Written By: Bandana Gupta

Mumbai’s love for baked treats keeps growing, from the charm of Irani bakeries to the rise of trendy patisseries. As we move into 2026, the city’s bakery scene is more exciting than ever. It’s not just about birthday cakes anymore but also about artisanal breads, healthy ingredients, and also desserts made to impress on social media. The bakery franchise set to lead in 2026 are the ones that mix tradition with new trends. Some have a strong presence across the city, while others focus on unique, high-demand niches. Here are the top bakery franchises to watch in Mumbai for 2026.

Top Bakery Franchise Opportunities in Mumbai 2026

Monginis

Monginis has more than 1000 outlets across India and is known for its trusted brand name.  It's ideal for Tier 2 as well as Tier 3 cities; it offers a wide variety of cakes, pastries, and snacks with full supply chain support.

7th Heaven

This brand has grown rapidly to become one of India’s largest bakery chains, driven by its unique concept and strong market appeal. Its live cake-making in just 7 minutes, wide menu, and also fast-growing network have made it a favorite among customers and franchisees alike.

Just Bake

 Just Bake is a leading bakery brand in South India. Its diverse cake selection, festive themes, and strong branding make it suitable for both high streets and local neighbourhoods.

Theobroma

It’s hard to talk about Mumbai’s bakeries without mentioning Theobroma. Since its inception in 2004 at Cusrow Baug, it has grown into one of India’s most loved patisserie brands.

It is known for its “affordable luxury” treats like brownies, Mava Cake, breads, and savories. With its strong brand and top locations, it remains a favourite spot for dessert lovers.

Best For: Brownies, premium cakes, and indulgent desserts.

Birdy’s

With years of experience, Birdy’s remains a popular choice for its fresh bakes and quick service. It’s a great option for entrepreneurs who want a trusted, well-known franchise with a loyal customer base.

Baker's Lounge

A modern bakery brand offering stylish presentation and creative recipes. It’s quickly becoming popular among young customers and café lovers across Mumbai.

Merwans

A trusted Mumbai bakery brand known for its delicious cakes, pastries, and snacks at affordable prices. With decades of experience and a loyal customer base, Merwans continues to be a go-to choice for everyday treats and celebrations.

Love and Cheesecake / Poetry by Love & Cheesecake

This brand is known as one of Mumbai’s top dessert spots. With its café, “Poetry by Love & Cheesecake,” it offers both great food and delicious cheesecakes. Their focus on premium ingredients and eye-catching desserts makes them a favorite among dessert lovers.

Best For: Baked New York Cheesecake, Biscoff Cheesecake, and rich desserts.

Le15 Patisserie

Started by Chef Pooja Dhingra, Le15 introduced French-style desserts to Mumbai. It began as a small bakery and has now grown into a well-known patisserie with a strong online reach.

Famous for its macarons and pretty pastries, Le15 also sells cookie doughs and mixes online, making it a favorite for dessert lovers.

Best For: Macarons, cupcakes, and French desserts.

The Baker’s Dozen

While many bakeries focus on cakes, The Baker’s Dozen stands out for its fresh, artisanal breads. It has made sourdough a popular choice in many homes.

Known for its healthy and high-quality baked products, the brand also uses “fresh-lock” packaging to keep items fresh for longer, helping it grow both in stores and online.

Best For: Sourdough bread, whole-wheat loaves, and artisanal bakes.

Top Advantages of Investing in a Bakery Franchise Business in India 2026

Proven Business Model: Franchises already have tested systems, strong branding, and set procedures, reducing the risk for new entrepreneurs.

High Market Demand: Mumbai’s growing café culture and large population ensure steady demand for fresh bakes — from daily treats to celebration cakes.

Instant Brand Recognition: A known bakery brand attracts customers quickly, saving time and effort on building trust.

Franchise Support: Franchisees get full training, operational guidance, and marketing help to run the business smoothly and maintain quality.

Good Profit Margins: Bakery products like cakes and pastries often deliver high profits, making this a rewarding investment.

