Starbucks Franchise Cost in India: Everything You Need to Know

In India, coffee is no longer just a beverage—it’s a culture. And when we talk about premium coffee culture, Starbucks easily tops the list. The brand has transformed the way Indians enjoy their coffee, with its chic ambience, international menu, and premium service. Naturally, this makes aspiring entrepreneurs curious about the Starbucks franchise cost in India and the opportunity to partner with one of the world’s most iconic brands.

If you’re someone dreaming of owning a Starbucks outlet in India, this blog covers everything you need to know—from cost, investment, and profit margins to the application process and brand history. Let's explore whether it's possible and how.

☕ A Quick Overview of Starbucks in India

Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50:50 joint venture with Tata Group, forming Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd. The brand opened its first outlet at Elphinstone Building, Horniman Circle, Mumbai.

Since then, it has expanded rapidly across major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. As of 2025, it has over 390 outlets in more than 50 cities and continues to grow, proving its strong foothold in India’s café culture.

💼 Can You Own a Starbucks Franchise in India?

Before jumping into the Starbucks franchise cost in India, it’s important to understand that Starbucks does not offer direct franchises in India. All Starbucks stores are operated under Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd., and expansion is managed internally.

Unlike brands like Domino’s or Subway, Starbucks follows a company-operated store model to maintain its premium standards and consistency across locations. However, there are partnership or licensing opportunities in some international markets—but not in India for now.

So technically, you cannot buy a Starbucks franchise in India as an individual entrepreneur, but there’s still value in understanding how the business works, especially if you're planning a similar venture or aiming to collaborate with Starbucks in the future.

💰 Starbucks Franchise Cost in India – Estimated Breakdown

Even though there’s no direct franchising, let’s hypothetically break down the Starbucks franchise cost in India for those curious about the investment it would take to run a similar model café or if the brand ever opens its doors to franchisees.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (INR)
Franchise Fee (if allowed)	₹25 – ₹30 lakhs (assumed)
Store Setup & Interiors	₹70 lakhs – ₹1.2 crore
Equipment & Machinery	₹20 – ₹25 lakhs
Raw Materials & Initial Inventory	₹10 – ₹15 lakhs
Staff Hiring & Training	₹5 – ₹10 lakhs
Working Capital (6 months)	₹10 – ₹20 lakhs
Total Estimated Investment	₹1.5 crore – ₹2.5 crore

These numbers are estimates, derived by comparing other premium café franchises in India like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Barista, and Costa Coffee.

📈 Profit Margin & Revenue Potential

While the Starbucks franchise cost in India might seem high, the brand's profitability is also robust. Starbucks stores generate high footfall due to their brand loyalty, ambiance, and aspirational appeal.

• Average Daily Sales: ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000+

• Monthly Revenue: ₹12 – ₹30 lakhs (location dependent)

• Net Profit Margin: 15% – 25%

• ROI Timeline: 3 – 5 years in prime locations

Remember, operational expenses like rent, staff salaries, electricity, and licensing fees can heavily influence actual profits.

🧾 What Makes Starbucks a Premium Investment?

If you're wondering why the Starbucks franchise cost in India is on the higher side, here’s what you’re paying for:

1. Global Brand Reputation: Starbucks is synonymous with premium coffee culture.

2. High-Quality Product Line: From handcrafted beverages to gourmet food.

3. Top-notch Ambience: Each outlet is designed with a classy, global aesthetic.

4. Loyal Customer Base: Youth, professionals, and travelers prefer Starbucks for meetings and hangouts.

5. Tech & Operations: High-end POS systems, loyalty programs, mobile app ordering, etc.

   
   

🏢 Locations That Work Best for Starbucks

Starbucks prefers high-footfall premium locations, and if the brand ever opens up franchising, these would be ideal spots:

• Airports & Metro Stations

• Business Hubs & IT Parks

• Shopping Malls

• High-street Retail Zones

• Tourist Hotspots

• Premium Residential Areas

These places promise better visibility, higher customer inflow, and consistent sales.

📋 What If You Still Want to Work with Starbucks?

Even though Starbucks does not offer franchise opportunities in India, here are alternative options if you wish to be associated with the brand:

1. Apply for a Corporate Role at Tata Starbucks

If you're interested in retail, management, or supply chain, you can apply for job roles at their official careers page.

2. Get into Supply Chain or Vendor Network

Tata Starbucks relies on several vendors for raw materials, logistics, tech, and service. If you run a relevant business, you can explore vendor tie-ups.

3. Open a Premium Café Chain

Use the insights from Starbucks' success to build your own premium coffee brand. Many successful Indian entrepreneurs have done the same with unique concepts.

🌍 Starbucks Expansion Plan in India

Tata Starbucks plans to open 1,000 stores by 2028, and its focus is now shifting beyond Tier 1 cities to Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations like Lucknow, Indore, Amritsar, Surat, and Guwahati. This makes the market ripe for:

• Café investments

• Premium F&B ventures

• Local coffee brand creation

Even without franchising, Starbucks’ growth inspires new entrepreneurs to dive into the café business space.

📊 Starbucks vs. Other Coffee Franchises in India

If you’re keen on opening a coffee store and Starbucks isn’t an option yet, consider these alternatives:

Brand	Franchise Cost (INR)	Type
Barista	₹30 – ₹50 lakhs	Franchise
Café Coffee Day	₹60 lakhs – ₹1 crore	Franchise
Coffee Day Xpress	₹10 – ₹20 lakhs	Kiosk Model
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf	₹80 lakhs – ₹1.2 crore	Franchise
Brewberrys Café	₹12 – ₹25 lakhs	Franchise

📢 FAQs – Starbucks Franchise in India

❓ Is Starbucks franchise available in India?

No, currently Starbucks does not offer franchises in India. It operates through Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd.

❓ What is the estimated cost to open a Starbucks-like café?

To build a premium café on Starbucks' level, you would need an investment between ₹1.5 crore to ₹2.5 crore.

❓ Will Starbucks offer franchises in India in the future?

As of now, there is no official announcement. But if they consider it, the demand will be immense.

❓ Can I partner with Tata Starbucks in any other way?

Yes. You can explore vendor partnerships, supply services, or job opportunities in their corporate setup.

❓ Is it profitable to run a premium coffee café in India?

Yes, with the rising coffee culture, premium cafés can earn high margins in metro cities and fast-growing urban areas.

📝 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

While you can’t own a Starbucks franchise in India directly today, understanding its business model, cost structure, and brand power offers great insights for aspiring café owners. Whether you aim to start your own premium café or watch for Starbucks to open franchising, it’s clear the coffee industry in India has immense growth potential.

So if you're passionate about coffee, branding, and customer experience—now is a great time to plan your journey in this space. Whether it’s Starbucks or your own creation, India is ready for world-class café culture—and maybe you’re the next big name brewing success!