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If you’re looking to enter the booming food and beverage (F&B) industry in India without investing a fortune, food franchises under ₹10 lakhs are an excellent option. With India’s QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) market expected to grow at a CAGR of 23% till 2025, according to Technopak, low-cost food franchises offer an affordable, low-risk entry into a highly profitable sector.
Why Food Franchises Are a Smart Investment
- Low entry barrier: Many brands offer franchises under ₹10 lakhs.
- Tried-and-tested model: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
- Brand value: Built-in customer trust and marketing.
- Training and support: Franchisors often provide training, marketing, and operational guidance.
10 Highly Profitable Food Franchises in India Under 10 Lakhs
1. Chaat Adda
Concept: A vibrant street food franchise specialising in Indian chaats like Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, and Dahi Bhalla. Popular among youth and families.
Official Website: chaatadda.com
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹5 – ₹7 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakhs
- ROI: 12–15 months
2. Tea Time
Concept: One of the fastest-growing tea franchise chains in India, offering tea, milkshakes, and snacks.
Official Website: teatimegroup
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹4.5 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: Included in investment
- ROI: 6–9 months
Highlight: Over 3000 outlets in India — low risk, high return model.
3. Biryani Station
Concept: Delicious dum biryani served in eco-friendly packaging; great for delivery and dine-in.
Official Website: biryanistation
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹7–₹9 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakhs
- ROI: 10–12 months
4. Momomia
Concept: A momo-focused QSR serving varieties like steamed, fried, tandoori and chocolate momos.
Official Website: momomia
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹5 – ₹8 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹1.5 lakhs
- ROI: 9–12 months
5. Frurails
Concept: Healthy fruit-based juices, shakes and salads, operating mostly from compact kiosks.
Official Website: frurails
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹6 – ₹8 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakhs
- ROI: 8–10 months
6. Kathi Junction
Concept: Serving lip-smacking Kathi rolls and fusion wraps, ideal for college areas and malls.
Official Website: Kathijunction
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹6 – ₹9 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹2.5 lakhs
- ROI: 12 months
7. The Belgian Waffle Co. (Kiosk Model)
Concept: Premium dessert brand known for pocket waffles and indulgent beverages.
Official Website: thebelgianwaffle
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹9 – ₹10 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹3 lakhs
- ROI: 12–14 months
Highlight: Trusted brand with over 350 outlets in India.
8. Rolls & Bowls
Concept: A fusion franchise offering healthy rice bowls and stuffed rolls for quick service.
Official Website: rollsandbowls
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹5 – ₹7 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹1.5 lakhs
- ROI: 9–11 months
9. Dosa Plaza (Express Model)
Concept: Serving over 100+ varieties of dosa with international sauces and fillings.
Official Website: dosaplaza
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹7 – ₹9 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹3 lakhs
- ROI: 12–15 months
10. Giani’s Ice Cream (Cart Model)
Concept: Legacy Indian ice cream brand offering cart-based and small kiosk models.
Official Website: gianisicecream
Cost:
- Initial Investment: ₹8 – ₹10 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakhs
- ROI: 8–10 months
ALSO READ – Top 4 Fast Food Franchises to Start in 2025: Investment, Returns & More
Tips to Succeed With Low-Cost Food Franchises
- Choose high footfall locations: Malls, colleges, metro stations, and markets.
- Focus on delivery: Partner with Zomato, Swiggy, and Dunzo.
- Invest in hygiene and branding: Consumers value presentation.
- Market locally: Use Google My Business, local influencers, and offers.
- Train staff properly: Great service leads to repeat customers.
Benefits of Starting a Low-Cost Food Franchise
- Low Investment, High Return: Many food franchises under ₹10 lakhs can break even in less than a year.
- Ready-Made Business Model: No need to create a brand, menu, or strategy from scratch.
- Brand Recognition: Franchises come with an existing customer base and market trust.
- Training & Support: Franchisors often provide end-to-end assistance—setup, recipes, marketing, and staff training.
- Flexible Formats: Options like kiosks, carts, or cloud kitchens reduce costs and allow experimentation.
- Growing Demand: India’s fast-food and snacking market is growing rapidly, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
ALSO READ – Haldiram Franchise in India: Cost, Requirements, Profit Margin & More
Drawbacks to Be Aware
- Limited Autonomy: You must follow the franchisor’s rules, pricing, and menu with little room for creativity.
- Revenue Sharing or Royalty: Some brands may charge ongoing royalty fees that eat into your profits.
- Brand Reputation Risk: If the parent brand gets negative publicity, it could affect your outlet too.
- Market Saturation: Popular franchises can lead to competition even within the same area.
- Hidden Costs: Equipment, licenses, setup, and marketing expenses may push actual investment above ₹10 lakhs.
Key Takeaways
- Food franchises under ₹10 lakhs offer a great entry into the F&B industry with minimal financial risk.
- Choose a brand with proven success, low overhead, and supportive franchising policies.
- Understand all hidden costs, terms, and ROI timelines before signing a franchise agreement.
- Location and local marketing will significantly impact your franchise’s success.
- Always ensure you get the necessary FSSAI and local licenses before starting operations.
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Conclusion
Starting a food franchise in India under ₹10 lakhs is a smart and profitable decision if you choose the right brand and location. Whether you love Indian snacks, waffles, or biryani, there’s a low-cost franchise that fits your budget and passion. With proper execution, most of these businesses can break even in less than a year.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1 . Can I start a food franchise without experience?
- Yes, most brands offer training and support, so prior experience isn’t necessary.
2. Are food franchises under ₹10 lakhs profitable?
- Yes, many of them offer ROI within 6–12 months, depending on the location and operations.
3. Do I need a shop or outlet to start?
- Some models are kiosk- or cart-based and require minimal space.
4. What permissions are needed to run a food franchise?
- FSSAI license, GST registration, and local municipal approvals are typically required.
5 . Are food franchises better than independent restaurants?
- Yes, due to brand recognition, standardised menus, and franchisor support.
6. Can I get bank loans for food franchises?
- Yes, many banks provide MSME loans for franchise businesses.
7. What is the average breakeven period?
- Between 6–15 months, depending on the brand and location.
8. How much space is required for these franchises?
- Typically between 80 to 200 sq. ft. for kiosk or takeaway models.
9. Do these franchises support online delivery platforms?
- Yes, most encourage tie-ups with Zomato, Swiggy, and others.
10. Which cities are best to start a low-cost food franchise?
- Tier 2 cities like Indore, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Kochi offer lower rents and high demand.
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