Tag: cafe POS

blog

Top 10 Cafe Brands in India: Franchise, Investment & ROI

From cozy first dates to remote work marathons, cafe brands in India have transformed into vibrant social hubs, places where lifestyle, community, and caffeine blend seamlessly. As the cafe culture continues to brew stronger across metros and tier-2 cities alike, franchise cafes are emerging as one of the most appealing investment avenues for aspiring entrepreneurs.

With a wide range of cafe brands in india competing for attention, the big question is: Which one offers the best blend of brand power, profitability, and growth potential?

In this blog, we explore India’s top 10 cafe franchise opportunities, diving deep into their initial investment, expected ROI, and what gives each brand its unique edge in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re eyeing a cozy corner cafe or a scalable chain, this guide will help you find your perfect franchise fit.

☕ 1. Starbucks India

Starbucks: Brewing Global Connections Through Communities, One Cup at a Time – Blog Site of KIIT School of Management (KSOM)

The global giant entered India in partnership with Tata and has since become the gold standard of cafe experience in metro cities.

~ Initial Investment: ₹1.5 – ₹2 Crores

~ Franchise Model: Currently not available for independent franchisees. Operates through Tata alliance.

~ ROI Potential: High, but long-term

~ USP: Premium brand image, global menu, high footfall in metros

✅ Best for: Investors looking for corporate-level partnerships or exploring premium formats in Tier 1 cities.

 

☕ 2. Cafe Coffee Day (CCD)

A Phoenix Rises – Malavika Hegde's Inspirational Story of Rebuilding CCD - PATHFINDERS TRAININGS

India’s OG café brand. Despite financial troubles in recent years, CCD still holds brand equity, especially in Tier 2 cities.

~ Initial Investment: ₹10 – ₹15 Lakhs

~ Franchise Fee: ₹1 – ₹2 Lakhs

~ Expected ROI Time: 18 – 24 months

~ USP: Established brand recognition, wide footprint, affordable pricing

✅ Best for: Budget-conscious investors in smaller towns.

 

☕ 3. Barista

Barista Coffee – Sector 35 – Barista Coffee

A premium cafe brand with international coffee blends, Barista has maintained a strong niche presence in urban India.

~ Initial Investment: ₹30 – ₹40 Lakhs

~ Franchise Fee: ₹4 – ₹5 Lakhs

~ Expected ROI Time: 18 – 24 months

~ USP: Premium interiors, curated menu, office crowd appeal

✅ Best for: Entrepreneurs in metro cities looking to offer a classy cafe vibe.

 

☕ 4. Third Wave Coffee Roasters

Third Wave Coffee Roasters: Cafes In Koregaon Park| LBB Pune

A new-age, hip cafe chain from Bengaluru, Third Wave is known for its single-origin brews and Gen-Z aesthetic.

~ Initial Investment: ₹35 – ₹50 Lakhs

~ Franchise Model: Selective franchising in major cities

~ Expected ROI Time: 24 months

~ USP: Premium coffee, youth-focused interiors, Instagrammable setup

✅ Best for: High-end neighborhoods and tech park locations.

 

☕ 5. Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters

Blue Tokai: cafe brands in inda

A pioneer in India’s artisanal coffee revolution, Blue Tokai has grown from a roastery to a full-fledged cafe experience.

~ Initial Investment: ₹20 – ₹30 Lakhs

~ Franchise Model: Expanding gradually

~ Expected ROI Time: 18 – 24 months

~ USP: Specialty coffee, in-house roasting, transparent sourcing

✅ Best for: Cafépreneurs targeting premium audiences and health-conscious coffee drinkers.

 

☕ 6. Slay Coffee

Best Coffee Brand in India | Order Coffee Online - SLAY Coffee

India’s answer to coffee on-the-go. With a strong cloud cafe presence, Slay is redefining café formats with minimal dine-in.

~ Initial Investment: ₹12 – ₹18 Lakhs

~ Franchise Fee: ₹3 – ₹5 Lakhs

~ Expected ROI Time: 12 – 15 months

~ USP: Delivery-first model, tech integration, compact formats

✅ Best for: Entrepreneurs looking for cloud cafe models and fast ROI.

 

☕ 7. The Belgian Waffle Co. – Cafe Format

The Belgian Waffle Co. in Ramdev Nagar Ahmedabad | Order Food Online | Swiggy

What started as a waffle-focused dessert brand has now evolved into cafe-style outlets offering coffee, shakes, and quick bites. Perfect for youth-centric locations.

