- No Direct Franchise: Starbucks does not sell franchises in India; it operates via a joint venture with Tata Consumer Products
- Estimated Cost (If Allowed): ₹75 lakh – ₹1.5 crore, including setup, interiors, and working capital
- Requirements: 500–1,500 sq. ft. space, FSSAI & GST licenses, 8–15 staff, and investment capacity of ₹30 lakh–₹1 crore
- Profit Potential: Café businesses in India earn 15–25% margins, with payback in 2–3 years
- Alternatives to Starbucks: Popular café franchise options include Café Coffee Day, Barista, Blue Tokai, and Third Wave Coffee
Starbucks is one of the world’s most iconic coffee brands, loved for its premium brews and international vibe. Naturally, many Indian entrepreneurs dream of owning a Starbucks franchise. But here’s the truth: Starbucks doesn’t sell franchises in India. Instead, it is run by Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd.
Still, if you want to step into the café business, it’s important to understand Starbucks’ cost structure, requirements, and potential profit margins — so you can compare and explore similar franchise options available in India.
Starbucks Franchise Cost in India (2025)

Starbucks does not disclose official franchise costs in India, since it doesn’t franchise here. However, based on its global franchise estimates and industry benchmarks, here’s what it might look like:
Cost Component | Estimated Investment (INR) | Notes |
Franchise Fee | ₹25–30 lakh | Based on international averages |
Store Setup & Interiors | ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore | Premium café interiors |
Equipment & Inventory | ₹15–20 lakh | Coffee machines, POS, stock |
Working Capital (6 months) | ₹20–30 lakh | Salaries, rent, marketing |
Royalty Fees | 6–8% of sales | Industry standard |
Total Estimated Cost: ₹75 lakh – ₹1.5 crore
Check out our detailed guide on franchise costs in India.
Requirements to Open a Starbucks-like Franchise

Since Starbucks itself isn’t open to franchisees in India, here’s what you’ll need if you want to start a premium café franchise (like Barista, Blue Tokai, or Third Wave Coffee):
1. Space Requirement
- Ideal Size: 500–1,500 sq. ft., depending on the model (kiosk, café, or flagship).
- Preferred Locations:
- High streets (with heavy foot traffic).
- Shopping malls & airports.
- IT hubs, corporate parks, and universities.
- Why Important? A café thrives on visibility and convenience. The more accessible your location, the higher your walk-ins and sales.
2. Licenses Needed
Running a food & beverage business in India requires compliance with multiple regulations:
- FSSAI License (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India): Mandatory to serve food & beverages.
- GST Registration: For charging and paying Goods & Services Tax on bills.
- Trade License: Issued by the local municipal corporation to legally run a commercial outlet.
- Fire Safety Certificate: Required if the café has cooking equipment or seating.
- Shop & Establishment Act Registration: Ensures employee rights and working conditions.
Pro Tip: Start the licensing process early — it usually takes 30–45 days, depending on the city.

3. Investment Capacity
- Range: ₹30 lakh – ₹1 crore (varies by brand, size, and city).
- Breakup of Costs:
- Interiors & Design: 30–40%
- Equipment (coffee machines, grinders, ovens): 20–25%
- Franchise Fee: 10–15%
- Working Capital (first 6 months): 20–25%
If you’re low on funds, some café brands also allow kiosk models with smaller investments (₹10–20 lakh).
4. Staffing Needs
- Typical Team Size: 8–15 employees.
- Roles:
- Baristas (coffee makers)
- Kitchen staff (for bakery/food items)
- Cashier/Manager
- Cleaning & support staff
- Training: Most premium franchises (like Barista or Blue Tokai) provide in-house training to maintain quality and consistency.
5. Location Preference
- Metro Cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai.
- Tier-2 Cities (Growing Demand): Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Coimbatore.
- High-Revenue Spots: Airports, luxury malls, IT hubs, and busy business districts.
How to Apply for a Starbucks-like Franchise in India?
Since Starbucks doesn’t offer a direct franchise model in India, you can consider applying with other premium café brands like Café Coffee Day, Barista, or international café chains expanding into India.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official website of the café brand you’re interested in.
- Look for the “Franchise/Partner With Us” section.
- Fill out the franchise application form with details about your location, investment capacity, and background.
- The brand’s team will evaluate your proposal and contact you if shortlisted.
- If approved, you’ll need to sign a franchise agreement and begin location setup.
Profit Guide: How Much Can You Earn?

