Starting a Burger Franchise in India: A Complete Guide
The burger industry in India is booming, with increasing demand for quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and fast-casual dining. Entrepreneurs looking for a profitable business model are turning to burger franchises, which offer brand recognition, operational support, and a proven success strategy.
If you’re planning to start a burger franchise in India, this guide covers everything you need to know—from investment costs to the application process and profitability insights.
1. Why Choose a Burger Franchise in India?
The Indian food industry is experiencing rapid growth, and burgers have become a favorite fast-food choice among customers of all ages.
✔️ High Demand: The fast-food market in India is growing at a CAGR of 18%.
✔️ Established Brand Support: Franchisors provide training, branding, and operational assistance.
✔️ Faster ROI: A well-managed burger franchise can start making profits in 12-18 months.
✔️ Diverse Customer Base: Millennials, working professionals, and students prefer quick, affordable, and delicious meals.
💡 Tip: Opting for a well-known burger franchise reduces the risks of starting from scratch and offers faster brand recall.
2. Investment & Cost Breakdown for a Burger Franchise in India
Before launching a burger franchise, it’s crucial to understand the initial investment and operational costs.
Initial Investment Costs
The cost of starting a burger franchise varies based on brand reputation, location, and business model.
🔹 Franchise Fee: ₹3-10 Lakhs
🔹 Setup & Interiors: ₹5-15 Lakhs (depends on size & theme)
🔹 Equipment & Machinery: ₹3-7 Lakhs (grill, fryer, storage)
🔹 Raw Materials & Inventory: ₹1-3 Lakhs
🔹 Marketing & Branding: ₹1-5 Lakhs
🔹 Staff Salaries & Training: ₹2-5 Lakhs
✔️ Total Estimated Investment: ₹12-30 Lakhs (varies by brand & city)
💡 Tip: Some franchises offer financing support or easy installment plans to ease the investment burden.
3. Steps to Start a Burger Franchise in India
Step 1: Research & Choose the Right Franchise
Compare different burger franchises based on brand reputation, cost, and support.
Check franchise success rates and existing outlet performance.
Step 2: Location Selection & Setup
Choose a high-footfall area like malls, commercial hubs, or college zones.
Minimum space required: 200-500 sq. ft. for a takeaway model, 700+ sq. ft. for dine-in.
Step 3: Apply & Sign the Franchise Agreement
Submit a franchise application and review the terms & conditions carefully.
Sign the franchise agreement, ensuring clarity on royalty fees, support, and brand guidelines.
Step 4: Infrastructure & Equipment Setup
Installed kitchen equipment, seating, POS system, and other essentials.
Branding elements like menu boards, signage, and marketing materials should align with franchise standards.
Step 5: Staff Hiring & Training
Recruit chefs, counter staff, and customer service executives.
Franchise training ensures employees follow standardized recipes and service quality.
Step 6: Launch & Marketing
Conduct a grand opening with discounts & promotions.
Run social media and local advertising campaigns to attract customers.
💡 Tip: Utilize food delivery apps (Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Dunzo) to boost online sales.
4. Profitability & Revenue Potential of a Burger Franchise
A successful burger franchise can generate monthly revenue between ₹5-20 lakhs, depending on location and brand reputation.
Revenue Breakdown:
💰 Daily Sales: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000
📅 Monthly Revenue: ₹5 – ₹15 Lakhs
📊 Profit Margin: 18% – 30%
✔️ Breakeven Point: 12-18 months
✔️ Expansion Potential: High, with multiple outlets possible in 2-3 years
💡 Tip: Profit margins improve with optimized food costs, efficient labor management, and strong marketing strategies.
5. Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Starting a burger franchise is rewarding but comes with challenges.
🔴 High Competition: Stand out with unique flavors, premium ingredients, and innovative marketing.
🔴 Operational Costs: Monitor inventory and minimize food wastage to improve profit margins.
🔴 Changing Customer Preferences: Introduce new menu items and offer seasonal discounts to retain customers.
🔴 Licensing & Regulations: Ensure compliance with FSSAI, GST, fire safety, and health permits.
💡 Tip: Regular training and strong operational management help in long-term franchise success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! With high demand and strong brand backing, a burger franchise can generate 18-30% profit margins with the right strategy.
The investment typically ranges between ₹12-30 Lakhs, depending on the franchise brand, location, and setup type.
High-footfall areas like malls, IT parks, college zones, highways, and food courts work best.
You’ll need FSSAI, GST registration, fire safety certificate, health trade license, and local municipality approvals.
With strong marketing and sales strategies, franchisees can break even within 12-18 months.
Yes! Most burger franchises offer complete training on food preparation, service quality, and operations management.
Final Thoughts
Starting a burger franchise in India is a lucrative opportunity with high demand and strong brand support. From investment planning to marketing strategies, every step plays a crucial role in building a profitable franchise business.
At Skyland d Global, we offer The Burger Nation franchise—an established brand with proven success in the QSR industry. Ready to launch your own burger outlet? Contact us today and take the first step toward a successful food business!