~ Initial Investment: ₹18 – ₹22 Lakhs

~ Franchise Fee: ₹5 – ₹7 Lakhs

~ Expected ROI Time: 15 – 18 months

~ USP: Unique waffle + coffee pairing, strong youth branding, Instagram-worthy

✅ Best for: Malls, high-street spots, and areas with student crowds.

 

☕ 8. Sleepy Owl Coffee

Buy Premium Instant Coffee Flavours Online at Sleepy Owl Coffee | Sleepy Owl

While not a traditional franchise, Sleepy Owl offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to become official distributors of its popular cold brew and ready-to-drink coffee range. With strong brand recognition and a loyal urban customer base, it’s an ideal low-investment entry into the café space.

~ Initial Investment: ₹5 – ₹10 Lakhs

~ Distributor Fee: Varies (based on format and region)

~ Expected ROI Time: 12 – 15 months

~ USP: D2C-backed coffee brand, ready-to-drink cold brews, low operational complexity

✅ Best for: First-time investors in Tier 1 cities wanting to ride the premium coffee wave without full-fledged café overheads.

 

☕ 9. Coffee Culture

No photo description available.

With urban café designs and a wide food menu, Coffee Culture blends a lounge vibe with quality café offerings.

~ Initial Investment: ₹30 – ₹45 Lakhs

~ Franchise Fee: ₹5 – ₹6 Lakhs

~ Expected ROI Time: 24 months

~ USP: Food + coffee model, appealing interiors, Gen-Z crowd pull

✅ Best for: Investors wanting to build a full-day cafe experience, not just a coffee outlet.

 

☕ 10. BrewBakes Cafe

फ़ोटो के बारे में कोई जानकारी नहीं दी गई है.

A fast-growing franchise model known for its flexibility, affordability, and pan-India presence.

~ Initial Investment: ₹10 – ₹15 Lakhs

~ Franchise Fee: ₹3 – ₹4 Lakhs

~ Expected ROI Time: 12 – 15 months

~ USP: Low startup cost, easy-to-manage, growing brand awareness

✅ Best for: First-time business owners looking for entry into the café industry.

 

💡 Why Cafe Franchises Are Booming in India

~ India’s coffee market is growing at 12% CAGR.

~ Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are catching up with metro cafe culture.

~ Rise of remote work, Gen Z’s “hangout culture,” and social media content creation in cafes.

~ High-margin menu items like cold brew, frappe, and desserts.

 

🧾 Bonus Insight: Why a POS System Can Make or Break Your Cafe Brands in India

Running a successful cafe, especially a franchise or multi-outlet chain, goes far beyond brewing great coffee. It’s about efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction at every step. That’s where a smart, cafe-specific POS system like BillBerry steps in as your silent business partner.

Whether you’re handling high volumes of orders, juggling multiple locations, or tracking profitability in real time, the right POS can streamline operations, reduce errors, and give you full control of your cafe’s performance, all from one centralized dashboard.

✅ Features You’ll Love with BillBerry’s Coffee Shop POS:

☕ Flash-Like Checkout
Speed matters. Serve more customers in less time with lightning-fast billing and minimal queue wait times.

📦 Itemized Stock Monitoring
Know exactly what’s in your pantry. Track ingredients at the granular level to avoid stockouts and wastage.

📱 Menu on Scan
Enable contactless dining with QR-code menus that customers can view, order from, and pay through — no app download required.

📊 Revenue Radar
Get real-time insights into your sales performance, peak hours, bestsellers, and more — all visualized instantly.

🏪 POS Unified for Chains
Manage multiple outlets with ease. From menu updates to pricing changes, control everything from a single platform.

🧍‍♂️ Cup-to-Customer Connect
A built-in CRM that helps you personalize experiences, reward loyal customers, and understand buying behavior.

🎁 Brew & Bite Offers
Create irresistible combo deals and limited-time offers that boost your average order value and customer delight.

 

👉 Ready to Brew Success?
Whether you’re opening your first cafe or scaling your franchise, Billberry’s Café POS is built to grow with you.

🎯 Book your Free Demo today and start brewing smarter!

 

☕ Final Brew

Choosing the right cafe brands in India for franchise is more than just picking a popular name, it’s about finding a business model that matches your budget, location, and long-term vision. From cozy neighborhood cafes to high-footfall urban coffee bars, every brand brings something different to the table.

If you’re investing ₹10 Lakhs, you might be looking for a compact, high-turnover model with low overheads. If you’re ready to spend ₹1 Crore, your focus might be on building a premium experience with a strong brand presence and scalable returns.

