Irani Cafe Franchise Cost in India: Model, ROI, Eligibility Criteria & Steps to Apply

India’s food and beverage industry has been witnessing a massive transformation with a growing love for unique and culturally rich dining experiences. Among them, Irani Cafes hold a special place. These cafes originated in Mumbai and Pune decades ago, inspired by Persian immigrants, and became iconic for their rustic charm, vintage vibes, and unique menu that blends Indian, Parsi, and Irani flavors. Today, modern Irani Cafe franchises are reviving this nostalgic culture, offering entrepreneurs a profitable entry into the booming café business.

If you are considering owning an Irani Cafe outlet, this article explains the franchise cost, business models, ROI, eligibility, and application steps in detail.

Why Choose an Irani Cafe Franchise?

• Evergreen Concept – The nostalgic theme of Irani cafes attracts both older and younger generations.
• Diverse Menu – Specialties like Bun Maska, Keema Pav, Berry Pulao, Irani Chai, and bakery delights cater to a wide range of customers.
• Growing Café Culture – India’s café and casual dining market is expected to grow significantly, with urban youth contributing majorly.
• Unique Identity – Unlike generic coffee chains, Irani Cafes have a distinct cultural vibe that makes them stand out.

Irani Cafe Franchise Models in India

Typically, Irani Cafe franchises operate in two main models:

1. Café Model
   • A mid-sized outlet (600–1,000 sq. ft.) offering dine-in services.
   • Popular in metro cities, malls, and commercial hubs.
   • Focuses on ambience, Irani-themed décor, and full menu service.
2. Express / Kiosk Model
   • Smaller outlets (200–400 sq. ft.) located in high-footfall areas like airports, corporate parks, and transit zones.
   • Specializes in serving quick snacks, tea, coffee, and bakery products.
   • Requires less investment compared to full-fledged cafes.

Irani Cafe Franchise Cost in India

The franchise cost of an Irani Cafe depends on the location, outlet size, and model chosen. Here’s a breakdown:

• Franchise Fee: ₹5 – ₹8 Lakhs (one-time, brand usage rights)
• Café Setup Cost: ₹25 – ₹40 Lakhs (interiors, kitchen equipment, furniture, branding, décor)
• Kiosk/Express Setup Cost: ₹12 – ₹18 Lakhs
• Royalty Fee: 6% – 8% of monthly sales
• Working Capital: ₹3 – ₹5 Lakhs (initial inventory, staff salaries, marketing)

👉 Total Investment Range:

• Café Model – ₹35 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs
• Express Model – ₹15 Lakhs to ₹20 Lakhs

Return on Investment (ROI)

One of the biggest attractions of the Irani Cafe franchise is its profitability due to high customer demand.

• Average Monthly Revenue: ₹7 – ₹12 Lakhs (Café Model); ₹3 – ₹5 Lakhs (Express)
• Profit Margin: 15% – 25% depending on location and operational efficiency
• Payback Period: 18 – 30 months (you can recover your investment within 2.5 years in most cases)

Eligibility Criteria for Irani Cafe Franchise

To qualify as a franchise owner, you must meet certain criteria:

1. Financial Capability – Ability to invest between ₹15 Lakhs and ₹50 Lakhs depending on model.
2. Space Requirement –
   • Café Model: 600 – 1,000 sq. ft. in prime location
   • Express Model: 200 – 400 sq. ft. in high-footfall areas
3. Business Background – Prior F&B or retail experience preferred but not mandatory.
4. Passion for Food Business – Willingness to be actively involved in operations ensures better ROI.
5. Legal Compliance – Capability to obtain FSSAI license, GST registration, fire safety NOC, and other permits.

Support Provided by the Brand

When you partner with an Irani Cafe franchise, you generally receive:

• Brand Training – Training for staff and owners in operations, recipe standards, and customer service.
• Store Setup Assistance – Guidance in interior design, kitchen setup, and décor.
• Marketing Support – Social media campaigns, launch events, and brand promotions.
• Supply Chain & Inventory – Support in sourcing raw materials and managing stock.
• Operational Guidance – Ongoing support to maintain quality and consistency.

Steps to Apply for Irani Cafe Franchise in India

If you’re ready to invest, here’s the typical process:

1. Research & Contact
   • Visit the official website or contact the franchise development team.
   • Request the franchise information brochure.
2. Application Submission
   • Fill in the franchise application form with details like investment capacity, preferred location, and personal background.
3. Discussion & Evaluation
   • Franchise team evaluates your profile.
   • Initial discussions include cost breakdown, ROI expectations, and territory allocation.
4. Agreement & Legal Formalities
   • Sign the franchise agreement after reviewing terms such as franchise fee, royalty, tenure, and obligations.
5. Site Approval & Setup
   • Company helps in site selection, outlet design, and construction.
6. Training & Hiring
   • Staff recruitment and training conducted by brand experts.
7. Launch & Operations
   • Marketing campaigns planned for grand opening.
   • Continuous support provided post-launch.

Final Thoughts

The Irani Cafe franchise is a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to tap into India’s booming café culture while offering customers a nostalgic yet modern dining experience. With a moderate investment of ₹15 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs, good ROI potential, and strong brand support, this franchise model is suitable for both new and experienced investors.

If you have the passion for food, the ability to manage a hospitality business, and a prime location, investing in an Irani Cafe franchise can be a rewarding business decision.

✅ Pro Tip: Before investing, always compare multiple café franchise opportunities (like Café Coffee Day, Blue Tokai, and Barista) to ensure the Irani Cafe franchise aligns with your budget, target market, and long-term business goals.