Written By: Gouri Ghosh

Have you ever dreamt of owning a business because of the booming industry? The food franchise market in India is expanding rapidly, already a ₹4.2 lakh crore industry and still booming. With the city population ups and people seeking branded food they can trust, 2025 is poised to be your year to ride that exciting wave. 

Nowadays, food franchises can be found in every city, from major ones like Delhi and Mumbai to smaller ones like Lucknow and Coimbatore. Consumers adore branded stores because of their reliability and excellence. The market is growing by 11% annually as a result of this passion. If you have ever observed the lengthy lineups at Starbucks or Domino's, you are aware of what we mean!

Even in smaller cities, food franchises are performing well. In fact, towns outside the big cities now make up nearly 40% of the growth in the food franchise market. This shows that people in India want branded food, not just in big cities anymore.

We are living in exciting times. People eat out more, and they like places they can trust. Cleanliness and quality are absolutely important now. Brand-name places provide both, so they are the first choice of many.

Why Food Franchises Are Good Investments in 2025

Starting a food franchise in India in 2025 has great benefits:

• Brand Recognition: Well-known brands like Domino’s and Haldiram’s already have loyal customers, which helps you avoid the work of earning their trust.
• Proven Models: Franchises offer established models with risk-minimized business models.
• Support System: You’ll get training, streamlined supply chains, and marketing support from the franchisor, making operations smooth.
• Scalability: It thrives in metros and Tier 2 cities with relatively easy expansions into growing markets.

Top 10 Food Franchises to Invest in 2025

Here's a closer look at two good food franchise options for 2025 that are leading the fast-food business in India.

Fast Food Giants

1.KFC 

KFC is a worldwide fast-food chain with fried chicken and the top secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. KFC needs no introduction as it is a brand leader in fried chicken and offers a unique mix of flavors along with speedy service.

• Investment: KFC franchise investment costs varies from ₹1.5 crores to ₹2.5 crores, with location and restaurant size depending on different issues.
• Profit Margin: KFC franchises are more likely to have a profit margin of 15-25 percent. Strong brand loyalty and an extensive market of customers guarantee high sales potential.
• Market Demand: As the demand for chicken-based foods grows, KFC gets a steady demand from all walks of life, such as family market, students, and working professionals.

Why KFC Franchise?

The fast-food brand is globally recognized, well-trained people, and high-demand products, which is one reason KFC should be the go-to for ambitious franchise owners who seek profitability.

2.Burger King 

Burger King is well-known for its fast service, mouthwatering cuisine, and flame-grilled burgers.

It's gaining popularity among younger audiences and has 400 locations in India with ambitions to expand quickly by 2025. 

• Investment: The initial outlay is less expensive, ranging from ₹2 to ₹3 crores.
• Profit Margin: Franchise owners may make between 15 and 18 percent.
• Market Demand: Millennials and Gen Z, particularly in cities, are big fans of Burger King.
• Why Burger King? It's a great option for anyone starting a food franchise because of the high demand and little investment.

Casual Dining Favorites 

3.Barbeque Nation

Barbeque Nation is the first chain to popularize live, grill-at-the-table dining in India. Its unique interactive dining concept has ensured it a place in almost all celebrations.

The brand has 200+ outlets across India and is extremely strong in international markets as well, with consistent year after year revenue growth.

• Investment: ₹3-6 crores will suffice to start an outlet, depending on the location and setup.
• Profit Margin: This one's going to provide a huge profit margin of 25-30% as it is a premium dining experience.
• Market Demand: Corporate events, family get-togethers, and celebrations are in great demand with Barbeque Nation.
• Why Choose Barbeque Nation? Its concept and steady demand make it one of the best food franchises for high-end casual dining in 2025.

4.Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is a well-known pizza chain that serves a wide range of customers by providing both delivery and dine-in options.

Pizza Hut has more than 500 locations in India and wants to aggressively expand into Tier 2 cities. It has 18,000 stores worldwide. To capitalise on the trends of online meal delivery, India is putting a lot of emphasis on digital sales.

• Investment: It takes between ₹2 and ₹4 crores to start a Pizza Hut franchise.
• Profit Margin: Depending on location and sales volume, franchise owners may make 18–25%.
• Market Demand: Pizza Hut is well-liked by families and young adults, and it enjoys consistent demand in both larger cities and smaller villages.
• Why  Pizza Hut? It's a good food franchise in India because of its robust international image and flexibility to adjust to delivery trends.

Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) 

Domino's Pizza

The biggest pizza chain in India, Domino's is renowned for its extensive menu and unparalleled delivery service.

 In order to keep up with the increasing demand, Domino's, which currently has over 1,800 locations throughout India, intends to establish 250 more locations a year.

