Chai Sutta Bar has become one of India’s most visible organised tea-café brands. Its use of traditional kulhads, affordable menu and youth-focused café environment have helped it expand beyond ordinary roadside tea stalls. The company now reports more than 650 outlets worldwide, including locations in India, Canada, Nepal and the UAE.
For entrepreneurs interested in the food and beverage sector, the franchise provides an established brand, standardised operating system and supply-chain support. However, applicants must carefully understand the total investment, royalty, property needs and operational responsibilities before making a payment.
Is a Chai Sutta Bar Franchise Available in India?
Yes, Chai Sutta Bar officially offers franchise opportunities in India. It primarily uses the FOFO model, meaning Franchise Owned and Franchise Operated. Under this arrangement, the franchisee invests in the outlet and manages its daily operations while receiving the right to use the Chai Sutta Bar brand for an agreed period.
The company’s franchise page currently lists more than 100 Indian cities where opportunities may be available. Availability can change according to territorial rights, existing outlets and the company’s expansion strategy.
Chai Sutta Bar Franchise Cost in India
The official Chai Sutta Bar franchise page states that the investment starts from approximately ₹22 lakh. It also provides an estimated total investment range of ₹22 lakh to ₹30 lakh, depending on the city, outlet location and desired ambience.
The investment may cover several major expenses:
- Franchise or brand-licensing fee
- Outlet interiors and furniture
- Kitchen and beverage-making equipment
- Signage and brand-standard décor
- Initial raw materials and packaging
- Staff recruitment and training
- Licences and registrations
- Opening marketing and working capital
An older article on the company’s official website mentions a franchise fee of approximately ₹6 lakh to ₹12 lakh within an overall investment of ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh. Because the company’s current franchise page places the starting investment at ₹22 lakh, applicants should rely on the latest written quotation issued for their proposed city and outlet.
Token Money and Royalty Fee
The company’s official FAQ states that applicants may need to deposit approximately ₹2 lakh as token money, which is described as non-refundable. The official material also mentions a royalty charge of 4% of monthly sales.
Before paying token money, applicants should obtain a written document explaining whether the amount forms part of the franchise fee, what happens if the proposed location is rejected, and whether any additional taxes are payable.
Location and Outlet Requirements
A suitable commercial location is one of the most important requirements. Chai Sutta Bar’s official process includes an inspection by its research and development team before the shop is finalised. Interiors and furniture must then be completed according to the company’s defined standards.
A proposed outlet should ideally have good visibility, convenient access and regular customer movement. Areas near colleges, coaching centres, offices, shopping markets, residential neighbourhoods and transport points may provide suitable demand.
The exact area requirement is not clearly fixed on the company’s current franchise page. It may depend on the city, shop layout and approved café format. Applicants should therefore avoid renting or purchasing a property solely on the basis of unofficial online size estimates.
Eligibility for a Chai Sutta Bar Franchise
Chai Sutta Bar does not publish a strict minimum age, educational qualification or net-worth requirement. Its official information says that applicants primarily need enthusiasm for the brand, a suitable location and the desire to operate the business successfully.
A suitable franchise applicant should ideally have:
- Access to approximately ₹22 lakh to ₹30 lakh
- Additional working capital for early operating expenses
- A commercially suitable shop or proposed location
- Ability to manage employees and customer service
- Willingness to follow brand recipes and quality standards
- Basic understanding of retail or food-service operations
- Clean legal and financial records
- Capacity to supervise the outlet actively
The company’s franchise guidance indicates that a formal degree is not necessary. However, applicants should understand basic business management and customer interaction. An outlet may also require approximately two to four employees, depending on its size and customer volume.
Documents That May Be Required
Applicants should keep Aadhaar, PAN, address proof, photographs and bank statements ready. Proof of funds, income-tax returns, business registration documents and GST details may also be requested.
Property-related documents can include ownership records, a rent agreement, shop photographs, floor plans and the landlord’s permission for commercial food operations. The outlet may also need FSSAI registration, a local trade licence and Shops and Establishments registration.
The final document list should be confirmed directly with the franchise team because licensing requirements differ between states and municipalities.
Training and Support Provided
Once the location and agreement are finalised, Chai Sutta Bar provides approximately 15 to 20 days of staff training at company-owned outlets. After training, the company supplies or arranges the required raw materials and machinery before the store opening.
The company also describes support in areas such as site selection, store setup, branding, operations, supply-chain management and marketing. Nevertheless, the franchisee remains responsible for rent, employee salaries, electricity, local promotion and day-to-day management.
Profit and Expected Return
Chai Sutta Bar does not provide a guaranteed monthly income on its current franchise application page. Actual profit will depend on customer footfall, average billing value, rent, staff costs, ingredient expenses, royalty and delivery-platform commissions.
Applicants should prepare their own financial forecast using conservative sales assumptions. Any projected return should account for slow initial months, seasonal changes, wastage and local competition. Claims of guaranteed profit or assured investment recovery should not replace proper financial evaluation.
How to Apply for a Chai Sutta Bar Franchise
Applicants can submit their name, phone number, proposed area and address through the official franchise enquiry form. The company can also be contacted through its verified telephone number, +91 6262300031, or the official email address business@chaisuttabarindia.com.
The official process generally involves depositing the token amount, location inspection, shop finalisation, completion of interiors, signing the franchise agreement at the Indore head office, staff training and outlet opening.
Final Word
A Chai Sutta Bar franchise generally requires an estimated investment of ₹22 lakh to ₹30 lakh, along with suitable commercial premises and sufficient working capital. The model may suit entrepreneurs who want to enter the organised tea-café market under an established brand.
Before investing, applicants should obtain a complete written cost sheet covering the franchise fee, token money, royalty, equipment, interior work and ongoing expenses. The proposed location should also be formally approved before a long-term lease or major renovation expense is committed.
