Top 10 Fast Food Franchise in India

In India, fast food is a big business. People from almost all cities and small towns are grabbing a quick bite. Juicy burgers, crispy pizzas, or spicy fries, fast food has become a part of our daily lives. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, a fast food franchise could be a great option. It’s a proven business model with a brand name, and you’ve got support from the holding company. How awesome is that?

In this article, we’ll go through the top 10 fast food franchise opportunities in India. I’ll give you the costs involved, the prerequisites, and why these brands are worth your investment. So, grab a snack, relax, and let’s begin!

Why Choose a Fast Food Franchise?

Before we get into the list, let’s discuss why a fast food franchise is a smart idea:

• Established Brand: You don’t have to create a brand from ground zero. Everyone already knows and trusts these names.
• Training and Support: Franchisors give training, recipes, and marketing assistance.
• Proven Business Model: These brands have already cracked the code.
• Growing Market: India’s fast food market is growing, particularly with the youth.
• Flexible Investment Options: You have franchise options ranging from ₹10 lakhs to ₹1 crore.

Let’s discuss the top 10 fast food franchises you can consider.

List of 10 Fast Food Franchises in India

1. McDonald’s

The Global Fast Food Giant

McDonald’s was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in California, USA. It became a global phenomenon under Ray Kroc, who joined the company in 1954. McDonald’s entered India in 1996 and quickly adapted to local tastes by introducing vegetarian options like the McAloo Tikki burger and paneer wraps. The company started offering franchises in India in the late 1990s, making it one of the earliest international fast food brands to do so.

• Investment: ₹1 crore to ₹2 crores (approx.)
• Franchise Fee: ₹30 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
• Space Required: 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft.

Why Choose McDonald’s?

• • Strong brand reputation.
  • Extensive training and operational support.
  • High footfall in prime locations.
  • Proven success in both urban and semi-urban areas.

2. Domino’s Pizza

The Pizza King

Tom Monaghan founded Domino’s Pizza in 1960 in Michigan, USA. In 1996, it entered India through a joint venture with Jubilant FoodWorks. Domino’s revolutionized the pizza delivery market in India with its “30 minutes or free” promise. The company started offering franchises in India in the early 2000s and has since become the largest pizza chain in the country.

• Investment: ₹50 lakhs to ₹1.5 crores
• Franchise Fee: ₹20 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs
• Space Required: 800 to 1,200 sq. ft.

Why Choose Domino’s?

• • There is a huge demand for pizza in India.
  • Efficient delivery system.
  • Strong marketing campaigns.
  • Over 1,500 stores in India.

3. Subway

Healthy Fast Food Option

Subway was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck in Connecticut, USA. It entered India in 2001 and quickly gained popularity for its fresh and customizable sandwiches. Subway started offering franchises in India in the early 2000s and has since expanded to over 600 outlets nationwide.

• Investment: ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore
• Franchise Fee: ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
• Space Required: 500 to 1,000 sq. ft.

Why Choose Subway?

• • Growing demand for healthy food.
  • Low operational costs.
  • Simple and scalable business model.
  • Flexibility in menu customization.

4. Burger King

Home of the Whopper

Burger King was founded in 1954 in Miami, Florida, USA. It entered India in 2014 and has since grown rapidly, thanks to its flame-grilled burgers and competitive pricing. Burger King started offering franchises in India shortly after its entry, focusing on metro cities and tier-2 towns.

• Investment: ₹1 crore to ₹2 crores
• Franchise Fee: ₹30 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
• Space Required: 1,200 to 2,000 sq. ft.

Why Choose Burger King?

• • Unique selling point (flame-grilled burgers).
  • Growing popularity in India.
  • Strong support from the franchisor.
  • Over 300 outlets in India and counting.

5. KFC

Finger-Lickin’ Good

KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1930 in Kentucky, USA. It entered India in 1995 and quickly became a favorite for its crispy chicken. KFC started offering franchises in India in the late 1990s and has since expanded to over 400 outlets.

• Investment: ₹1 crore to ₹2 crores
• Franchise Fee: ₹30 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
• Space Required: 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft.

Why Choose KFC?

• • High demand for chicken-based fast food.
  • Strong brand loyalty.
  • Extensive menu options.
  • Adaptability to local tastes with dishes like rice bowls and wraps.

