Written By: Gouri Ghosh

From crispy fried chicken to cheese pizza, fast food chains are developing to offer local tastes that appeal to diverse tastes while expanding into new markets. India has emerged as a prominent player in this development, thanks to its lively food culture and increasing demand for international and regional cuisine. Global giants recognize this ability and expand rapidly - not only in big cities but also in small cities, fast foods become more accessible than ever. The changing lifestyle, with a young population and rising disposable income, may be the right time to invest in 2025 fast food franchisees. Whether you are eager about costs or searching for the best franchise for yourself, there are exciting opportunities that are waiting to be discovered.

Why are big brands coming to India?

India is becoming a hot place for fast food franchises, and that is why it here:

• Youth Population: More than 65% of Indians are less than 35. This age group prefers to try new foods, prefers convenience, and is ready for popular, famous brands.
• Love for both local and global tastes: Indians enjoy international cuisine, but they still cherish their local favorite. The brands that offer both - such as KFC's spicy wings and crispy veg patties - are really good.
• Big market, cheap prices: India's huge population means more customers. Franchises can sell food at low prices while still earning good profits.
• Rising income: As people earn more, they are happy to spend on eating out and food distribution, helping fast food businesses to grow even faster.

Top 5 fast food franchises are expected to expand globally in 2025

 Moti Mahal Deluxe

Brand Heritage:

 Moti Mahal Deluxe is a heritage brand in Northern Indian cuisine, which is credited with popularizing Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani globally. The brand is synonymous with authentic tandoori cuisine, rich curry and Muglai taste.

Dine-in and Tech Use offers the franchise opportunities for formats.

Extension Strategy:

• To expand in Indian metropolitan cities like Tier -2 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Jaipur, Lucknow and Chandigarh.
• Targeting international markets, especially where Indian cuisine is in demand, such as Middle East, Britain, United States and Canada.

Necessary investment:

• Depending on the size of the location and restaurant, ₹ 1.5 crore ($ 60,000 to $ 180,000).

Development factor:

• Increasing demand for authentic Indian cuisine around the world.
• Disposable income increases more cost.
• Strong brands are remembered due to its historical significance in Indian food culture.

Haldiram

Brand Heritage:

 Originally launched as a small shop in Bikner, it has developed as a multi-Arab-dollar company, offering packed snacks, traditional Indian sweets and a quick-service restaurant (QSR) format.

Business Model:

• Condules a mixture of large -format restaurants, express outlets and retail stores.
• Provides a broad vegetarian menu that includes chat, thalis, sweets and bakery items.
• Strong presence in both retail snack industry and food service sector.

Extension Strategy:

• International expansion in important Indian migrant countries like the United States, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia.
• Increase your QSR model to compete with McDonald's, Subway and Domino's by offering Indian fast food.

Necessary investment:

• Depending on the franchise model (small express outlet vs. large restaurant), 1-4 crore ($ 120,000 to $ 480,000).

Development factor:

• Global interest in Indian vegetarian cuisine is increasing.
• Strong brand reputation and customer trust.

 Bodle baluchi

Brand Heritage:

 Pind Baluchi is a famous series specializes in North Indian and Punjabi cuisine. It provides a rustic village-themed food experience, making it a popular choice for family food.

Business Model:

• Fine-dining restaurants, as well as small express outlets for quick service.
• The menu focuses on tandoori items, kebabs, curry and bread.
• Increasing international appearance, especially in UAE, Southeast Asia and the UK.
• Introduction to express models in malls and airports to complete the customers with fast books.

Necessary investment:

• ₹ 1-2 crore ($ 120,000 to $ 240,000) for franchise setup.

Development factor:

• Increasing demand for premium North Indian food experiences.
• Consumers prefer experienced food with themed restaurants.
• Growing preference for food in a traditional yet upscale setting.

WOW Momo

Brand Heritage:

WOW Momo is a good fast food brand in Kolkata, attracting many food lovers. Momo is known for its creatively known on traditional momos, including innovations such as Burger and Chocolate Momos, it has created a strong fanbase all over India.

