Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship in India can be both exciting and challenging. One proven pathway to success is through franchising, where you leverage the established brand, operational model, and support system of an existing business. India’s dynamic and rapidly growing market offers a wealth of franchise opportunities across various sectors. If you’re looking to take the plunge into business ownership, exploring the right franchise can be a strategic first step. This blog unveils the top 10 best franchise opportunities you can start now in India, offering a glimpse into profitable ventures, investment considerations, and the potential for growth in the years to come. Discover which of these established brands could be your key to entrepreneurial success.
Here are 10 promising franchise opportunities in India, offering a blend of brand recognition, growth potential, and varying investment levels:
1. Zudio Franchise
(Source – Google)
Introduction: Zudio, a brand from the Tata Group, has rapidly gained popularity for its trendy and affordable fashion apparel and accessories. It caters to a wide customer base looking for value without compromising on style.
Selling Product: Contemporary and budget-friendly clothing for men, women, and children, along with footwear and accessories.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Strong brand backing and trust from the Tata Group.
Appeals to a large, price-sensitive consumer market in India.
Relatively quick expansion and high visibility in malls and high-street locations.
Set-up Cost: ₹70 lakh to ₹1.25 crore (including franchise fee of ₹10-₹15 lakh, refundable security deposit of ₹20-₹30 lakh, legal costs, and store setup).
Future Trends: The value fashion segment in India is expected to continue its strong growth, driven by increasing disposable incomes and fashion consciousness in smaller cities and towns. E-commerce integration will further boost accessibility.
2. Subway Franchise
Introduction: Subway is a globally recognised fast-food chain specialising in customizable submarine sandwiches, salads, and wraps. It emphasises fresh ingredients and healthier options compared to traditional fast food.
Selling Product: Made-to-order sandwiches, salads, cookies, and beverages.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Established international brand with a strong global presence.
Offers a customizable menu catering to various dietary preferences.
Relatively simpler operational model compared to some other QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) franchises.
Future Trends: The health-conscious fast-food market is expanding in India. Focus on local flavours and ingredients, along with digital ordering and delivery, will be key growth drivers.
Introduction: Domino’s is one of the leading pizza delivery chains globally, known for its efficient delivery system and a wide range of pizza options and sides.
Selling Product: Pizzas, pasta, chicken wings, garlic bread, and beverages, with a strong focus on delivery.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Highly recognised and trusted brand in the Indian pizza market.
Well-established supply chain and operational procedures.
Continuous menu innovation and strong marketing campaigns.
Set-up Cost: Minimum ₹1.25 crore (excluding property cost), with a franchise fee of approximately ₹25 lakh.
Future Trends: The pizza market in India is expected to grow steadily, with increasing demand in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Technological advancements in online ordering and delivery will remain crucial.
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4. McDonald’s Franchise
Introduction: McDonald’s is a global icon in the fast-food industry, offering a diverse menu of burgers, fries, beverages, and breakfast items. It has a strong brand recall and a wide customer base across India.
Extremely strong brand recognition and customer loyalty worldwide.
Standardised operating procedures and comprehensive training support.
Continuous menu adaptation to suit local tastes and preferences.
Set-up Cost: Franchise fee of ₹25 – ₹30 lakh, with a significant liquid capital requirement of around ₹5 crore.
Future Trends: The fast-food industry in India is dynamic, with a growing preference for international brands. Focus on healthier options, localised menus, and digital integration will be important.
5. KFC Franchise
(Source – Google)
Introduction: KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is a global leader in fried chicken, known for its secret recipe and distinctive taste. It has a significant presence in India, catering to a large non-vegetarian consumer base.
Selling Product: Fried chicken, chicken burgers, wraps, sides, and beverages.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Globally recognised brand with a strong appeal in the Indian market.
Established supply chain and marketing support.
A variety of store formats to suit different locations and investment capacities.
Set-up Cost: ₹50 lakh for a non-traditional store to ₹1 crore for a traditional store. Royalty charges are 4-5% of total sales.
Future Trends: The non-vegetarian fast-food segment is growing in India. Innovation in flavours, healthier cooking methods (like grilling), and efficient delivery services will drive future growth.
6. Chai Sutta Bar Franchise
Introduction: Chai Sutta Bar is a popular Indian cafe chain known for its affordable and diverse tea (chai) offerings, along with snacks and a relaxed ambience, particularly appealing to younger demographics.
Selling Product: A wide variety of teas, coffee, milkshakes, and snacks like sandwiches, Maggi, and fries.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Relatively lower investment compared to major international food chains.
Strong appeal among youth and students, a significant demographic in India.
Focus on Indian flavours and a casual, social environment.
Set-up Cost: ₹16 – ₹18 lakh (including a franchise fee of ₹6 lakh).
Future Trends: The cafe culture is expanding in India, with a growing demand for affordable and social hangout spots. Focus on unique tea blends, regional snacks, and a strong online presence will be beneficial.