6. Pizza Hut

Sit-Down Pizza Experience

Pizza Hut was founded in 1958 in Kansas, USA. It entered India in 1996 and is known for its dine-in experience and diverse menu. Pizza Hut started offering franchises in India in the early 2000s and has since become one of the most popular pizza chains in the country.

• Investment: ₹1.5 crores to ₹2.5 crores
• Franchise Fee: ₹40 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs
• Space Required: 1,500 to 3,000 sq. ft.

Why Choose Pizza Hut?

• • Premium brand image.
  • Diverse menu (pizza, pasta, desserts, etc.).
  • Great for dine-in customers.
  • Over 500 outlets in India.

7. Dunkin’ Donuts

Coffee and Donuts Combo

Dunkin’ Donuts was founded in 1950 in Massachusetts, USA. It entered India in 2012 through a partnership with Jubilant FoodWorks. Dunkin’ Donuts started offering franchises in India shortly after its entry and has since expanded to over 70 outlets.

• Investment: ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore
• Franchise Fee: ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
• Space Required: 800 to 1,500 sq. ft.

Why Choose Dunkin’ Donuts?

• • Unique product offering.
  • Growing coffee culture in India.
  • Affordable investment compared to other brands.
  • Focus on breakfast and snacks.

8. Baskin Robbins

Ice Cream Paradise

Baskin Robbins was founded in 1945 in California, USA. It entered India in 1993 and is known for its wide variety of ice cream flavors. Baskin Robbins started offering franchises in India in the early 2000s and has since expanded to over 800 outlets.

• Investment: ₹30 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs
• Space Required: 300 to 500 sq. ft.

Why Choose Baskin Robbins?

• • High-profit margins on ice cream.
  • A wide variety of flavors.
  • Low space requirement.
  • Strong brand recall.

9. Haldiram’s

Indian Snacks and Sweets

Haldiram’s was founded in 1937 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. It started as a small shop selling traditional Indian snacks and sweets. Haldiram’s began offering franchises in the 1990s and has since become a household name with over 150 outlets across India.

• Investment: ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore
• Franchise Fee: ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
• Space Required: 1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft.

Why Choose Haldiram’s?

• • Strong connection with Indian tastes.
  • Wide range of products.
  • Trusted brand name.
  • Growing demand for packaged snacks.

10. Taco Bell

The Mexican Fast Food Favorite

Taco Bell was founded in 1962 by Glen Bell in California, USA. It is known for its Mexican-inspired menu, including tacos, burritos, and nachos. Taco Bell entered India in 2010 through a partnership with Yum! Brands (the same company that owns KFC and Pizza Hut). The brand started offering franchises in India in the mid-2010s and has been steadily growing, especially in metro cities and college towns.

• Investment: ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crores
• Franchise Fee: ₹25 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs
• Space Required: 1,000 to 1,800 sq. ft.
• Why Choose Taco Bell?
  • Unique menu with Mexican flavors.
  • Growing popularity among young adults and students.
  • Affordable pricing and combo meals.
  • Strong support from Yum! Brands.
  • Over 100 outlets in India and expanding rapidly.

How to Choose the Right Franchise?

With so many options, how do you decide which franchise is right for you? Here are a few tips:

• Budget: Choose a franchise that fits your budget. Don’t forget to account for working capital.
• Location: Some brands work better in metros, while others are great for smaller towns.
• Your Interest: Pick a brand you’re passionate about. If you love coffee, go for CCD or Dunkin’ Donuts.
• Market Demand: Research the demand in your area. For example, if there are already 5 pizza places nearby, maybe consider a different option.
• Support from Franchisor: Look for a brand that offers strong training and marketing support.

More Franchise Ooortunities in India:

Final Thoughts

Starting a fast food franchise in India is a great way to enter the food business with a proven model. The brands we’ve discussed are some of the best in the industry, each with its unique strengths. Whether you want to serve burgers, pizza, or ice cream, there’s a franchise for you.

Remember, success depends on factors like location, management, and customer service. Do your research and plan carefully, and you could be running a profitable fast food franchise in no time.

Disclaimer: The investment costs and franchise fees mentioned are approximate and may vary based on location, size, and other factors. Always consult with the franchisor for accurate details.