Business Model:

• A purely provides a momo-centered menu consisting of steamed, fried, pan-fried and even ripe momos, as well as momo-based fusion dishes.
• The brand takes advantage of wide access and cloud kitchen setup and strong delivery participation for scalability.

Extension Strategy:

• Targeting rapid growth in Tier -1 and Tier -2 cities, with a strong focus at mall food courts, business districts and high -footfall urban locations.
• To expand internationally, the UAE, UK and Southeast Asia in especially large Indian or PAN-Asian food-based populations.

Necessary investment:

• Depending on the format and city, 20–30 lakhs ($ 24,000 to $ 36,000). 

Growth Driver:

• It is Increasing demand for it’s hygiene food  and branded street food options.
• High brand recall and innovation-operated product line.
• Excellent appeal between youth and urban professionals.
• Strong digital appearance and food distribution ecosystem integration.

Belgium Waffle

Brand Heritage:

 Belgian waffle is a rapidly expanded dessert chain that specializes in freshly made waffles and other sweet behaviors. 

Business Model:

• A kiosk is operated in the café and tech uve models.
• Fresh focuses on fresh, adaptable waffles and other desserts.
• Compact with strong profitability, high-margin business model.

Extension Strategy:

• Extending to Tier -2 and Tier -3 cities as sweet culture increases.

Necessary investment:

• Depending on the outlet size and location, 20–50 lakhs ($ 24,000 to $ 60,000).

Development factor:

• Growing young population and preference for western -style sweet behavior.
• Cheap and fashionable fast food franchise concept with high repeated customer value.

Why are fast food franchisees a strong trading opportunity in India?

India's fast food market is exploding - and it is no longer about burgers and fries. The rich, diverse food culture of the country creates a unique playground for both global veterans and local innovations. 

1. Rising disposable income

India's middle class is expanding rapidly, and more people are earning more income than ever. This means that they are ready to spend and eat on the facility - even beyond special occasions. 

For example:

• A decade ago, eating out was a luxury. Now, it is part of urban daily life.
• People see fast food as a treatment or social activity, especially among the young crowd.

2. Busy, on-the-go lifestyle

Fast Food provides a convenient, no-to solution quick meal after work or the weekend is being out with friends.

3. Global brands with local tastes

Adapting to local tastes makes international franchises appealing to Indian customers and diners. Indians like international food but crave familiar spices and tastes - and global brands have adapted it brilliantly.

Example:

• McDonald's: The McAlal Tikki Burger is a vegetarian favorite, specially designed for India.
• KFC: Their Perry Perry Chicken and Tandoori Ginger Burger offers bold, Indian-inspired tastes.
• Domino: Paneer Makhni and Came Dow Pizza Pizza brings an Indian turn to the classic Italian dish.

4. Extension beyond metro

While major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore are saturated with fast food options, small cities and towns (Tier -2 and Tier -3 cities) are becoming new hotspots. Brands are expanding in these areas, where competition is low, real estate is inexpensive, and demand is increasing.

5. Street fast food franchise grows

Street food is a large part of Indian culture - from chaat and samosas to momos and dosa. Now, franchisees are converting these cute snacks into standardized, clean and scalable business models.

For example:

• Goli Vada Pav: A street-style Vada Pav Chain which is now a national brand.
• Very good! Momo: Momos are a popular street food in the fast food space with a modern, branded approach.

Conclusion: Is 2025 the year to start your fast food franchise trip?

With the global franchise expanding much faster than ever, 2025 may have the right time to start your own fast food venture. There is a demand, brands are growing, and opportunities are widespread - especially in India.

So, which fast food franchise sounds like the right fit for you? Whether it is a street food franchise in McDonald's, KFC, Domino, or Burger King - or even India - the key is to choose a brand that matches your passion and business goals.

Ready to take the next step?

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.