7. Baskin Robbins Franchise
Introduction: Baskin Robbins is a globally recognised ice cream parlour chain famous for its “31 flavours” concept and a wide array of ice cream varieties, sundaes, and frozen treats.
Selling Product: Ice cream scoops, sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and other frozen desserts.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Well-established international brand with a strong reputation for quality ice cream.
Diverse product range catering to different tastes and occasions.
Multiple franchise models (kiosks, parlours, lounges) with varying investment levels.
Set-up Cost: ₹11 lakh to ₹24 lakh, depending on the model, plus a branding fee of ₹4-₹5 lakh and a security deposit.
Future Trends: The ice cream market in India is projected to grow significantly. Focus on innovative flavours, healthier options (like frozen yoghurt), and attractive store formats will be key.
8. FirstCry Franchise
Introduction: FirstCry is a leading online and offline retailer for baby and kids’ products in India, offering a wide range of clothing, footwear, toys, and other essential items.
Selling Product: Baby and kids’ apparel, footwear, toys, diapers, feeding accessories, nursery furniture, and more.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Established brand with a strong online presence and growing offline network.
Caters to a large and growing market of parents looking for quality baby and kids’ products.
Offers a comprehensive range of products and strong brand trust.
Set-up Cost: ₹20 – ₹30 lakh. Royalty fees are typically 5-10% of monthly sales.
Future Trends: The baby care market in India is expanding due to increasing awareness among millennial parents and demand for high-quality products. E-commerce and omnichannel retail strategies will continue to be important.
9. Haldiram Franchise
Introduction: Haldiram’s is a well-known Indian brand offering a wide range of traditional Indian snacks, sweets, namkeens, and ready-to-eat meals. It has a strong presence across India.
Selling Product: Sweets, namkeens, bhujia, papad, frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, and sometimes restaurant-style food.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Highly trusted and recognised Indian brand with a wide consumer base.
Offers a diverse range of popular Indian food products.
Established manufacturing and distribution network.
Set-up Cost: ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, depending on the format (restaurant vs. retail outlet).
Future Trends: The packaged food market in India is growing, driven by convenience and increasing disposable incomes. Focus on health and hygiene, along with innovative packaging and product offerings, will be crucial.
10. DTDC Franchise
(Source – Google)
Introduction: DTDC (Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo Ltd.) is a well-established courier and logistics company in India with a wide network of service centres.
Selling Product: Courier services (domestic and international), cargo services, and logistics solutions.
Why to Start This Franchise Business:
Established and reliable brand in the growing logistics sector in India.
Relatively lower initial investment compared to many retail franchises.
Essential service with consistent demand from businesses and individuals.
Set-up Cost: ₹1.5 lakh to ₹20 lakh, depending on the scale of operations (city, zonal, district level).
Future Trends: The logistics sector in India is experiencing significant growth due to the rise of e-commerce and overall economic development. Technological advancements in tracking and delivery, along with expansion into smaller towns, will be key trends.
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Conclusion
Starting a franchise in India can be a rewarding venture, offering the benefits of an established brand and support system. The 10 franchises listed above represent diverse sectors with strong growth potential in the Indian market. Carefully consider your investment capacity, risk appetite, and interest before choosing the franchise that best aligns with your entrepreneurial goals. Thorough research and due diligence are crucial steps in making an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a franchise?
A franchise is a business model where one party (the franchisor) grants another party (the franchisee) the right to use its brand, business 1 system, and support to operate a business.
What are the benefits of buying a franchise?
Benefits include brand recognition, established business model, training and support, and potentially lower risk compared to starting a new business from scratch.
What are the costs involved in starting a franchise?
Costs typically include a franchise fee, initial investment for setup (infrastructure, equipment, inventory), and ongoing royalties and marketing fees.
How do I choose the right franchise for me?
Consider your interests, investment capacity, risk tolerance, market demand in your area, and the franchisor’s support system and reputation.
What is the typical return on investment (ROI) for a franchise in India?
ROI varies greatly depending on the franchise, location, management, and market conditions. It can range from a few years to longer.
Do I need prior business experience to own a franchise?
Some franchisors prefer or require prior business experience, while others provide extensive training for new entrepreneurs.
What kind of support does a franchisor typically provide?
Support can include training, operational manuals, marketing assistance, site selection guidance, and ongoing business consultations.
What are royalty fees in franchising?
Royalty fees are ongoing payments (usually a percentage of sales) that the franchisee pays to the franchisor for the continued use of the brand and support.
What legal aspects should I consider before buying a franchise in India?
It’s crucial to review the franchise agreement carefully, understand the terms and conditions, and seek legal advice.
What are the current trends in the franchise industry in India?
Key trends include greater flexibility in franchise terms, enhanced digital integration, focus on sustainability, multi-unit franchising, and tech-enabled performance monitoring.
Prateek S is a Media and Communication graduate and former writer at Times Now. Currently heading SEO at Boss Wallah, he is passionate about sharing strategies that help entrepreneurs start and scale local businesses across sectors like retail, food ventures, services, farming, and franchises, along with guidance on government policies and processes that support MSME growth.