Running a premium café franchise in India can be quite profitable if you choose the right location and brand. Most established café brands (like Barista, Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee) operate on a 15–25% profit margin after expenses.
Example Profit Calculation (Metro Location: Bengaluru, Delhi, or Mumbai)
Particulars | Estimated Amount (INR) | Notes |
Monthly Revenue | ₹10,00,000 | 300–400 cups/day + snacks/merchandise |
Operating Costs | ₹7,50,000 | Rent (₹2–3 lakh), staff salaries, raw materials, utilities |
Net Monthly Profit | ₹2,50,000 | ~25% margin |
Annual Profit | ₹30,00,000 | If sales stay consistent |
Revenue Streams in a Premium Café
A Starbucks-like café doesn’t just earn from coffee:
- Beverages: Coffee, tea, cold brews, frappes (60–65% of sales).
- Food Menu: Bakery, sandwiches, regional snacks (20–25% of sales).
- Merchandise: Coffee mugs, tumblers, coffee beans (5–10% of sales).
- Seasonal Specials: Festive drinks & offers (boost revenue during holidays).
Factors That Impact Profitability
- Location: A café in a busy mall or IT park can make 2–3x more than one in a residential area.
- Menu Pricing: Premium cafés like Starbucks charge ₹200–₹400 per cup, which keeps margins high.
- Brand Reputation: International/recognised brands attract repeat customers and loyalty.
- Operational Efficiency: Reducing wastage, controlling staff costs, and efficient supply chains can add 3–5% to profits.
- Marketing & Loyalty Programs: Membership cards, mobile apps, and seasonal discounts increase customer retention.
Long-Term Growth Potential
- Payback period: 2–3 years (faster if located in a metro mall/airport).
- Expansion: Many entrepreneurs start with one outlet, then expand into multiple café outlets or kiosks for higher ROI.
- Future outlook: India’s café market is expected to grow at a 12% CAGR (2023–2028), crossing $1.3 billion by 2030 (Source: Mordor Intelligence).
Key Takeaways
- Starbucks in India is not available for direct franchising – it operates through a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Group and Starbucks Coffee Company.
- Investment for a premium café franchise in India ranges from ₹30 lakh to ₹1 crore, depending on the brand, location, and setup size.
- Space requirements are usually 500–1,500 sq. ft., ideally in high-footfall locations like malls, airports, and business hubs.
- Profit margins for premium cafés average between 15 and 25%, with metro outlets generating annual profits of around ₹25–30 lakh.
- Aspiring entrepreneurs can explore alternatives like Barista, Café Coffee Day, and Gloria Jean’s to enter the café business since Starbucks isn’t franchising in India.
Conclusion
You can’t buy a Starbucks franchise in India — it operates only under Tata Starbucks. However, with India’s booming café culture, entrepreneurs can explore profitable alternatives like Barista, Blue Tokai, and Third Wave Coffee. With the right investment, location, and strategy, you can build a successful café business in 2025.
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FAQs
No, Starbucks India operates only through Tata Starbucks.
Over 390 in 2025.
₹75 lakh – ₹1.5 crore (if franchising were allowed).
Yes, with margins of 15–25%.
FSSAI, GST, trade license, and fire safety.
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and more.
₹200–₹400 per cup.
CCD, Barista, Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee.
At a 12% CAGR, it is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2030.
Yes, through supplier or corporate partnerships.