If you’ve ever thought about diving into the food franchise business in India, you’ve probably asked yourself one important question: Which franchise is the most profitable? With India’s growing appetite for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), brands like Domino’s, McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Burger King have captured significant market share. But how do they stack up in terms of investment, revenue, and profit?
In this guide, we compare the top food franchises in India to help you decide where your money might work best.
Franchise Comparison Table
| Franchise | Initial Investment | Avg. Monthly Revenue | Net Profit Margin | Estimated Monthly Profit | Franchise Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domino’s | ₹50L – ₹1 Cr | ₹8L – ₹20L | 10% – 15% | ₹80K – ₹3L+ | Operated via Jubilant FoodWorks (not open to individuals) |
| McDonald’s | ₹6 Cr – ₹14 Cr | ₹30L – ₹60L+ | 8% – 12% | ₹2.5L – ₹7L+ | Regional master franchisees (not open to individuals) |
| KFC | ₹1 Cr – ₹2 Cr | ₹15L – ₹30L | 12% – 15% | ₹1.5L – ₹4.5L | Operated by Sapphire, Devyani, Burman (not open to individuals) |
| Pizza Hut | ₹60L – ₹1.2 Cr | ₹10L – ₹25L | 10% – 15% | ₹1L – ₹3.75L | Managed by large franchisees under Yum! Brands |
| Burger King | ₹2 Cr – ₹4 Cr | ₹20L – ₹35L | 8% – 12% | ₹1.6L – ₹4L+ | Operated by Restaurant Brands Asia (corporate model) |
| Subway | ₹50L – ₹90L | ₹5L – ₹15L | 15% – 20% | ₹75K – ₹3L | Open to individual franchisees |
Franchises Open to Individual Investors in India
If you’re a first-time entrepreneur or looking to enter the food business without massive capital, here are some notable franchises you can actually own:
1. Domino’s (India)
- Franchising model: Not available for individuals.
- Operated by: Jubilant FoodWorks holds exclusive master franchise rights.
- What this means: You can’t directly buy a Domino’s franchise in India as an independent investor. All stores are company-operated.
2. McDonald’s
- Franchising model: Regional master franchisees only.
- Operated by:
- West & South India: Westlife Development
- North & East India: Connaught Plaza Restaurants (CPRL)
- What this means: Individual franchising is not available. All stores are corporate or sub-franchisee under the regional master operators.
3. KFC
- Franchising model: Primarily corporate/multi-unit operators.
- Operated by: Sapphire Foods, Devyani International, Burman Hospitality.
- What this means: Individual franchise options are limited or not offered. KFC works with large-format franchisees managing multiple outlets.
4. Pizza Hut
- Similar to KFC (also under Yum! Brands), operates mostly through large regional franchisees like Devyani and Sapphire. Not typically open to individuals.
5. Burger King
- Operated by: Restaurant Brands Asia Limited.
- Model: Corporate ownership; currently not offering individual franchising in India.
6. Subway
- Franchising model: Yes, open to individuals!
- Best option for small/first-time investors.
- Requirements: ₹50–90 lakhs, F&B background helps but not mandatory.
In Summary:
| Brand | Can Individuals Buy a Franchise? | Model Type |
|---|---|---|
| Domino’s | No | Master franchise (Jubilant) |
| McDonald’s | No | Master franchise (Westlife/CPRL) |
| KFC | Rarely/No | Large regional franchisees |
| Pizza Hut | Rarely/No | Yum! Brands regional operators |
| Burger King | No | Corporate-owned (RBA) |
| Subway | Yes | Individual franchising allowed |
Franchises Open to Individual Investors in India
If you’re a first-time entrepreneur or looking to enter the food business without massive capital, here are some notable franchises you can actually own:
| Brand | Initial Investment | Franchise Type | Notes |
| Subway | ₹50L – ₹90L | QSR / Kiosk Model | Low overhead, high margins |
| Giani’s Ice Cream | ₹30L – ₹50L | Dessert Parlor | Ideal for high-footfall zones |
| Bikanervala | ₹75L – ₹1.5 Cr | Restaurant / Sweet Shop | Strong legacy brand |
| Rolls King | ₹30L – ₹60L | Quick Service Rolls | Rapidly growing QSR brand |
| Wow! Momo | ₹75L – ₹1 Cr | QSR / Kiosk / Dine-in | Pan-India appeal, strong branding |
| Tea Time | ₹5L – ₹12L | Beverage Kiosk | Low cost, scalable model |
| Chaayos | ₹50L – ₹1 Cr | Tea Cafe / Lounge | Premium segment with loyal base |
| Frozen Bottle | ₹30L – ₹50L | Milkshake & Dessert Bar | Youth-oriented, mall-friendly |
Key Takeaways
1. Domino’s: Steady and Scalable
Domino’s offers strong brand recognition and consistent returns with a relatively modest investment. It’s popular in both metro and tier-2 cities. However, direct franchising is not available to individuals as it’s operated solely by Jubilant FoodWorks.
2. McDonald’s: High Investment, High Returns
McDonald’s is a premium franchise opportunity in India. Though the upfront investment is high, the brand’s universal appeal often leads to high footfall and revenue. It’s managed by regional master franchisees and not open to individuals.
3. KFC: Fast Growth and Strong Appeal
KFC’s popularity, especially among younger customers, has helped it achieve strong growth. It generally requires less investment than McDonald’s but can deliver impressive margins. Franchises are operated by large corporations.
4. Pizza Hut: Mid-Tier Performer
Pizza Hut, while under the same umbrella as KFC, often doesn’t perform as strongly as Domino’s in the Indian market. Still, it remains a viable option for those looking to diversify with a recognized brand, though it’s not directly franchised to individuals.
5. Burger King: Gaining Ground
A newer entrant compared to McDonald’s and KFC, Burger King is quickly expanding and carving out a solid niche. Franchise ownership is managed centrally, so individual opportunities are rare.
6. Subway: Low Cost, Lean Model
Subway is ideal for entrepreneurs with a lower budget. It’s one of the few major QSR brands open to individuals, offering good margins and simple operations.
7. Emerging Brands for Individuals
New-age brands like Wow! Momo, Chaayos, Rolls King, and Giani’s are open to franchise partnerships and have proven scalability. These provide exciting opportunities for investors with mid-range budgets.
Other Factors to Consider
- Location: Profitability greatly depends on where the outlet is set up. High footfall zones like malls and commercial areas drive better returns.
- Franchise Support: Some brands offer robust training, marketing, and supply chain support which can make operations smoother.
- Brand Equity: Well-known brands attract customers faster, but they also come with stricter operating guidelines.
Final Verdict: Which Franchise is the Most Profitable?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you have a large budget and want a globally recognized name, McDonald’s could bring in high returns. For balanced investment and steady profits, Domino’s and KFC are top contenders. If you’re looking for a lower-investment entry, Subway or Wow! Momo offer good margins with less risk.
Before making a decision, assess your local market, budget, and appetite for operational involvement. A well-chosen QSR franchise in the right location can be a highly rewarding venture.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. All figures are estimates based on public data, market research, and industry reports, and may not reflect the actual performance or profitability of each franchise. Prospective investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with experts before making any investment decisions.
