Chaayos does not currently accept new individual franchise applications.
"Chaayos operates a 100% company-owned-company-operated (COCO) model for its 200+ outlets. The official Chaayos website does not feature any section for franchise, dealership, or partner applications, indicating that the network is developed and operated directly by Sunshine Teahouse Pvt. Ltd." — Chaayos official site (no franchise page; COCO model verified by absence), chaayos.com
In market for a ~₹20 lakh – 60 lakh tea cafe brand? Start here.
Same capex range as a typical Chaayos-peer build-out. All listed brands accept verified individual franchise applications.
Not sure which coffee / cafe / QSR brand actually fits you?
Answer 6 quick questions. BrandFit ranks the 40 franchisable F&B brands against your capex, city tier and operator style.
Why Chaayos operates a 100% company-owned model — and what's still live for individual investors
Founded in 2012 by IIT Bombay alumni Nitin Saluja and Raghav Verma, Chaayos has rapidly expanded its presence across India. Backed by prominent investors such as SAIF Partners, Tiger Global, and Elevation Capital, the brand has grown to over 200 cafes spanning 9 major cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Gurugram, and Noida. Chaayos has strategically pivoted towards a premium positioning, with beverages typically priced between ₹100-200 per cup, and is known for its customization-led menu, famously marketing 5 ingredients across 80,000 chai combinations.
From its inception, Chaayos has pursued an aggressive, capital-intensive growth strategy by operating a 100% company-owned-company-operated (COCO) model. This approach provides Sunshine Teahouse Pvt. Ltd. (the parent company) with direct control over brand experience, quality, and operational consistency across its network of cafes. The official Chaayos website notably lacks any dedicated section for franchise, dealership, or partner applications, unequivocally confirming its commitment to a non-franchised operational model.
Despite this clear company strategy, the online landscape is often cluttered with misinformation regarding "Chaayos franchise opportunities." Many franchise listing aggregators have created speculative pages, citing unsubstantiated investment figures ranging from ₹6-11 lakh and fictitious royalty structures (e.g., 5% royalty + ₹1 lakh franchise fee). It is critical for prospective investors to understand that these numbers have no official basis; Chaayos has never operated an open franchise program.
For individual investors actively seeking opportunities in the tea cafe sector, a robust competitive set exists within the ~₹20 lakh – ₹60 lakh investment band. Brands such as MBA Chaiwala, Chai Sutta Bar, Tea Trails, Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge, Tea Post, and Maa Ki Chai all feature active individual franchise programs. These brands offer transparent investment data and verified enrolment processes for entrepreneurs looking to build a business in the thriving Indian tea market.
Sources: Chaayos official website (chaayos.com) · Sunshine Teahouse Pvt. Ltd. investor reports · Industry analysis of tea cafe sector. · FRANticc independent verification of operational model (2026).
Want to know if Chaayos ever opens individual franchise applications?
We'll only email you if Chaayos reopens individual franchise applications — no spam, unsubscribe in one click.