Over the last decade, quick service restaurants have become increasingly dominant in India’s food and beverage industry, which has seen a fast transition overall. The need for convenient, inexpensive, and reliable dining options has never been greater, thanks to rising incomes, more people living in cities, and altered eating habits. Now is the perfect moment to think about considering a franchise of your quick-service restaurant in India, as we enter the year 2025. Learn more about the present state of the market, upcoming trends, and potential benefits of franchising your quick-service restaurant business brand in India with this in-depth guide.
What exactly is a quick-service restaurant business?
A rapid-service restaurant business is a dining model that prioritizes the efficient operation of delivery or takeaway operations, limited table service, and fast food service. Famous quick-service restaurants (QSRs) include Domino’s, Subway, and McDonald’s as well as local favourites like Wow! Momo and Faasos.
Typical quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have a streamlined menu, consistent business practices, and prominent branding. Particularly appealing in densely populated and high-traffic urban regions is their capacity to reliably and rapidly deliver food.
A Look Into the Indian Quick-Service Restaurant Industry Through 2025
Growth and Market Size:
With a CAGR of 15-18%, the forecast for India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) market is that it will exceed ₹80,000 crore by 2025. The increasing need for organized food service is driving rapid expansion in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which are surpassing metros in the number of new quick-service restaurant openings.
Factors Improving Growth:
- Exploding City Life: Convenient meal options are in high demand due to the increasing population in metropolitan centres.
- Population Under 30: With more than half of India’s population falling into this age bracket, fast food is sure to be a hit.
- The rise of food delivery aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy has opened up new markets for quick-service restaurants (QSRs).
- New quick-service restaurants are catering to health-conscious customers by expanding their menus to include vegan alternatives, salads, and whole grains.
Why Should You Consider Franchising Your Quick Service Restaurant?
You can expand your activities without taking on the full financial and logistical burden by investing in a franchise. Let me list the main advantages:
#1. Quick Growth Requiring Minimal Initial Investment
Franchising allows your brand to expand through the capital of franchisees rather than through massive investments in new shops. Because of this, we can grow into other areas at the same time.
#2. Familiarity with the Local Market
One advantage of having franchisees is their extensive knowledge of the local market, which helps in targeting customers and improving operations.
#3. Operations that are standardized
Franchisees can provide a reliable service to customers since they can follow your procedures, use your recipes, and represent your brand in the same way.
#4. Expandability and Reputation
You may increase your brand’s recognition by expanding your distribution channels. Franchising is a great way to get into the fast food industry and establish a strong foothold in the market.
#5. Risk Sharing
One way to lessen the impact of store-level performance volatility is to divide up operational risks among franchisees.
Procedures for Franchising Your Quick Service Restaurant Business in India
#1. Develop a franchise model
Pick a franchise model that suits your needs: one-unit, multiple-unit, or master franchise. Define the performance expectations, support services, royalty structure, and franchise fees.
#2. Maintain a Record of Your Business Procedures
Create standard recipes, branding guidelines, operations manuals, and a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This guarantees brand consistency and a seamless induction process.
#3. Legal Compliance
Get your brand trademarked, get your franchise registered with the right authorities, and write up franchise agreements that will stand the test of time.
#4. Training and Support System
Create all-encompassing training programs that address kitchen operations, sanitation standards, technology utilization, and customer service.
#5. Brand Visibility and Marketing
Provide franchisees with marketing assistance and implement brand-wide promotions to facilitate their success. Utilize influencer partnerships, digital marketing, and culinary aggregators to increase visibility.
Top Cities for the Expansion of a Quick Service Restaurant Franchise in 2025
Although Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are still significant, these emerging regions should be taken into account:
- Lucknow
- Indore
- Ahmedabad
- Kochi
- Coimbatore
- Bhubaneswar
Nonetheless, These cities are characterized by a growing middle-class population, reduced operational costs, and an increasing demand for organized dining.
Potential Obstacles While Franchising Your Quick Service Restaurant Business in India
Although the opportunity is abundant, it is important to be cognizant of the following potential obstacles:
- Ensuring Quality Across Locations: Continuous audits are indispensable, and standardization is paramount.
- Locating the Appropriate Franchise Partners: Select franchisees who are consistent with your brand’s vision and dedication to quality.
- Manage your supply chain so that you can consistently ship materials, containers, and tools across international borders.
Some Success Stories Of Home-Grown QSR Businesses That Have Successfully Grown Via Franchising
| Wow! Momos | Goli Vada Pav | Biryani By Kilo | JumboKing |
| Established in Kolkata in 2008 | Established in Mumbai in 2004 | Established in Gurgaon in 2015 | Established in Mumbai in 2001 |
| Speciality: Tibetan-inspired fast cuisine and momos | Speciality: Vada Pav, an Indian-style hamburger. | Speciality: Earthen vessels containing dum-cooked biryani | Speciality: Burgers with Indian flavours |
| 500+ Expansion on the way | Modeerate investment for a Kiosk business model | Expansion: More than 100 outlets in 25 cities | Expansion: More than 100 outlets |
| Franchise Strategy: Strong brand identification, scalable cooking processes, and company-owned and franchised outlets. | 300+ already reached | Franchise Strategy: Significant investment in technological advancement and brand development; expansion focused on cloud kitchens | Comparable to leading business model brands such as McDonald’s |
Brands’ Successful Moves:
- Localized Menus: Customizing product selections to suit the preferences of specific regions
- Introducing a cost-effective franchise entry, with models starting at ₹5–10 lakhs.
- A Strong Brand Identity: Digital Marketing, Youth-Oriented Branding, and Catchy Names
- Operational Simplicity: Scalability is facilitated by kiosk or cloud-kitchen models.
- Training, standard operating procedures (SOPs), vendor partnerships, and technology-driven order systems are all components of support systems.
To Conclude,
In 2025, the Indian fast food business provides substantial growth and return, especially through franchising. Your brand can capitalize on India’s extensive consumer base, establish a robust national presence, and generate consistent revenues by implementing the appropriate techniques, documentation, and franchisee network.
It is now possible to expand your local success into a national brand by franchising your QSR business, regardless of whether you operate a burger joint, a biryani chain or a smoothie bar.
