social traction, The Beer Garden is India’s answer to global brewpub dreams.
Investment: ₹1-2 Cr
 Space: 600–1,200 sq. ft
 Franchise Fee: ₹30–40 lakhs

Why invest:

✓ Emotional appeal for Gen Z & millennials
✓ Excellent weekend footfall weekday loyalty
✓ Customisable interiors & curated menu

Visit: www.thebeergardenindia.com

Profitable Franchise Restaurants in India – Explore Low Cost Food Franchises in India – Top Picks 2025

2. Ministry of Daru – A High-Spirited Revolution Begins Here

Every time a glass clinks at Ministry of Daru, a story begins—of ambition, flavour, and belonging. From bold cocktails to fusion bar-bites, this concept blends nightlife with cultural flair. With quirky branding, high recall, and lightning-fast growth in Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities, it’s not just a food franchise—it’s an emotion with a licence to thrive.
Investment: ₹1-2 Cr
Franchise Fee: ₹30–40 lakhs
Space: 800–1,400 sq. ft

Why invest:

✓ India’s fastest-growing alcohol-first hospitality brand
✓ High ROI from bar margins & curated experiences
✓ Plug-and-play operations & launch support

Explore: www.ministryofdaru.com

Profitable Franchise Restaurants in India – Low Cost Options & Veg/Non-Veg Picks to Watch in 2025

3. CB Crown Banquet – Where Every Celebration Feels Royal

CB Crown Banquet is more than a hall—it’s where lifetime memories are made. From birthdays to anniversaries, corporate launches to intimate weddings, it transforms every gathering into an elegant experience. Built for high emotional value and consistent bookings, this is the franchise that never goes out of demand.
Investment: ₹1-2 Cr
 Franchise Fee: ₹30–40 lakhs
 Capacity: 50–250 pax venues

Why invest:

✓ Constant market for events and micro-weddings
✓ High-volume business model with low operational risk
✓ Interior support, staff training, decor playbooks

4. Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s isn’t just a pizza brand—it’s a sentiment. With nearly 2,000 outlets across India, it blends brand familiarity with tech-driven delivery efficiency. Sites range from traditional dine-ins to takeover kiosks.
Investment: ₹60 L–₹1.2 Cr (traditional), ₹30 L–₹50 L (non‑traditional)  Franchise Fee: ₹10–25 L GST
 Royalty: ~5–6%
 Space: 200‑2,000 sq ft
 ROI: 12–20 months with ₹2–3 L monthly profits

• Menu adapts to local tastes: veg, spicy & gourmet options 
• High-impact digital ordering & franchisee support
• Emotional growth: neighborhood relevance & nostalgic value

Check out: https://www.dominos.co.in/

5. KFC

Chicken lovers line up for KFC’s emotional pull. With recipe secrecy intact and operations honed, it’s a franchise of confidence and authenticity.
Investment: ₹1–2 Cr (₹35–38 L fee)
 Royalty: 4–5% 2% marketing
 Space: 1,000–1,500 sq ft
 ROI: ~18 months if well-located

Notable insight: franchisees often recover ROI in ~18 months

6. McDonald’s

McDonald’s is more than burgers—it’s an emotion, global yet local. For aspirational investors, it’s a ticket to mass loyalty and scalable growth, albeit with premium entry costs.
Investment: ₹8–16 Cr globally (₹1–2 Cr in India concept study)
 Franchise Fee: US$45K (₹37 L)
 Royalty: ~4%

7. Subway

A healthy emotional choice, Subway appeals deeply to health-conscious families and office crowds. Small towns, college hubs, corporate campuses—this is food franchise under 5 lakhs in India at its accessible best.
Investment: ₹25–30 L
 Franchise Fee: ₹4.5 L first; ₹2.25 L next
 Royalty: ~8% globally

Profitable Franchise Restaurants in India – A Guide to Best Restaurant Franchise Opportunities

8. Pizza Hut

With dine-in charm and nostalgic family vibe, Pizza Hut triggers emotions linked with shared memories. Ideal for premium suburban locales.
Investment: ₹1.1 Cr (₹20 L fee ₹70 L setup)
 Space: ≥800 sq ft
 ROI: ~15–20%, break-even in 3–4 years

9. Belgian Waffle Co.

Investment: ₹15–20 L A sweet emotional indulgence franchise under “food franchise under 5 lakhs.” Delightful desserts, compact kiosks, high profit margins—especially among millennials and late-night crowds.

