Premium Indian Coffee House Franchise Cost and Fee

September 16, 2024

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Indian Coffee House, a legendary chain of coffee houses in India, has been delighting customers with its rich coffee, delicious snacks, and nostalgic atmosphere since the 1950s. The coffee houses are known for their strong coffee, tasty snacks, and nostalgic atmosphere.

The coffee café market in India has thrived in the past two decades and will see an upsurge by next year. By the end of this year, the market is expected to grow to Rs. 4540 crores

This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing popularity of coffee, the rise of the middle class, and the growing number of working professionals.

Indian Coffee House is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth. The brand has a strong reputation, a loyal customer base, and a proven business model.

This article will help you with the detailed cost structure, assess the investment required, and evaluate the potential returns of owning an Indian Coffee House franchise.

The Legacy of Indian Coffee House

Indian Coffee House is one of the oldest coffee chains in the country, with a history that dates back to the 1940s. 

The name is now linked with reasonably priced, excellent coffee experiences because of its reputation for serving traditional South Indian filter coffee and creating a classic café atmosphere.

Investing in an Indian Coffee House franchise allows you to tap into this legacy while catering to a loyal customer base.

The Indian Coffee House brand is widely recognised and respected, with a loyal following that spans generations. 

This substantial brand equity means franchisees benefit from an established reputation, making attracting and retaining customers easier without extensive marketing efforts.

Key Features of the Indian Coffee House Brand

Indian Coffee House, a beloved institution in India, is renowned for its special blend of tradition, nostalgia, and intellectual stimulation. Here are some of the key features that define the brand:

1. Rich History and Heritage

  • Founded in 1958: Indian Coffee House has a deep-rooted history dating back to the 1950s.
  • Intellectual Hub: It has long been a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and students.
  • Nostalgic Ambiance: The coffee houses often feature vintage decor and a timeless atmosphere.

2. Authentic Indian Cuisine

  • Traditional Snacks: This restaurant offers a variety of authentic Indian snacks, such as samosas, masala dosas, and bhajiyas.
  • Beverages: Serves a wide range of beverages, including coffee, tea, and lassi.
  • Regional Specialities: Some locations may offer regional delicacies catering to local tastes.

3. Quality Coffee and Tea

  • Hand-Brewed Coffee: Known for its high-quality, hand-brewed coffee.
  • Variety of Teas: Offers a selection of teas, including Darjeeling, Assam, and herbal blends.
  • Strong Coffee Culture: The Indian Coffee House has significantly promoted coffee culture in India.

4. Intellectual Stimulation

  • Literary Hub: Often associated with scholarly and intellectual discussions.
  • Regular Events: May host poetry readings, book launches, and cultural events.
  • Community Gathering Place: Provides a space for people to connect and exchange ideas.

5. Affordability

  • Value for Money: Offers affordable prices, making it accessible to many customers.
  • Student-Friendly: Popular among students due to its budget-friendly options.

6. Unique Atmosphere

  • Nostalgic Decor: Features vintage furniture, old-fashioned posters, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • Intellectual Aura: The ambience is often described as philosophical and stimulating.
  • Community Feel: Creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among patrons.

Working with a comprehensive service provider like Kouzina can give budding business owners a competitive edge as the industry expands. Their franchising model for cloud kitchens offers a distinctive and affordable way to get started in the booming food industry.

Detailed Indian Coffee House Franchise Costs

If you're considering opening an Indian Coffee House franchise, it's essential to understand the associated costs, including initial setup expenses, franchise fees, and ongoing operational costs. 

Initial Setup Costs

The initial investment required to open an Indian Coffee House franchise typically ranges from Rs. 15-20 lakhs. This amount covers various expenses, including:

  • Real Estate Costs: Depending on the location, renting or purchasing a suitable property can range from ₹15 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs. Prime locations in urban areas will likely incur higher costs.
  • Interior Design and Renovation: Setting up the café with the signature Indian Coffee House décor, including furniture, fixtures, and interior design, can cost between ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs.
  • Equipment: Essential coffee-making equipment, kitchen appliances, and other operational tools are crucial. The cost of acquiring these items can range from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs.
  • Initial Inventory: Stocking up on coffee beans, condiments, and other essentials will require an initial investment of around ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs.