Think beyond coffee, consider the brand’s marketing support, supply chain efficiency, menu innovation, and how well it resonates with your local audience. The right franchise won’t just help you serve a great cup of coffee, it will help you build a sustainable, profitable, and future-ready business. Choose the brand suit for you, from all the options for cafe brands in India.

In the end, the best brew is the one that balances your passion with profitability, a cafe that not only attracts loyal customers but also gives you the confidence to scale.

Why Most Cafes Fail in Their First Year

Opening a cafe sounds like a dream, brewing aromatic coffee, serving happy customers, and watching your cozy space come alive. But the reality? A staggering number of cafes fail within their first year. Why? It’s not just bad coffee; it’s bad business management. Without the right tools, like a Cafe POS system, inefficiencies in billing, inventory, and operations can quickly lead to failure.

If you’re planning to open a cafe or struggling to keep yours afloat, this blog will uncover the top reasons why cafes fail and how you can avoid becoming another statistic.

1. Poor Financial Management

Many café owners focus on their passion but forget about the numbers. Running a successful café isn’t just about making great coffee; it’s about managing costs, tracking revenue, and maintaining profitability.

🔴 The Mistake:

~ Not tracking daily sales and expenses

~ Pricing menu items incorrectly

~ Over-ordering stock, leading to wastage

✅ The Solution:
Using a Cafe Billing Software or a Cafe Point of Sale (POS) system can help you:

~ Track every sale and analyze daily earnings

~ Automate inventory management to avoid wastage

~ Monitor profit margins to set the right pricing

2. Long Wait Times & Poor Customer Experience

Efficient cafe billing with a modern POS system.

Customers today want fast service. If they have to wait too long for their order, they won’t return.

🔴 The Mistake:

~ Relying on handwritten orders or slow billing

~ Not having a smooth payment process

~ Staff struggling to manage peak-hour rush

✅ The Solution:
A Coffee Shop Point of Sale (POS) system helps:

~ Speed up the ordering and billing process

~ Enable contactless and multiple payment options

~ Improve order accuracy and reduce customer wait times

3. High Operational Costs

Rent, staff salaries, ingredients—expenses add up quickly. Without a clear financial strategy, cafés often bleed money before they can even break even.

🔴 The Mistake:

~ Not analyzing where the money is going

~ Over-hiring or under-utilizing staff

~ Paying high transaction fees without exploring better alternatives

✅ The Solution:
A POS system for cafés can help you:

~ Monitor expenses and reduce unnecessary spending

~ Optimize staff scheduling based on peak hours

~ Choose cost-effective payment options to reduce transaction fees

4. Lack of Marketing & Customer Retention

Even the best cafés can’t survive if people don’t know about them. Many café owners rely on word-of-mouth, but that’s not enough in today’s competitive market.

🔴 The Mistake:

~ No online presence or social media marketing

~ Not using customer data to create repeat business

~ Failing to introduce offers or loyalty programs

✅ The Solution:

~ Use your Cafe POS system to collect customer data and offer loyalty discounts

~ Run targeted promotions based on customer preferences

~ Leverage social media and food delivery platforms to attract new customers

5. Poor Menu Planning & Inventory Wastage

Composition of delicious food and ingredients

Selling everything from croissants to pasta might seem like a great idea, but a confusing or oversized menu can kill a café.

🔴 The Mistake:

~ Having too many menu items, increasing food waste

~ Not analyzing top-selling vs. slow-moving items

~ Failing to price items based on real costs

✅ The Solution:

~ A Cafe Billing Software helps track bestsellers vs. underperforming items

~ Optimize your menu by focusing on high-margin products

~ Use inventory tracking to reduce waste and control costs

How to Make Your Cafe Succeed With Cafe POS

Barista using a Cafe POS system for fast and accurate billing.

While many cafes fail, yours doesn’t have to. The key to survival is smart management, the right tools, and data-driven decision-making.

A Cafe POS system like BillBerry POS isn’t just a billing tool, it’s your business partner, helping you:

✅ Fast & Error-Free Billing
✅ Multi-Mode Ordering
✅ Table Management
✅ Split & Merge Bills
✅ Real-Time Inventory Tracking
✅ Ingredient-Level Management
✅ Auto-Stock Alerts
✅ Centralized Control
✅ Real-Time Sales Monitoring
✅ Standardized Pricing & Offers
✅ Loyalty Programs & Discounts
✅ CRM & Customer Data Management
✅ Automated Promotions
✅ Sales & Profit Analytics
✅ GST & Tax Reports
✅ Multiple Payment Modes
✅ Third-Party Integrations For Ordering and Delivery
✅ Cloud-Based Access
✅ Role-Based Access
✅ Offline Mode Support
✅ Data Backup & Security

If you’re serious about running a successful cafe, don’t leave things to chance, use technology to your advantage.

