Established
2008
Franchise Units
40
Minimum Investment
₹ 20,00,000
Franchise Fee
₹ 5,00,000
Total Investment Range
₹ 35,00,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Indian food and beverage industry is experiencing a massive shift, and at the forefront of this evolution is the quick-service dessert sector. Consumers are no longer looking for just another scoop of ice cream; they are seeking curated, high-quality, and Instagram-worthy culinary experiences. Enter Dessertino, a pioneering premium dessert and beverage brand that has completely redefined how India indulges its sweet tooth.
Operating under the corporate umbrella of Santushti Shakes Private Limited, Dessertino stands out in a crowded market through a radical product philosophy: Zero Ice Cream, Zero Ice Crystals. While conventional dessert parlors rely on heavily processed commercial ice creams blended with milk to create shakes, Dessertino utilizes a proprietary, state-of-the-art European production technology. Developed in collaboration with European technocrats and an esteemed, 150-year-old Italian dairy house, this specialized method yields a richer, creamier, and genuinely authentic flavor profile without relying on ice cream bases.
Dessertino positions itself as an accessible luxury lifestyle brand. It effectively captures multiple demographics, ranging from college students and young professionals seeking a late-night hangout spot, to families looking for premium weekend treats. By combining an expansive, multi-category menu—featuring signature thick shakes, artisanal ice creams, waffles, traditional kulfis, and savory Italian starters—with an elegant, welcoming ambiance, Dessertino ensures high average order values and consistent footfall throughout the year. For entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on India’s booming dessert culture, Dessertino offers a sustainable, highly lucrative, and robust business ecosystem designed for rapid growth.
Background
Established Year: 2008 (Operations commenced under the parent brand Santushti; franchising officially rolled out in 2016).
Active Units: 40+ operational outlets across India, with a rapidly growing pipeline.
Founders: Mr. Sunil Chelani (famously regarded as 'Mr. Shake' for his deep technical expertise in dairy blending) and Mr. Bhavesh Chelani (a Chartered Accountant by profession who brought corporate strategy and global expansion systems to the brand).
Brand Journey & History: Sunil Chelani began his journey in the dairy industry at the age of 13, spending a decade mastering flavor formulation. In November 2008, the duo launched Santushti in Rajkot, Gujarat. After perfecting their proprietary European-inspired blending methodologies and establishing a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in 2015, they launched the Dessertino brand identity to transition their localized success into a globally competitive franchise model.
Ownership: Privately held under Santushti Shakes Private Limited.
Market Presence in India: Strong foothold across Western India (particularly Gujarat and Maharashtra), with strategic ongoing expansions across Northern states (Delhi NCR, Haryana, Punjab) and Southern regions (Telangana, Karnataka).
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Specialty Desserts.
Support Training
Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection & Analytics: The brand leverages national property networks and footfall analytics to help you identify prime real estate, whether on high streets, in major malls, or near commercial tech parks.
Turnkey Interior Designing: Architectural layouts, 3D interior renders, and standardized counter blueprints are provided to optimize space utility and deliver the classic Dessertino aesthetic.
Operational Support
Mandatory Training Programs: Comprehensive training is conducted at the corporate head office for both the franchisee owner and their core staff. The brand maintains a strict policy: an outlet's grand opening is only approved once the owner has successfully cleared operational training.
Supply Chain & Vendor Management: Franchisees are integrated into a reliable logistics network. While core dessert bases come straight from the brand, third-party vendor ties are provided for localized fresh ingredients.
Marketing & Academic Support
360-Degree Marketing & Launch Campaigns: The corporate team manages localized digital marketing blitzes, influencer collaborations, and launch-day giveaways to drive immediate footfall.
Periodical Marketing Calendars: The brand provides ongoing graphic designs, social media content kits, and seasonal promotional strategies to keep your branch relevant.
Ideal Candidate
Dessertino is selective about its partners to ensure the brand's premium reputation remains uncompromised. The ideal partner profile includes:
Business Background: Prior experience in retail, hospitality, or corporate management is highly preferred, though not mandatory if the investor demonstrates strong business acumen.
Operational Passion: Individuals who are willing to dedicate at least 2 to 3 hours a day to overlook daily operations, monitor service standards, and build local guest relationships.
Financial Capability: Investors must possess clean liquid capital sufficient to support both the initial setup phase and the initial working capital requirements without over-leveraging.
Location Preferences: Access to commercial retail spaces on the ground floor of high-traffic shopping streets, premium malls, upscale residential zones, or bustling university areas.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Budget Range (INR) |
| Minimum Capital Investment | ₹18 Lakhs (For compact formats/Kiosks) |
| Average Total Investment | ₹20 Lakhs to ₹35 Lakhs (Varies based on model chosen) |
| Franchise / Brand Fee | ₹5,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Machinery | ~₹13,000,000 (Depending on kitchen configuration) |
| Interior Furniture, Fixtures & Decor | ~₹8,00,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Advertising Launch Budget | ~₹2,00,000 |
| Working Capital & Reserve Fund | Variable (To cover initial 2-3 months of overheads) |
| Royalty / Commission Fees | 7% of Gross Sales |