Franchise Fee Breakdown

  • Franchise Fee: The franchise fee for Indian Coffee House is typically between ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs. This fee grants you the rights to operate under the Indian Coffee House brand, access the established menu, and use proprietary recipes.
  • Royalty Fees: Indian Coffee House usually charges a royalty fee of 5% to 8% of your monthly gross revenue. This ongoing fee covers the cost of brand maintenance, marketing support, and continuous access to the franchisor’s resources.
  • Marketing Fees: An additional marketing fee, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh annually, may be required to contribute to the franchisor's national and local marketing campaigns.

Also read: Top Low-Cost Cafe Franchise Opportunities In India

Ongoing Operational Costs

Operating an Indian Coffee House franchise involves several recurring costs:

  • Employee Salaries: Staffing your café with baristas, kitchen staff, and managers will be a significant monthly expense. Depending on the number of employees, this could range from ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per month.
  • Rent and Utilities: Monthly rent for your location, along with utility bills (electricity, water, internet), will typically add up to ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs per month.
  • Inventory Replenishment: Regularly restocking coffee beans, milk, food items, and other essentials will require a monthly budget of ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakhs.
  • Maintenance and Repairs: Ensuring that all equipment is in good working order and that the café is well-maintained can incur additional costs of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh annually.

Financing Your Indian Coffee House Franchise

Here are some options for financing your Indian Coffee House Franchise:

Exploring Funding Options

Given the substantial initial and ongoing costs, securing financing is often necessary for franchisees. Consider the following options:

  • Bank Loans: Banks' Traditional business loans can provide the capital for your franchise. Prepare a solid business plan to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.
  • Government Schemes: Look into government-backed loans and schemes to support India's small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
  • Personal Savings: Using personal savings can reduce the burden of interest payments and give you more control over your finances.

Assessing Return on Investment (ROI)

Understanding the potential ROI is crucial before committing to a franchise. Indian Coffee House franchises typically reach their break-even point within 2 to 3 years, depending on location and operational efficiency. With a steady flow of customers and effective management, you can expect a healthy return on your investment over time.

Revenue Streams and Profitability

Have a look at these revenue streams and profitability: 

Core Revenue from Beverages

The primary revenue stream for an Indian Coffee House franchise is from coffee sales. Offering a variety of coffee beverages, from traditional filter coffee to contemporary brews, ensures a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

Food and Dessert Offerings

Complementing the coffee menu with snacks, meals, and desserts can significantly boost revenue. Popular items include South Indian snacks, sandwiches, and pastries, which appeal to customers looking for a quick bite with their coffee.

Merchandising Opportunities

Selling branded merchandise such as coffee mugs, packaged coffee beans, and accessories can generate revenue. Merchandise generates income, promotes brand loyalty, and increases brand visibility.

Seasonal and Promotional Sales

Special promotions, seasonal menu items, and holiday-themed products can drive sales during peak periods. These limited-time offers make a sense of urgency and can attract new customers while encouraging repeat visits from existing ones.

Franchise Agreement and Contractual Terms

Follow these Franchise Agreements and Contractual Terms to go on a smooth process: 

Agreement Duration

The franchise agreement typically lasts 5 to 10 years, depending on the terms set by the franchisor. Understanding the duration and conditions before signing the contract is essential.

Renewal Clauses

Franchise agreements often include renewal clauses, allowing the franchisee to extend the agreement upon expiration. Renewal terms may involve additional fees or revised conditions, which should be reviewed carefully.

Exit and Transfer Protocols

The franchise agreement will outline the protocols for exiting the franchise or transferring ownership. These protocols are essential, particularly if the franchisee plans to sell the business.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

Compliance with local regulations, health and safety standards, and labour laws is mandatory. The franchise agreement will specify these requirements, and adhering to them is vital to ignore legal issues.

Factors Affecting Franchise Costs In Indian Coffee House

The exact franchise cost can depend on several factors:

  • Location: Rent and other expenses can differ significantly based on the franchise's location.
  • Size of the Outlet: Larger outlets may require higher initial investments and ongoing operational costs.
  • Interior Design: The level of customisation and décor can impact the overall cost.
  • Equipment: The type and quality of equipment, such as espresso machines and coffee grinders, can influence the initial investment.
  • Staffing: The number of employees required to operate the coffee house will affect labour costs.

Must read: Understanding the Cost of Cafe Coffee Day Franchise In India

Success Factors and Potential Risks for an Indian Coffee House Franchise

Here are some success factors and potential risks that you must consider: 

Key Success Factors

Critical success factors for an Indian Coffee House franchise include choosing the right location, maintaining high-quality products and services, and effectively managing operational costs. Customer service and community engagement are crucial for building a loyal customer base.

  • Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's reputation and loyal customer base can attract customers to the franchise.
  • Proven Business Model: Indian Coffee House has a well-established and successful business model that has stood the test of time.
  • Training and Support: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from the brand.
  • Marketing and Advertising: Indian Coffee House provides marketing and advertising support to help promote the franchise.
  • Exclusive Territory: Franchisees are granted exclusive territories to protect their investment.

Market Competition

The coffee shop market in India is competitive, with several local and international brands vying for customers. To succeed, franchisees must differentiate themselves through unique offerings, superior service, and effective marketing strategies.

Economic Fluctuations

Economic downturns can affect consumer spending, potentially impacting the profitability of a coffee house franchise. Franchisees should be prepared to adapt their strategies during such times, possibly by introducing value-driven menu options or promotions.

Regulatory Changes

Changes in local regulations, such as tax laws, labour laws, or health and safety standards, can impact a franchise's operations. Staying informed and compliant with these changes is essential for avoiding legal issues and ensuring business continuity.

Kouzina: A Top Alternative to Indian Coffee House Franchise

Kouzina is a leading food tech company that supports entrepreneurs and hospitality businesses in launching successful food franchises. With a presence in over 80 cities, Kouzina operates more than 4,180 virtual restaurants and 190 cloud kitchens.

Diverse Brands Under Kouzina:

  • WarmOven: Cakes and desserts
  • KaatiZone: Rolls and wraps
  • Indiana Burgers: Affordable burgers
  • CupCake Bliss: Cupcakes and desserts
  • Burger It Up: Premium burgers
  • Slurpy Shakes: Milkshakes
  • Sundae Everyday: Ice creams and sundaes
  • Dessert Zone: Variety of desserts
  • Momo Zone: Momos
  • Kouzina Kafe: A mix of all brands

Franchise Opportunities: Kouzina offers cost-effective cloud kitchen franchise options with strong support in aggregator management, targeting brands like Rebel, Cure Foods, and Ghost Kitchens India.

Investment Costs:

  1. Cloud Kitchen:
    • Investment: ₹8-10 lakhs (Brand fee: ₹2.5 lakhs)
    • Space: 300-600 sq ft
    • Staff: 4
    • Expected Monthly Sales: ₹8 lakhs
    • Profit Margin: 15%
    • Royalty: 12% of monthly sales
  2. Kitchen with Store Front:
    • Investment: ₹10-12 lakhs (Brand fee: ₹2.5 lakhs)
    • Space: 350-800 sq ft
    • Staff: 5
    • Expected Monthly Sales: ₹10 lakhs
    • Profit Margin: 25%
    • Royalty: 12% of monthly sales
  3. Kitchen Master:
    • Investment: ₹30-32 lakhs (Brand fee: ₹5 lakhs)
    • Space: 800-1,500 sq ft
    • Staff: 8
    • Expected Monthly Sales: ₹30 lakhs
    • Profit Margin: 25%
    • Royalty: 12% of monthly sales

Franchisee Support:

  • Site Selection: Assistance in finding the best location using demand data.
  • Setup Support: Guidance on kitchen layout, equipment, and hiring.
  • Post-Launch Support: Ongoing support, including a specialised bakery chef.
  • Operational Excellence: Access to SOPs, training, and staff assessments.
  • Inventory Management: Efficient inventory tools and practices.
  • Data-Driven Improvement: Continuous improvement through data analysis and audits.
  • Aggregator Partnership: Help with online order partnerships and menu management.
  • Marketing Support: Guidance in digital and social media marketing.
  • Packaging Innovation: Innovative packaging solutions for better customer experience.

Kouzina offers a comprehensive package for franchisees, making it a strong alternative for those looking to enter the food and beverage industry with a proven brand.

The Ending Line

Indian Coffee House presents a unique and rewarding franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs who appreciate the brand's rich heritage and commitment to quality. By understanding the franchise costs, factors that influence them, and the benefits associated with the brand, potential franchisees can decide whether this is the right venture for them.

For individuals seeking to purchase a cloud kitchen with a varied menu and an affordable model, Kouzina is an excellent substitute. These franchises offer an opportunity to capitalise on the expanding food sector and establish a successful company.

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