Searching for a franchise business in India? Food franchises are one of the most popular choices – and bubble tea is one of the fastest-growing food and drink categories. But before you pay a franchise fee, it is worth knowing every option. In this guide we explain how a food franchise works, what to check before you sign, and how a bubble tea business can be started either as a franchise or as your own brand with training.
What is a franchise business?
In a franchise, you pay a brand for the right to use its name, menu and system. You usually pay a franchise fee to start, and often a royalty or share of sales every month. In return you get a known brand, recipes, training and supply.
Why food franchises are so popular in India
- Food and drinks have daily demand.
- A known brand can bring customers from day one.
- Recipes and systems are ready-made.
- Many people want a low investment franchise they can start in a small space.
Franchise vs your own brand vs brand partner
| Franchise | Your own brand (with training) | Brand partner counter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand name | The franchisor’s | Yours | Partner brand |
| Franchise fee | Usually yes | No | Depends on agreement |
| Monthly royalty | Often yes | No | Depends on agreement |
| Menu and price control | Set by franchisor | You decide | Agreed together |
| Supply | From franchisor | You choose | From partner |
| Freedom to grow | Limited by contract | Full | Agreed together |
| Best for | People who want a ready brand | People who want to build their own business | Premium venues – hotels, malls, airports |
There is no single right answer. A franchise suits people who want a ready brand and are happy to follow rules. Your own brand suits people who want full control and no royalty. Many first-time founders choose a mix: learn from an experienced brand, then build their own.
What to check before you buy a food franchise
- Total cost – franchise fee, setup, equipment, rent, deposit and first stock.
- Ongoing fees – royalty, marketing fee and minimum purchases.
- Agreement terms – contract length, exit rules and territory protection.
- Supply – are you forced to buy everything from them, and at what quality?
- Training and support – who trains you, for how long, and what happens after opening?
- Real outlets – visit existing outlets and talk to owners.
- Taste – would you buy the product yourself, again and again?
Many people search for a franchise business under 5 lakhs or under 10 lakhs. Real costs depend on the city, rent, size and equipment, so always ask for a full written cost list before you decide – and get advice from your CA.
Why bubble tea is a strong food franchise category
- Growing fast with students, young professionals and families.
- Low competition in most Indian towns – often no bubble tea shop at all.
- Small space – a kiosk, stall or small shop is enough to start.
- Big menu from a few ingredients – milk teas, fruit teas, coffees and desserts.
- Events and parties – extra income beyond the shop.
- Instagram-friendly – customers promote you for free.
New to bubble tea? Read what is bubble tea and bubble tea ingredients.
The Hooba Boba way: not a franchise
Hooba Boba is not a franchise. We do not charge franchise fees or royalties. Instead we offer two clear paths:
1. Your own bubble tea business with our training
- Hands-on bubble tea training in our own shop in Vellore
- Startup support – equipment and materials are quoted separately based on your needs
- You keep your own brand, menu and prices
- Best for home businesses, event counters, stalls and shops
2. Hooba Boba brand partner counter for premium venues
- For hotels, resorts, malls, multiplexes, airports, hospitals and corporate cafeterias
- Serve Hooba Boba drinks at your venue
- Read more about brand partner counters
What you get from Hooba Boba
- Our own shop opposite VIT 3rd Gate, Vellore, rated 4.9★ on Google
- Recognised by StartupTN and GST-registered
- Premium ingredients imported from Taiwan, China and Japan, with our own formulations
- Famous for Taro, Hazelnut and Matcha
- A full menu: milk bubble teas, Signature Boba (Taro, Thai, Honeydew), Kyoto Matcha Bliss, Premium Bubble (Cold Chocolate, Irish Cheese, Red Velvet, Hazelnut, Mocha), Banana Bubble, 7 Cappuccino Bubble Coffees (Cold, Espresso, Irish, Mocha, Caramel, Hazelnut and Vanilla), boba sodas, Green Tea Popping Magic Fruit Teas (Mango, Kiwi, Guava, Jamun) and desserts like Oreo Milkshake with Boba and Tiramisu
A note from the people behind Hooba Boba
We chose not to sell franchises. We would rather train you properly and let you build your own business – or partner with premium venues that care about quality as much as we do. We never compromise on quality, and we look for partners who put taste and customers first. When the quality is right, the business follows.
Sathiya Panneer Selvam, Founder & CEO · Raju Inkarsal, Head of Operations – Hooba Boba
City guides
Planning in a specific city? Read our guides for Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem and Trichy, or for premium venues: hotels, malls, airports and corporate cafeterias.
Related reading: small business ideas in India · home business ideas for women · bubble tea equipment list · bubble tea shop business plan · low investment business ideas · cafe name ideas
Frequently asked questions
What is the best food franchise business in India?
It depends on your budget, city and goals. Bubble tea is one of the fastest-growing food and drink categories, with low competition in most towns and a small space requirement.
Is there a low investment franchise for bubble tea?
Costs depend on the city, rent, size and equipment. Another low-cost option is to start your own bubble tea business with training instead of paying franchise fees – you can begin from home, events or a small stall.
Does Hooba Boba offer franchises?
No. Hooba Boba is not a franchise and does not charge franchise fees or royalties. We offer hands-on training and startup support so you can build your own business, and brand partner counters for premium venues.
Franchise or own brand – which is better?
A franchise gives you a ready brand but comes with fees, royalties and rules. Your own brand gives you full control and no royalty, but you need good training and ingredients to build trust.
What should I check before buying a franchise?
The total cost, ongoing royalties and fees, agreement terms, supply rules, training and support, and real outlets you can visit. Always get a written cost list and advice from your CA.
How do I start a bubble tea business in India?
Get trained, choose your model (home, events, stall or shop), register with FSSAI, set up equipment and good ingredients, then promote on Instagram, WhatsApp and Google. Call or WhatsApp Hooba Boba on 90929 39697 for training.
Talk to us before you decide
📞 Call or WhatsApp 90929 39697 for training and partner enquiries.
Visit our shop opposite VIT 3rd Gate, Chennai Salai, Katpadi, Vellore (open daily 11 AM – 10 PM) to taste the drinks, see partner with us, or contact us.