Written By: Bandana Gupta

India’s food industry is sizzling with opportunity, and nowhere is that more evident than in the booming world of restaurant franchising. From spicy street food to gourmet global flavours, the Indian palate is evolving, and entrepreneurs are racing to serve it. As dining out becomes a lifestyle and not just a luxury, restaurant franchises are redefining how India eats, celebrates, and builds business. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time foodpreneur, 2026 presents a golden chance to tap into proven brands with scalable models, loyal customer bases, and mouthwatering menus. In this blog, we unveil the Top 10 Restaurant Franchises in India that are not just surviving but thriving in this competitive culinary landscape.

Let’s dig in to discover which brands are cooking up success across the country.

Top 10 Restaurant Franchises in India (2026)

McDonald’s-

• A perennial favourite, McDonald's continues to adapt its menu to local palates while maintaining its global appeal. Its focus on value, consistency, and family-friendly dining is likely to sustain its market leadership. Franchise Cost: ₹3.5 – ₹10+ Crore (depending on format & location) Benefits: Global brand power, strong supply chain, high customer trust, excellent training & marketing support.

Domino’s Pizza

•  With a vast and deeply penetrated delivery network, Domino's has become synonymous with pizza in India. Its technological prowess in online ordering and efficient delivery models will remain a key advantage.

 Franchise Cost: ₹75 Lakh – ₹1.2 Crore

Benefits: India’s #1 pizza delivery brand, low setup compared to dine-in restaurants, strong digital & logistics support, quick ROI with steady demand.

KFC

•  Capitalising on the nation's love for chicken, KFC has carved a significant niche. Continued menu innovation and expansion into smaller cities are expected to fuel its growth. Franchise Cost: ₹1 – ₹2.5 Crore Benefits: Popular fried chicken brand, fast expansion in tier-2/3 cities, strong marketing push, consistent customer base.

Pizza Hut

•   Having entered the Indian market in the mid-1990s, Pizza Hut has established a significant presence across the country. It is known for adapting its menu to local tastes, offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options that appeal to the Indian palate.  

   Franchise Cost: ₹90 Lakh – ₹2 Crore Benefits: Trusted pizza & casual dining brand, strong mall/high-street presence, Dine-in and delivery formats are available.

Burger King

•   A strong competitor to McDonald's, Burger King has been aggressively expanding its footprint in India. Its flame-grilled burgers and value offerings have resonated well with consumers. Franchise Cost: ₹2.5 – ₹5 Crore Benefits: Rapid growth, youth-focused menu, strong support in branding & training, growing demand in metros & semi-urban markets.

Haldiram’s

• These legacy brands have evolved from traditional sweet and snack makers to full-fledged quick-service and casual dining restaurants. Their extensive menu, catering to a wide range of Indian tastes, and strong brand trust are key to their enduring success. Franchise Cost: ₹25 Lakh – ₹1.5 Crore (kiosk to full restaurant) Benefits: Iconic Indian snacks & dining brand, year-round demand, festive sales boost, global brand recognition.

Chaayos

• Chaayos is a popular Indian tea cafe chain that aims to revolutionise the way chai is consumed in the country. Founded in 2012 by IIT graduates Nitin Saluja and Raghav Verma, Chaayos offers a contemporary and comfortable space for people to enjoy freshly brewed tea.

  Franchise Cost: ₹30 – ₹70 Lakh (depending on format)

 Benefits: Fast-growing tea café brand, tech-enabled operations, strong millennial appeal, relatively lower investment.

Bikanervala:

• Bikanervala is a prominent Indian brand renowned for its traditional sweets and snacks. and vegetarian cuisine. Its origins trace back to 1905 from a small sweet shop in Bikaner, Rajasthan, named Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar.
• Franchise Cost: ₹50 Lakh – ₹2 Crore (varies by outlet size)
• Benefits: Trusted vegetarian & sweets brand, large Indian diaspora customer base, strong nationwide footprint.
• Barbeque Nation:
•  A pioneer in the "do-it-yourself" grilling concept, Barbeque Nation offers a unique and experiential dining format. Its popularity for group and family Outings remain a strong growth driver.
•         Franchise Cost: ₹1.5 – ₹3 Crore
•       Benefits: Popular buffet & grill dining, strong family & celebration dining appeal, and brand recall in urban India.
• 10. Starbucks:
•  Starbucks is the world’s leading coffeehouse chain, known for premium coffee, personalized beverages, and a strong café culture. In India, it operates through a joint venture with Tata Group, ensuring quality sourcing and operational excellence.
•       Franchise Cost: ₹3 – ₹6 Crore (premium café setup)
•       Benefits: Premium international coffee brand, aspirational value, strong demand in urban India, high repeat customers.