• Investment: ₹3-5 crores are needed to open a Domino's restaurant.
• Profit Margin: Franchise owners should anticipate a 15–25% profit margin.
• Market Demand: Because of its prompt delivery and reasonable prices, Domino's is particularly well-liked in both metropolitan and semi-urban areas.
• Why Domino's? Domino's, a well-established and lucrative food chain with a solid development trajectory, leads the Indian pizza market.

Wow! Momo

 Wow! Momo is the first momo-only QSR restaurant in India, with creative menu items including chocolate momos and momo burgers.

Having just joined the UAE market, the brand has more than 500 stores and is growing globally.

• Investment: Starting prices range from ₹20 to ₹30 lakhs, making it reasonably priced.
• Profit Margin: Take advantage of increased margins of 25–30% because of its innovative and reasonably priced products.
• Market demand: In Tier 2 cities and metro areas, there is a growing desire for distinctive, Indian-style snacks.
• Why Momo Wow? It is among the top culinary franchises in India for new business owners because to its specialised focus, quick expansion, and low startup costs.

Specialty and Niche Food Franchises

Bikanervala 

Bikanervala is a well-known company that sells classic Indian snacks and sweets with a modern twist.

Also, Bikanervala has more than 150 locations worldwide and is still growing. It is becoming a popular brand during family get-togethers and festivals.

• Investment: ₹2-4 crores are set to open a Bikanervala store.
• Profit Margin: Healthy profit margins of 20–25% are enjoyed by franchise owners.
• Market Demand: There is a steady demand for high-quality Indian snacks and sweets, particularly during weddings and holiday seasons.
• Why Bikanervala? It is a top choice in the food franchise business for 2025 because of its significant international and Indian presence as well as its cultural appeal.

The Belgian Waffle Co. 

The Belgian Waffle Co. is a franchise that specialises in desserts and serves freshly baked waffles and inventive delicacies.

The brand is expanding quickly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with more than 400 locations. In India, it dominates the speciality dessert market.

• Investment: The costs to start a Belgian Waffle Co. franchise range from ₹15 to ₹30 lakhs.
• Profit Margin: It is among the most lucrative food franchises in India thanks to high margins of 25–30%.
• Market Demand: Gen Z and young adults' growing love of waffles and creative desserts is fuelling a consistent demand.
• Why The Belgian Waffle Co: It is positioned as the best food franchise for dessert enthusiasts in 2025 due to its low cost of investment, high brand awareness, and attraction to younger audiences.

 Beverage and Café Brands

Barista

Barista is an Indian coffee chain where the customers get to sit and spend time along with sipping a variety of coffees, teas, and light snacks-one of the best-known brands across India. Used in the Indian sense, Barista ranks among the best cafes in the country and is popular because of the coffee served and the warm ambience that make it dear to all coffee lovers or just plain diners.

• Investment: The investment to start a Barista franchise varies from INR 25 lakh to INR 50 lakh depending on the size and location of the café.
• Profit Margin: The profit margin in the Barista franchise varies between 15% to 20%. The franchisee has the advantages of a well-known brand, customer loyalty as well as a good product.
• Market Demand: The consumption of coffee in India is rising and is being adopted by the younger generation, increasingly attracted to the concept of a café. This is likely to be a huge scope for demand in the coming future.

Why Barista Franchise?

Barista has a tried-and-tested model with high brand equity in the nation. Attractive quality coffee and a laid-back café atmosphere draw a wide customer base into their reinvention. Continuing education and support make this opportunity quite valuable to enterprising investors in the food and beverage sector.

Chai Point

 Chai Point is bringing high-quality tea to busy urban consumers by modernising India's chai culture through a scalable business model. It appeals to tea enthusiasts all over India because it strikes the ideal balance between heritage and practicality.

 Chai Point has more than 200 locations around India, and it is particularly well-set in malls and office buildings. It is expanding quickly in Tier 2 cities as well as urban areas.

• Investment: Between ₹30 and ₹50 lakhs is all set to open a Chai Point franchise.
• Profit Margin: Because of the reasonable prices and devoted clientele, franchisees can anticipate profit margins of 20–25%.
• Market Demand: Chai's timeless appeal guarantees high demand, especially in workplaces where people seek out quick tea breaks.
• Why Chai Point? Chai Point is an excellent choice for investors wishing to get into the expanding beverage industry since it combines a well-liked product with a scalable business model.

conclusion

In 2025, purchasing a food franchise is a fantastic business opportunity. It's a less hazardous method of breaking into the market because to well-known brands, tested methods, and robust support. Particularly in smaller cities, there is an increasing demand for branded food shops. Food franchise opportunities are therefore a wise investment for the future.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.