India’s love for food isn’t just a cultural trait—it’s a booming industry. Whether it’s a roadside chaat or a gourmet burger, food binds people across regions. In recent years, the Food & Beverage (F&B) franchise market in India has exploded, driven by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and the unstoppable rise of food delivery apps.
As someone who has worked in franchise consulting for nearly two decades, I’ve seen countless F&B brands rise and fall. But some stand the test of time because they offer a mix of great taste, operational simplicity, and strong unit economics. This blog explores the top F&B franchise brands in India and why this industry is still one of the smartest investment choices in 2025.
🍔 Why F&B Franchises Continue to Thrive
Before we dive into the brands, let’s understand why F&B franchises are so appealing to Indian investors:
1️⃣ Consistent Demand
People may skip shopping or movies, but rarely do they skip meals. Food is essential, making it one of the most recession-proof industries.
2️⃣ Youth-Driven Market
With over 65% of the population under 35, India’s youth culture embraces quick bites, café culture, and global cuisines. The rise of QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants) is a reflection of this trend.
3️⃣ Affordable Entry Points
Unlike luxury retail, many food franchises start at investments as low as ₹5–10 lakh, making them ideal for first-time entrepreneurs.
4️⃣ Strong Delivery Ecosystem
Swiggy, Zomato, and other aggregators have made it easier for small outlets to serve customers without relying solely on foot traffic.
⭐ My Top Picks: Best F&B Franchise Brands in India (2025)
Let’s explore some of the most promising F&B franchise opportunities based on investment range, market reputation, profitability, and ease of operations.
🔥 1. Momo Nation Cafe
Investment: ₹7–15 lakh
Space Required: 100–300 sq. ft.
Royalty: No Royalty
Break-even: 10–12 months
USP: Affordable pricing, wide momo menu, café-style experience
📌 Why It Stands Out
I’ve personally seen this brand grow from a local Delhi-based QSR to a national chain with over 120 outlets. What makes Momo Nation Cafe a strong contender is its ability to combine street-style food with a structured business format.
Their outlets offer more than just momos — from tandoori momos and Chinese combos to milkshakes and fries, they cater to all age groups. Also, their support model is a big plus for first-time franchisees.
🧩 Real Case Study
One of my clients opened a Momo Nation Cafe outlet in Lucknow in 2023 with a ₹12 lakh investment. Within 9 months, they crossed ₹3.5 lakh monthly sales and maintained a 25% net profit margin. The brand offered strong backend support, staff training, and menu innovation regularly.
🍕 2. Domino’s Pizza (Jubilant FoodWorks)
Investment: ₹30–50 lakh
Space: 600–1,000 sq. ft.
Royalty: Yes (percentage-based)
📌 Why It Works
A giant in the Indian QSR landscape, Domino’s offers robust infrastructure, brand recognition, and a proven model. However, it’s more suitable for seasoned investors or those looking to run multiple outlets.
🥤 3. Chaayos
Investment: ₹30–40 lakh
USP: Personalized tea, snacks, café vibes
Suitable For: Metro & tier-1 cities
Chaayos is not just a tea outlet — it’s an emotion for chai lovers. With their customized tea blends and cozy café interiors, it appeals to college students and professionals alike. However, it’s slightly premium in investment.
🍩 4. Mad Over Donuts (MOD)
Industry: Café/Bakery | Investment: ₹20–30 lakh
MOD transformed the urban dessert scene with its variety of donuts, beverages, and desserts. Best suited for malls, airports, and high streets.
🍦 5. Giani’s Ice Cream
Investment: ₹10–15 lakh
USP: Heritage brand, simple operations
Ideal For: High footfall areas or tourist locations
Giani’s offers a simple-to-run dessert model with strong brand loyalty. Ice creams, kulfis, shakes, and sundaes — perfect for hot Indian cities.
👨💼 Expert Insight: What Makes a Food Franchise Succeed?
From my years of helping over 200+ entrepreneurs set up food franchises, here’s what I believe truly matters:
✅ Product + Pricing Balance
Taste is king — but price is queen. Brands that master both thrive faster.
✅ Backend & Supply Chain
Strong logistics support, raw material sourcing, and inventory systems reduce headache for franchisees.
✅ Operational Simplicity
The more complex the kitchen or menu, the higher the staff dependency and costs. Brands like Momo Nation Cafe shine here — simple setup, fast service.
✅ Brand Identity
People eat with their eyes first. Branding, packaging, and in-store aesthetics boost both orders and word-of-mouth.
📍 How to Choose the Right F&B Franchise for You
Not every brand suits every investor. Here’s how to evaluate:
| Factor | Tip |
|---|---|
| Budget | Stay within 70% of your total investable capital |
| Location | High footfall areas work best for QSR/cafés |
| Kitchen or Kiosk | Decide based on your skillset & time availability |
| Delivery Potential | Choose a brand strong on Swiggy/Zomato |
🧠 In a Nutshell
The food and beverage industry in India isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And franchising remains one of the safest, fastest, and most scalable ways to tap into it.
Whether you choose a giant like Domino’s, a café like Chaayos, or a rising star like Momo Nation Cafe, the key is to pick a model that fits your budget, vision, and local demand.
As a franchise consultant, I always advise my clients to look beyond just profitability — choose a brand whose product you personally love. Because in food, passion always shows.