📢 Want to see how a powerful Cafe POS system can transform your business? Book a free demo today with BillBerry for your Cafe and take the first step toward success!

The Magic of Happy Hours: How Cafés Can Boost Sales with Cafe POS

There’s something about the phrase “happy hour” that brings an instant smile to people’s faces. It signals an opportunity to unwind, connect, and indulge—all while saving a few bucks. Traditionally associated with bars and pubs, happy hour is now making waves in the café industry. Cafés across the globe are tapping into this golden window of opportunity to boost sales, attract customers, and solidify their presence in the market.

But a successful happy hour isn’t just about slashing prices on lattes and croissants. It requires strategy, the right marketing approach, and most importantly, a robust Cafe POS system to ensure smooth execution.

Let’s dive into how cafes can leverage happy hour specials to their advantage while using Cafe POS to drive efficiency and maximize profits.

Happy Hour: More Than Just Discounts

point of sale for cafe

At its core, happy hour is a promotional strategy where food and drinks are offered at reduced prices for a specific timeframe. Typically, bars and restaurants use it to fill seats during off-peak hours. However, café happy hours are proving to be just as effective, bringing in morning commuters, remote workers, and students looking for a quiet yet affordable workspace.

According to a study by Nielsen, 60.5% of average weekly sales at bars and restaurants come from happy hour specials. Imagine the impact if cafés could tap into even a fraction of this revenue.

A well-planned menu can help cafes:

1. Increase foot traffic during traditionally slow hours

2. Boost check size growth with upselling strategies

3. Improve customer engagement and loyalty

4.  Attract new customers and turn them into regulars

5. Enhance brand visibility through social media and word-of-mouth marketing

Why Cafés Should Embrace These Promotions

Think about it, a cafe is already a social hub where people gather for casual meetings, work sessions, or simple relaxation. By offering happy hour deals, you not only give them another reason to visit but also encourage repeat business.

A 2019 study from the National Restaurant Association revealed that 43% of customers see happy hour as a way to relax, while 23% use it to connect with colleagues. Cafés can capitalize on this by curating a happy hour menu that caters to different demographics, such as remote workers, students, and casual visitors.

Some creative happy hour ideas for cafes include:

cafe 88

1. Discounted Drinks: Offer a buy-one-get-one-free deal on cappuccinos or lattes during off-peak hours.

2. Food Specials: Pair coffee with a pastry at a reduced rate.

3. Non-Alcoholic Options: Tap into the growing market of health-conscious consumers by promoting mocktails, smoothies, or wellness teas.

4. Late-Night Happy Hour: Many cafes experience slow evenings. Offering special pricing on desserts and warm drinks can lure in the post-dinner crowd.

Also Read: Affordable POS Softwares for Small Bakeries in India

How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Bakery

10 Affordable Food Franchise Under 2 Lakhs in India

Happy Hours Offer Ideas

cafe billing software

A well-crafted offer can transform a slow period into one of the most profitable times of the day. Here are some innovative happy hour ideas that cafes can implement to maximize foot traffic and customer satisfaction:

1. Coffee Lovers Special

Encourage repeat visits by offering a discount on a second cup of coffee within the same visit. This is especially effective for remote workers or students who spend long hours at the café.

2. Student Study Hour

Create an inviting space for students by offering special deals during study hours. Discounted coffee, tea, and snacks can attract young customers looking for a comfortable place to study.

3. Pastry Pairing Deal

Pair a hot drink with a pastry at a reduced rate. This not only encourages food sales but also introduces customers to new menu items they may not have otherwise tried.

4. Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) Deals

A classic happy hour strategy, offering a free drink or snack with the purchase of another encourages customers to bring friends, increasing the overall number of transactions.

5. Loyalty Perks for Regular Customers

Introduce a reward-based happy hour program where customers who visit during happy hour multiple times a week get a free drink or discount on their next purchase.

6. Flash Deals Announced on Social Media

Keep customers engaged by posting limited-time happy hour discounts on social media. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging more foot traffic.

7. Seasonal Specials

Offer limited-time drinks and treats based on the season. Pumpkin spice lattes in the fall, iced fruit teas in the summer, or peppermint mochas in the winter can make happy hours more appealing.

