what is cloud kitchen?

Cloud kitchens are commercial or virtual kitchens that prepare food for delivery and takeaways with no dine-in services. The cloud kitchen business model has become popular in recent years and entrepreneurs are investing heavily in this business. 

How much does a cloud kitchen cost in India?

The cost to set up a cloud kitchen can vary based on different cloud kitchen franchises. It can normally cost somewhere between 5 lakhs INR and 50 lakhs INR. The cost includes kitchen equipment and the franchise fees.

How to start a cloud kitchen business?

Cloud kitchen business can be started from home with minimum investment. You can start your cloud kitchen and can build your brand or you can opt for one of the best cloud kitchen franchises available in the market and kick-start your entrepreneurial journey.

What is the minimum budget for a cloud kitchen?

The minimum budget for opening a cloud kitchen can be from 2 lakhs if you are opening at your home and between 5-10 lakhs if you are renting and opening a cloud kitchen.

Which is the largest cloud kitchen brand in India?

Rebel Foods is the largest cloud kitchen brand in India.

Can I open cloud kitchen in my home?

Yes, you can easily open a cloud kitchen from your home and sell your food on Zomato and Swiggy.

Best cloud kitchen franchise in India

Here are the top 10 cloud franchises in India:

1. REBEL FOODS: Rebel Foods is one of the world’s largest cloud kitchen brand founded in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee. They started with the physical restaurant with online ordering but later shifted to a cloud kitchen business model in 2016.

They have several brands under them namely, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, The Good Bowl, Faasos, Mandarin Oak, Lunch Box, Sweet Truth, Firangi Bake, and The Biryani Life. They operate over 550+ cloud kitchens across 80+ cities. They had generated total revenue of Rs 1195 crores (US$140 million) in FY 23 and are also the first unicorn in the food industry with a valuation of $1.4 billion.

Shop Area Requirement:  500 – 1500 sq ft
Chefs Required: 4 – 10
Investment: INR 30 – 50 Lakhs
Royalty: 3 – 5 %

2. Cure Foods: Cure Foods is an Indian cloud kitchen brand that was founded in 2020 by Ankit Nagori, who was also one of the co-founders of clut.fit. It is currently headquartered in Bangalore. Cure foods aim to democratize access to good food sustainably.

The company has various brands in its name which are EatFit, Olio, Great Indian Khichdi, Rolls on Wheels, Nomad Piza, CakeZone, Millet Express, Chaat Street, and Juno’s Pizza. They have raised a total funding of $198 million to date and are valued at $375 million.

Shop Area Requirement:  500 – 1000 sq ft
Chefs Required: 2 – 8
Investment: INR 20 – 50 Lakhs
Royalty: 4 – 5 %

3. Bikanervala: Bikanervala is an Indian restaurant chain that started as a small sweet shop named Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar in 1905. It has been expanded across 150+ locations worldwide with a valuation of 3500+ Crores.

Initial inventory ranges from 5-10 lakhs rupees ranging from snacks, sweets, and bakery products that are essential for stocking up the outlet. One can expect a profit margin of 10 – 15% and a return on investment ranging from 4-5 years depending on the location of the outlet.

Shop Area Requirement:  500 – 2000 sq ft
Chefs Required: 4-10
Investment: Rs. 10 lacs – 50 lacs, Rs. 50 lacs – 1 Cr, Rs. 1 Cr – 2 Cr
Royalty: 5%

4. Wow Momo: Wow Momo is the fastest growing QSR chain headquartered in Kolkata which was started by 2 college friends in 2008 with just Rs 30000. They sell everything related to momos from steamed or fried momos, momo burgers to momo deserts, and many more.

They also give 24 *7 support and necessary training to the staff. The duration of the franchise is done for 3 years and then they have the renewal option. The profit margin depends on the location of the QSR and may vary from 40-50%.

Shop Area Requirement:  300 – 1000 sq ft
Chefs Required: 2-5
Investment: 5 – 20 Lakhs
Royalty: one time Rs 25000 + GST

5. Chai Point: Chai Point is an Indian tea company headquartered in Bangalore and founded by Mr. Amuleek Bijral in 2010. It is known for its fresh and natural ingredients with no preservatives which provide perfect taste and added health benefits every time.

They provide adequate to the franchisee and also let them tie up with the local stores and offices so that the outlet can provide authentic and freshly brewed tea to everyone.

Shop Area Requirement:  600 – 800 sq ft
Chefs Required: 4-5
Investment: 10 – 50 Lakhs
Royalty: one time Rs 3,00,000

6. Goli Vada Pav: Goli Vada Pav is famous for selling Mumbai vada pavs across different 100+ cities in India. They opened their first store in Kalyan, Maharashtra and since then they have managed to open 350+ stores. Today they are selling 1 lakhs+ vada pav each day and fulfilling their customer needs.

They offer franchise that comes with a franchise cost of Rs 37,500. They claim that each outlet is profitable and just by selling 400 goli vada pavs each day, one can generate a profit of
Rs 1,000,00 which may increase depending on the idea of the marketing of the outlet.

Shop Area Requirement:  350 – 700 sq ft
Chefs Required: 2-4
Investment: 10 – 12 Lakhs
Royalty: one time Rs 37,500 + GST

7. Monginis: Monginis is a bakery and confectionery brand that is a pioneer in the cakes and bakery industry. They usually sell a variety of cakes, pastries,  cookies, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, etc. They are also famous for donuts, namkeens, etc. They are a 100+-year-old brand and have 1000+ outlets across 40+ cities in India.

The reason to choose this franchise is because the growth is guaranteed and it is one of the reputed brands. It has a gross margin of about 42% and has an ROI of 2 years. The company offers marketing support and free training to the staff.

Shop Area Requirement:  200- 500 sq ft
Chefs Required: 2 – 4
Investment: 12 – 15  Lakhs
Royalty: one-time Brand Fee of Rs 4.5 Lakhs

8. Burger Singh: Burger Singh is one of the largest made-in-India burger chains founded in 2014 with a passion for adding an Indian twist to Burgers to fulfill the growing demand for Indian flavors. The first outlet was opened in 2014 and 1st franchise was sold in 2016. Since then they have managed to expand to 150+ outlets in 60+ cities in India.

They offer 4 business models namely the Express model, the Food court model, the Dine-In model, walk thru model. They offer 2 years royalty waiver and provide pre-approved locations with extra special offers.

They also offer excellent customer support.

Shop Area Requirement:  500 – 2000 sq ft
Chefs Required: 2 – 4
Investment: 10 -70  Lakhs
Royalty: 4%

9. Salado: Salado is a Salad brand in India that focuses on the concept of healthy eating. They often deal with different types of salads. It was founded in 2021 and has spread to more than 75+ franchises in 30+ cities.

They offer a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to launch their own cloud kitchen business from their home kitchen. They provide full support to the franchise to reach their target audience and build a loyal customer base.

Shop Area Requirement:  Not required
Chefs Required: 1-2
Investment: 5 – 10  Lakhs
Royalty: NA

10. Haldiram: Haldiram is a renowned Indian restaurant, sweets, and the maker of allo bhujia which was founded in 1937. It has a valuation of about 8 – 8.5$ billion. It has about 8 lakh outlets spread across India and abroad.
They provide training and ongoing assistance to the staff and also provide supply chain support and inventory management. Its return on investment is about 3-4 years depending upon the location.

Shop Area Requirement:  500 – 5000 sq ft
Chefs Required: 2 – 10
Investment: INR 10 – 50 Lakhs
Royalty: 2.5 %