Stable and Reliable Business: Bakeries earn consistently through daily sales and special occasions, making them one of the most stable and recession-resistant ventures.

How to Choose the Right Bakery Franchise in India: Simple Tips for Guaranteed Success

Starting a bakery franchise can be a great business move, but choosing the right brand is key. Here are  important factors to help you make the best choice.

1. Reputation and History

Pick a brand with a strong track record. Check reviews, talk to existing franchisees, and look for any legal or financial issues. Awards or industry recognition are good signs of a trustworthy brand.

2. Brand Recognition

A popular, well-known brand attracts more customers and makes it easier to grow your business.

3. Support and Training

Choose a franchise that offers full support, from staff training and setup to marketing and daily operations. This ensures you can run the bakery smoothly from day one.

4. Start-Up Costs

Understand all costs before you invest: franchise fees, equipment, ingredients, rent, and licenses. Create a detailed budget so there are no surprises later.

5. Royalty and Ongoing Fees

Most bakery franchises charge royalty fees, typically 4% to 10% of total sales, in exchange for using the brand name and receiving ongoing support. Be sure to check how these fees impact your profit margins and whether there are any extra charges for marketing or advertising.

6. Location

Pick a spot with good visibility and foot traffic. Avoid areas already crowded with bakeries unless you offer something unique.

7. Market Research

Study your local market. Understand demand, target customers, and competitors. Pick a franchise that fits local tastes and trends.

8. Growth Potential

Look for a brand that’s expanding steadily and has plans for new products or outlets. It shows long-term stability and potential returns.

9. Local Marketing Support

Choose a franchise that helps with advertising and digital marketing. Many offer ready-to-use templates and online marketing guidance to attract local customers.

10. Franchise Cost and Breakeven

Bakery franchises in India usually need an investment of ₹10–50 lakhs. You’ll also pay ongoing fees and marketing charges. Your breakeven point depends on your sales, costs, and location; plan carefully to reach profitability faster.

Key Things to Know Before Investing in a Bakery Franchise

Before you leap into the bakery business, it’s important to understand what your investment will involve. 

• Investment: Startup costs can vary widely, from ₹10 lakhs for smaller formats to over ₹30 lakhs for premium models. Choose a franchise that fits your budget and long-term goals.
• Space Requirement: Most bakery franchises need 300–800 sq. ft. of space. Location and layout play a big role in attracting walk-in customers, so choose wisely.
• Product Range: Some brands focus only on cakes and desserts, while others include snacks, sandwiches, and even ice cream. Pick one that matches your target audience and market demand.
• Operating Model: Decide whether you prefer a central kitchen model (less hassle, easier supply) or an independent setup (more control and flexibility).

Each of these factors can impact your profits, so take time to evaluate them before you invest.

Top Trends Shaping the Bakery Industry in 2026

The leading bakery franchises are growing fast because they’re keeping up with key market trends:

1. Health-Conscious Baking More customers now prefer vegan, gluten-free, low-sugar, and keto options. Brands like Zinque Patisserie and Sentient Steps are leading this shift, while bigger franchises are launching their own healthy product lines to match the demand.
2. Rise of Artisanal Baking People want authentic, handcrafted products made with quality ingredients. Sourdough bread has become a symbol of this trend, along with craft coffee, bean-to-bar chocolate, and creative pastries.
3. Digital and Cloud Kitchens Online cake orders are now a major part of the business. Cloud kitchen brands like Bakingo are setting new standards with quick delivery and digital-first models, pushing traditional bakeries to strengthen their online presence and delivery systems.

Bakery Franchise vs. Starting Your Own Bakery in India—Which Is the Better Choice for 2026?

Starting your own bakery can be exciting, but it takes time and effort. You’ll need to create everything from scratch: your recipes, brand, marketing, suppliers, and customers. It’s rewarding but also risky, especially for beginners.

A franchise, on the other hand, gives you a head start. You get a proven system, a trusted brand, and loyal customers from day one. You’ll have to follow the brand’s rules, but you’ll avoid many common startup mistakes.

If you want to enter the bakery business and grow quickly, choosing a good franchise is often the smarter option.

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.