Emerging and Niche Food Restaurant Franchises Opportunities in India 2026

 Kouzina FoodTech:

Among the early movers in cloud kitchens, bringing a fresh and modern way to run food franchises. Franchise Cost: ₹15 – ₹30 Lakh (for cloud kitchen setup, depending on city & scale) Benefits: Low real estate cost (no dine-in needed) Operates multiple virtual brands from one kitchen. Strong tech-driven model with focus on delivery growth

Frozen Bottle:

 A fast-growing dessert and beverage chain, loved for its milkshakes, ice creams, and frozen treats. Franchise Cost: ₹30 – ₹50 Lakh (depending on format: kiosk, café, or full outlet) Benefits:           Popular for milkshakes, desserts & ice creams           Youth-centric brand with strong social media appeal           Flexible formats (kiosk, takeaway, dine-in) for different budgets   

Ministry of Daru:

A trendy dining restaurant franchhises concept with strong potential for long-term growth in India’s evolving F&B market. Franchise Cost: ₹1 – ₹2.5 Crore (for bar/lounge setup in metros/semi-urban markets). Benefits:                 Trendy bar & casual dining experience                   High margins from beverages & cocktails                   Strong growth potential in India’s nightlife & premium dining segment

Which emerging restaurant is worth watching

• Health-First Food Concepts—Brands championing clean-label, plant-based, and nutrient-rich menus. Examples to watch: protein-packed bowls, probiotic snacks, and functional drinks.
• Ghost Kitchens & Delivery-First Models—Centralized kitchens designed for speed and scale, with delivery at the core. Examples to watch: multi-brand cloud kitchen networks and climate-controlled pickup hubs.
• Ethnic & Fusion Fast-Casual – Authentic flavors reimagined for modern, scalable formats. Examples to watch: regional comfort foods with quick-service twists and modular fusion menus.
• Bakery Cafés & Dessert-Led Brands – High-traffic café concepts pairing pastries, coffee, and indulgent desserts. Examples to watch: gourmet croissant cafés, artisanal toast bars, and luxe dessert lounges.
• Convenience-Driven QSRs—Brands built around speed, tech integration, and grab-and-go ease. Examples to watch: bowls and sandwiches with drive-thru or curbside pickup systems.

Key Things to Consider Before Choosing Restaurant Franchises

• Brand & Customer Appeal—Is it a well-known international brand or a trusted Indian favorite with loyal customers?
• Franchise Costs—Don’t just look at the entry fee; consider royalties, marketing charges, and supply costs.
• Location & Growth—Can the brand succeed only in big cities, or does it also work well in smaller towns, airports, and busy hubs?
• Earnings Potential—Check average sales, yearly revenue per outlet, and how quickly you can recover your investment.
• Training & Support—Good franchisors provide help with choosing a site, marketing, supply chain, and daily operations.
• Rules & Logistics—Make sure all approvals (like FSSAI) are smooth, imports are minimal, and local sourcing is easy.

How to Choose the Best Restaurant Franchise in India 2026

Match Your Investment – From budget-friendly options like Wow! Momo and Kouzina, two big-ticket global names like Domino’s or McDonald’s, choose a model that fits your financial comfort zone.

• Leverage Brand Power – Trusted names such as Domino’s, KFC, and McDonald’s already enjoy massive consumer loyalty, making it easier to attract customers.
• Align with Local Taste—Select a cuisine that resonates with your market, be it quick-service fast food, authentic Indian dining, or trendy café concepts.

Future Franchise Growth Trends in India 2026

• Digital Integration—Online ordering and smooth delivery will be a must-have for every successful franchise.
• Growth in Tier 2 & 3 Cities—Smaller cities offer big opportunities for expansion and new customers.
• Health & Wellness Focus – More people are looking for healthier and plant-based food options, so brands catering to this trend will have an edge.
• Value & Convenience—Affordable prices and quick service will continue to be important in India’s price-sensitive market.

Conclusion:

In short, the top 10 restaurant franchises in India for 2026 will likely be a compelling mix of established global giants and dynamic Indian brands that are adept at understanding and catering to the diverse and evolving Indian palate. The ability to innovate, adapt to new technologies, and expand into new markets will be the defining characteristics of these industry leaders.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.