Established
2015
Franchise Units
110
Minimum Investment
₹ 3,00,000
Franchise Fee
₹ 1,50,000
Total Investment Range
₹ 7,00,000
Home Based
No
Description
In India, tea isn't just a morning beverage—it is a daily ritual, a conversation starter, and an emotion that crosses every demographic. Yet, for decades, the Indian chai market was dominated by unorganized street tapris. Chai Calling bridged this gap by elevating street-style chai into a hygienic, cozy, and accessible café experience without losing the nostalgic comfort of a traditional brew.
Operating under parent company Mild & Fresh Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Chai Calling has quickly carved out a strong position in India's booming Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and beverage sector. The brand serves authentic, freshly brewed teas—traditionally poured into eco-friendly clay kulhads—alongside a curated menu of quick bites, sandwiches, and regional snacks.
By combining standardized batch-brewing recipes with low startup costs, Chai Calling gives aspiring entrepreneurs an entry point into a recession-resistant industry. Whether situated near bustling office hubs, transit points, hospital zones, or university campuses, Chai Calling outlets deliver rapid service, consistent flavor, and exceptional value.
Background
Establishment Year: 2015
Franchise Launch Year: 2018–2019
Founders: Pramit Sharma & Abhinav Tandon (popularly known as "The Chai Engineers")
Parent Company: Mild & Fresh Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Tea Café Chain
Active Franchise Units: 110+ functional outlets across India and select international locations
Headquarters: Delhi / Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
Brand Journey & Company History
The story started when two engineering friends, Pramit Sharma and Abhinav Tandon, decided to leave their corporate corporate jobs to pursue their passion for tea. Noticing how white-collar workers and students lacked clean, consistent, and comfortable spots for a daily tea break, they launched their first iconic chai thela outside an IT park in Sector 16, Noida.
Applying engineering precision to tea brewing, they developed standardized batch systems to guarantee consistent taste every time. What began as a humble roadside stall rapidly evolved into a national QSR franchise network. Today, Chai Calling operates over 110 outlets in diverse formats ranging from compact 50 sq. ft. kiosks to spacious highway and high-street cafés.
Support Training
Chai Calling provides an end-to-end support system designed to help even first-time business owners run a successful food and beverage store.
1. Pre-Launch & Site Selection Support
Location Analysis: The brand's expansion team assists in analyzing footfall, demographic fit, and visibility to pick high-yield sites.
Store Layout & Interior Design: Complete 2D/3D interior design specs customized for kiosk, express, or dining formats.
Kitchen Equipment Setup: Guidance on acquiring essential equipment, utensils, and counter appliances included in the initial launch kit.
2. Operational & Staff Training
On-Site & HQ Training: Training covering brewing processes, hygiene protocols, store management, and customer relations.
Chef-Less SOP Manuals: Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that allow any team member to prepare signature teas and snacks easily.
Supply Chain & Logistics: Direct delivery of proprietary raw materials (Assam tea blends, secret spice masalas, eco-friendly kulhads, and packaging) right to your store.
3. Technology & Academic Support
Cloud-Based POS Billing: Intuitive point-of-sale software for real-time inventory tracking, billing, and sales analytics.
Remote CCTV Access: Integrated camera systems linked to your smartphone so you can monitor store operations anywhere.
4. Marketing & Ongoing Growth Support
Grand Opening Campaign: Launch collateral, promotional flyers, and digital marketing support to drive local footfall from day one.
Weekly Reviews & Audits: Structured weekly review meetings and store audit checklists to help optimize margins and streamline day-to-day work.
24/7 Backend Assistance: Dedicated franchisee support line for troubleshooting operational, technical, or supply issues.
Ideal Candidate
Chai Calling's business model is designed to be accessible and operationally straightforward. You don't need prior restaurant experience to run an outlet successfully.
Target Investors: First-time entrepreneurs, young professionals looking for side or main ventures, women entrepreneurs, or existing retail owners wanting to diversify.
Business Acumen: Basic leadership skills and a strong commitment to customer service, cleanliness, and brand standards.
Investment Capability: Ability to invest between ₹3 Lakhs to ₹8 Lakhs (covering franchise fees, setup, inventory, and working capital) without taking on excessive debt.
Location Preference:
High-density commercial areas, corporate parks, and office clusters.
College campuses, coaching hubs, and university zones.
Transit hubs (metro stations, railway stations, bus stands).
Hospital precincts, residential high-streets, and main markets.
Financial Detail
Below is a typical financial overview for launching a standard Chai Calling outlet.
| Financial Parameter | Details / Estimate |
| Minimum Required Area | 50 Sq. Ft. to 250 Sq. Ft. (Kiosk/Express) |
| Total Capital Investment | ₹3,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 (varies by format & location) |
| Franchise / Brand Fee | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 (+ applicable GST) |
| Setup & Interior Cost | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 (furniture, counter, electrical, branding) |
| Equipments & Starter Kit | Included / ₹1,00,000 (utensils, POS, fridge, brewing gear) |
| Initial Raw Material Stock | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Working Capital Reserve | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Monthly Royalty Fee | 0% (Zero Royalty) |
| Gross Profit Margin | 60% – 70% on core menu items |
| Expected Break-Even Time | 6 to 10 months |
| Agreement Tenure | 5 Years / Lifetime (renewable) |