8. Bring a Friend Discount

Customers who bring a friend along during happy hour get an additional discount. This helps increase the average order size while also encouraging new customer acquisition.

9. Happy Hour Subscription

Offer a fixed-price subscription where customers can enjoy unlimited coffee refills within a specific happy hour time slot. This is ideal for remote workers who spend long hours in cafes.

10. Late-Night Warmers

Encourage night-time visitors by offering discounted hot chocolate, teas, and desserts for evening customers. This strategy is particularly effective for cafes that stay open later and want to attract post-dinner crowds.

10 Proven Strategies to Plan and Execute For Cafe Owners

Happy hour happy

1. Understand Your Customer Base

Knowing your audience is crucial. Analyze customer preferences using Cafe POS reports to determine the most popular drinks, snacks, and promotional timings. If your customer base includes students, offering study-friendly deals with coffee refills might work well. If it’s professionals, an after-work cafe happy hour menu featuring light snacks and tea-based cocktails may be the best approach.

2. Experiment with Different Happy Hour Timings

The traditional 4-7 PM slot isn’t the only option. Test different time slots like mid-morning happy hours with discounted espressos for early risers or late-night happy hours with dessert and coffee combos for night owls. Cafe POS analytics can help track which time slots generate the most traffic.

3. Design an Exclusive Happy Hour Menu

A specialized happy hour menu creates exclusivity and drives customer interest. Feature high-margin items such as gourmet pastries, limited-time seasonal drinks, and curated food pairings. Additionally, promote locally sourced ingredients to add authenticity and appeal.

4. Offer Irresistible Food and Drink Bundles

Instead of simply discounting coffee, bundle it with a complementary item like a croissant or muffin. Cross-selling discounted drinks and food specials encourages customers to spend more while feeling like they are getting a great deal.

5. Promote Non-Alcoholic Options

The demand for low- and zero-alcohol drinks is increasing, with a projected growth rate of 32% from 2018-2022. Offer craft mocktails, cold brew infusions, and herbal teas to cater to the growing audience of health-conscious consumers and designated drivers.

6. Train Your Staff on Upselling Techniques

Your staff should be well-versed in upsell strategy tactics. For example, they can suggest premium add-ons like an extra espresso shot, flavored syrups, or dessert pairings. An incentivized program for staff members who excel in upselling can further boost effectiveness.

7. Utilize Social Media and Digital Promotion

Social media promotion is essential for a successful happy hour marketing strategy. Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase happy hour deals. Engage with customers by running contests, influencer collaborations, and live promotions.

8. Create Themed Events for Customer Engagement

Boost engagement by incorporating themed happy hour nights such as “Trivia Tuesdays,” “Board Game Wednesdays,” or “Latte Art Contests.” These interactive experiences encourage customers to stay longer and spend more.

9. Monitor Sales and Customer Feedback

Regularly track POS reports to assess which deals are working and adjust pricing accordingly. Conduct customer surveys to get direct feedback on preferred offerings and tailor future happy hour promotions accordingly.

10. Ensure Efficient Service and Seamless Transactions

A well-executed happy hour can bring a surge of customers, making speed and efficiency key factors. A reliable Cafe POS system automates discounts, processes orders quickly, and prevents bottlenecks in service, ensuring a smooth experience for both staff and customers.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Happy Hour in Cafes

cafe POS

Happy hour is no longer just a discount-driven gimmick—it’s a powerful business strategy. By leveraging Cafe POS technology, businesses can create a structured approach to boost revenue, build customer loyalty, and optimize operations. The future of happy hour promotions lies in innovation, personalization, and digital marketing. Cafes that adapt will thrive, turning happy hour into a key driver of success.

Happy hours are more than a way to boost revenue—they create memorable experiences for customers. When executed effectively, happy hours become a vital part of brand identity and customer engagement. By incorporating creative offers, real-time analytics, and streamlined POS solutions, cafes can build long-term relationships with their customers, ensuring that they return beyond just the promotional hours.

Moreover, as customer preferences evolve, cafes must stay ahead of trends by continuously experimenting with seasonal promotions, unique deals, and enhanced service experiences. Combining affordability with exclusivity makes customers feel valued, keeping them engaged and eager for more.

So, if you own a cafe, it’s time to rethink your business strategy and make the most of these promotions. Because when done right, happy hour isn’t just happy for customers—it’s profitable for you too.

Ready to take your cafe to the next level?

Explore how a modern Cafe POS like Billberry POS can revolutionize your business today!

Book Your Free Demo with BillBerry POS.