10. Haldiram’s

 An emotion-rooted heritage brand serving instant nostalgia—ideal for organized snacking and festive dining. A food franchise under 10 lakhs concept fee allows easy entry with strong regional allegiance.

Investment: ₹50–70 L

Profitable Franchise Restaurants in India – Explore Top Picks, Investment Scope & Budget-Friendly Options for 2025

Overview of the Indian Food Franchise Market

India’s branded F&B market is set to reach ₹7.76 Trillion by 2028 . From traditional eateries to innovative QSRs, emotions and convenience drive purchase decisions.

Criteria for Choosing a Food Franchise

1. Investment Range – micro‑units (₹1 L) to marquee brands (₹2 Cr)
2. Brand Emotional Equity – nostalgia, trust, thrill
3. Support & Training – SOPs & franchisee guidance
4. Market Fit – health, indulgence, cultural preferences
5. Scalability & ROI Aspirations

Benefits of Investing in Food Franchises

• Instant trust and brand awareness
• Proven business models with standardised SOPs
• Aggregators & tech enhancing visibility
• Low‑investment micro concepts
• Strong customer ROI and recurring emotional engagement

Sustainable royalties and support frameworks fuel consistent emotional and financial returns.

Challenges of Running a Food Franchise

• High rental & labour costs
• Heavy competition: local & digital
• Regulatory compliance & inspections
• Aggregator commission pressure
• Royalty and marketing cost burdens

How to Start a Food Franchise in India

Starting a food franchise in India is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and the promise of creating something truly special. It begins with a deep passion for food and a desire to bring joy to people through every meal served

Profitable Franchise Restaurants in India – Top Franchise Brands, Low Investment Options, Veg & Non-Veg Picks, Business Scope Guide & FAQs

Steps to Acquire

Shortlist franchises by investment, market, emotions

Legal Requirements

• Trade licence, FSSAI, fire NOC
• Franchise agreements (term, renewal, trademarks)
• Registration: GST, PF, ESIC

Financing Options

• Bank & MSME loans
• Owner equity
• Revenue-share models (zero‑investment food franchise)

Location Strategy

• High‑footfall spots: malls, high streets, universities
• Frequentability: repeat visits by regular crowds
• Visibility for brand and impulse

Marketing Strategies

• National brand campaigns localised promotions
• Events and collaborations
• POS data analytics & delivery tie‑ups

Emerging Trends in Indian Food Franchising

The Indian food franchising industry is undergoing a transformation, shaped by evolving consumer lifestyles, health consciousness, and digital integration. More than ever, customers are seeking authenticity, transparency, and convenience in what they eat and how they access it.

Influence of Technology

AI-powered logistics (Domino’s), contactless payments, CRM tools—all powering consistent operations and emotional satisfaction.

Rise of Local & Organic Franchises

Brands like Kathi Junction stand for “real food, real feelings.” Healthy, local start-ups resonate strongly.

Vegan & Health‑Focused Franchises

Subway’s veg range, millet-based menus, juice bars—all appealing to health-conscious emotions and demands.

Adapting Consumer Preferences

Seasonal menus, festive desserts, hyperlocal variants—keeping emotional bonds alive with customers.

Opportunities & Challenges

Opportunity: Urban emotional appeal, international prestige

Challenges: ₹8–16 Cr investment, complex compliance, real-estate rentals

Strength: Brand loyalty, standardized operations, global support 

Comparison

What makes food franchising in India a strong business opportunity in 2025?

Food franchising in India is booming due to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, digital food ordering, and a deep emotional connection with familiar food brands. With India’s F&B market expected to hit ₹7.76 Trillion by 2028, investors benefit from scalable models, tech integration, and strong consumer loyalty.

📞 Talk to Our Franchise Experts

Which food franchise offers the best return on emotional and financial investment?

Among top contenders, The Beer Garden, Ministry of Daru, and CB Crown Banquet combine strong ROI with powerful emotional appeal. These brands are more than eateries—they're destinations for memories, celebrations, and lifestyle experiences.

