Pandharpuri Chai Franchise Cost in India: Model, ROI, Eligibility Criteria & Steps to Apply

Pandharpuri Chai, founded around 2018, has scaled to 350+ outlets across 35+ cities in India, serving over 450,000 cups daily and drawing around 200,000 customers every day. The brand focuses on a lean kiosk/counter model offering various teas, cold beverages, snacks, and minimal staffing requirements—making it accessible to budding entrepreneurs.

The brand emphasizes:

• Low investment with high footfall viability
• Strong logistics and online marketing support
• Training at location and standardized design across outlets

💰 Investment & Cost Overview

Key Figures at a Glance

Component	Estimated Cost
Investment Range	₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh
Shop Area Required	60–150 sq.ft
Franchise Fee	Typically ₹1.5 lakh
Royalty / Commission	0% royalty (franchise keeps full revenue)
ROI Timeline	7–9 months
Number of Existing Stores	350+ outlets in 35+ cities

• Pandharpuri Chai states that tre investment begins from ₹1.5 lakh, with base equipment & inventory requiring ₹2.5–3 lakh total.
• No royalty is charged on sales—franchisees reportedly retain 100% of ₹revenue, which is rare in F&B franchising.
• Payback is projected in 7–9 months, assuming minimal investment and daily customer volume.

Investment Narratives

Pandharpuri Chai’s exposure highlights the minimal capex, with some listings specifying ₹2.5 lakh as the total minimum investment including equipment and supplies. Larger premium outlets could require up to ₹5 lakh depending on size and location.

🏗 Franchise Model & Support Ecosystem

Format & Setup

• Designed as kiosk or counter format (approx. 60–150 sq.ft) for high-traffic locations like malls, office corridors, markets, or near transit nodes.
• Staff requirement is minimal—typically one or two people to serve up to 750 cups per day.
• Model is FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated) with brand supplying design layout and training.

Support Structure

Pandharpuri Chai provides:

• Training onsite covering menu preparation, hygiene standards, customer service.
• Standardized store design & décor to maintain brand uniformity.
• Online marketing support, assured logistics, and product supply chain coordination.
• Brand SOPs and remote monitoring to ensure quality and compliance.

📈 Financial Estimates: Sales, Margins & ROI

Revenue Potential

• Selling 750 cups daily in a kiosk can generate ₹7,500–₹10,000/day (₹2.2–3 lakh/month) at ₹10–15 per cup.
• With zero royalty, all gross revenue belongs to franchisee.

Profit Margins & ROI

• Raw material and staffing costs are low; net profitability can range 30–40% or higher depending on location and cost discipline.
• With ₹3 lakh monthly revenue, net profit of ₹90K–₹1.2L/month means a 7–9 month payback on ₹2.5–3 lakh investment.
• Some outlets may achieve breakeven within 6 months if daily sales exceed 1,000 cups.

✅ Eligibility & Ideal Profile

Who’s a good fit to join?

1. Capital-ready entrepreneurs with ₹2–5 lakh available.
2. Access to or ownership of 60–150 sq.ft retail space in high footfall areas.
3. Hands-on involvement initially; operational simplicity but requires disciplined execution.
4. Basic documentation: PAN, Aadhaar, GST, shop license, trade license as per local norms.
5. Commitment to brand standards: hygiene, taste, supply compliance—all franchised controlled.

📝 Steps to Apply for Pandharpuri Chai Franchise

1. Express Interest
   Fill franchise inquiry form on pandharpurichai.com, providing personal details, location and available capex.
2. Pre‑Screening & Feasibility
   Brand evaluates your proposal and confirms location suitability based on footfall, access, and demographics.
3. Agreement & Fee Payment
   Typically, a one-time franchise fee (~₹1.5 lakh) is paid; as roy­alty is 0%, no recurring revenue share levy follows.
4. Store Setup
   Fit-out involves standard kiosk branding, small counters, gas stove/tea-making equipment, seating if applicable.
5. Training & Launch
   Training occurs at the shop or a brand-designated location; logistics and supply chains are set up.
6. Operations & Monitoring
   You go live, deliver chai, track sales; the brand continues to support via marketing, supply and occasional audits.
7. Expansion Support
   High performers may get access to multiple-unit or area development rights depending on market demand.

⚖️ Pros & Cons for Investors

✅ Advantages

• Extremely low capital investment (₹2–5 lakh) ideal for first-time F&B entrepreneurs.
• No royalty, meaning you keep full revenue—rare in franchise models.
• Fast breakeven: strong margin potential with high-volume chai sales.
• Lean staffing and simple operations reduce overhead significantly.
• Brand visibility with loyal tea drinkers and wide expansion networks.

❌ Considerations

• Highly competitive tea segment in metro hubs—many look-alike kiosks imitate “Chai” branding; differentiation matters.
• Volume dependency: income hinges on consistent daily footfall.
• Lack of in-depth public feedback: few third-party reviews exist, so speak to existing franchisees if possible.
• Food business risk: a Reddit-based consensus warns that many small café franchises face early failure if capital backup or operational rigor is missing.
• Franchise saturation: as more low-cost chai brands proliferate, maintaining product and service quality becomes essential.

💡 Smart Advice Before You Invest

• Visit a few operating outlets to verify daily footfall, quality, and financial viability.
• Talk to current franchisees to get first-hand experience of support and profitability.
• Clarify the 0% royalty claim fully and understand all financial obligations.
• Negotiate or gauge lease terms—rent is often the largest recurring cost.
• Build at least 3–6 months operational buffer capital before breaking even.
• Understand exit or transfer clauses for flexibility in franchise term.

🧾 Franchisee Quick Checklist

• Capital: ₹2–5 lakh (setup & inventory)
• Space: 60–150 sq.ft in high-footfall zone
• Franchise fee: ~₹1.5 lakh
• Royalty: 0% claimed
• Payback: 7–9 months
• Staff: 1–2 persons typical
• Agreement term: typically 3–5 years (check specifics)
• Licences: GST, trade licence, food permit, KYC documentation

🎯 Final Verdict

Pandharpuri Chai offers a rare, low‑risk entry into India’s chai‑driven F&B market. With minimal investment, a reportedly zero‑royalty model, and fast payback timelines, it appeals to small entrepreneurs and first‑time franchisees—provided they get location selection and operation discipline right.

However, food business clarity, real footfall data, and franchise reliability matter. Always do due diligence: visit outlets, talk to franchisees, and review contract terms carefully.