What is the minimum investment required for starting a food franchise in India?

Food franchise investments range widely—from ₹5–10 lakhs for kiosk or dessert models like Belgian Waffle Co., up to ₹1–2 Crores for premium gastropubs and QSRs like KFC, The Beer Garden, and Ministry of Daru. Low-cost franchises like Subway begin around ₹25–30 lakhs.

What are the top 3 premium food franchise brands in 2025?

The top high-end franchise picks include:

• The Beer Garden – Brewpub meets emotional storytelling
• Ministry of Daru – A bold bar-first brand revolutionizing nightlife
• McDonald’s India – The gold standard for QSRs with global trust

What kind of returns can investors expect from food franchises?

Returns vary by format and location. Typical ROI:

• QSRs like Domino’s: 12–20 months
• Bars like Ministry of Daru: 20–25% annually
• Event-based venues like CB Crown Banquet: consistent, high-volume income
  Higher the emotional connect and repeat footfall, faster the breakeven.

Are there food franchise opportunities under ₹10 lakhs in India?

Yes. Emerging brands like Belgian Waffle Co. or Haldiram’s kiosk units offer entry under ₹10–15 lakhs with strong regional loyalty and quick operational setup. These models are ideal for tier-2 cities and food courts.

What are the biggest challenges in running a food franchise?

Major challenges include:

• High rentals & staffing costs
• Competitive market saturation
• Regulatory & FSSAI compliance
• Aggregator commission cuts
  Successful brands offset these with training, SOPs, and digital support.

What legal steps are required to start a food franchise in India?

Key legal formalities include:

• Trade license, FSSAI license, fire safety NOC
• Franchise agreement and brand IP protection
• GST, ESIC, and PF registration for hiring
  Also consider location approvals and local authority permits.

How important is location when choosing a food franchise?

Location is critical it affects footfall, brand perception, and ROI. High-street zones, malls, airports, and college areas are ideal. For event-based models like CB Crown Banquet, accessibility and parking are essential.

How are customer emotions driving food franchise success in India?

Consumers now choose brands that tell a story, evoke nostalgia, or offer joy. Emotional equity like a birthday at The Beer Garden, or a childhood connection to Domino’s drives repeat visits and referrals. Franchises that connect culture and cuisine are winning hearts.

FAQs 

1. Which is the most profitable food franchise in India right now?

The Beer Garden and Ministry Of Daru offer the best blend of fast ROI, loyal customer base, and scalable operations.

2. What is the minimum investment to start a food franchise in India?

You can start small with dessert brands like Belgian Waffle Co. or Subway for ₹10–30 lakhs.

3. Which food franchise is best for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities?

Haldiram’s and Subway are ideal due to their high regional acceptance and compact models.

4. Are there food franchises under ₹10 lakhs in India?

Yes, kiosk models from regional brands or dessert brands often require investments under ₹10–15 lakhs.

5. Is food franchising in India profitable in 2025?

Absolutely. India’s F&B market is expected to hit ₹7.76 Trillion by 2028, and food franchising leverages both emotional and transactional value.

6. Which food franchise offers quick return on investment (ROI)?

Domino’s (12–20 months) and Ministry of Daru (20–25% annually) lead in fast ROI.

7. Do I need prior F&B experience to own a food franchise?

Not necessarily. Most brands provide operational training, SOPs, and marketing support.

8. What licenses are required to start a food franchise in India?

Trade License, FSSAI, GST, Fire NOC, and a franchise agreement are mandatory.

9. Which food franchise has the highest emotional connect with customers?

McDonald’s and The Beer Garden score high on nostalgia and social lifestyle appeal.

10. How do I market a food franchise in my city?

Combine national campaigns with local promotions, food influencer tie-ups, and loyalty rewards.

Final Thoughts – Invest in Emotion

You envisioned The Beer Garden, Ministry of Daru, and CB Crown Banquet among India’s crème de la crème—and here they stand, breathing life, emotion, and opportunity.

From zero investment food franchise in India dreams, to food franchise under 5 lakhs, right up to expensive ventures like McDonald’s, every investor now has a path filled with emotion, strategy, and growth.

Your brands don’t just tick investment checklists—they embody culture, connection, and community. You’re not just opening outlets—you’re creating legacies.