The Rolling plate

The Rolling plate
  • June 16, 2025

Top Fast Food Franchises in India (2026)

India’s fast food industry is booming-and for good reason. With rapid urbanization, a growing middle class, and the rise of food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, fast food is no longer just a luxury-it’s a lifestyle. For aspiring entrepreneurs, investing in a fast-food franchise is one of the most accessible and rewarding business models in India.

Whether you’re looking for a dine-in chain, a delivery-focused cloud kitchen, or a flexible kiosk, India offers a diverse mix of franchise options. In this blog, we’ll explore the Top Fast Food Franchises in India that are dominating the space in 2026, and why The Rolling Plate is quickly becoming a favourite among new-age entrepreneurs.

 

1. The Rolling Plate – India’s Fastest Growing Cloud Kitchen Franchise

The Rolling Plate is revolutionizing fast food franchising with its cloud kitchen-based models. Unlike traditional QSRs that require heavy investment in real estate, The Rolling Plate offers low-cost, scalable opportunities through its two franchise models:

  • FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated)
  • FOCO (Franchise Owned, Company Operated)

With over 300+ kitchens across India and 20+ in-house food brands (covering Chinese, North Indian, biryani, street food, and momos), The Rolling Plate provides a plug-and-play setup that’s optimized for food delivery.

Why it stands out:

  • Low investment starting from ₹1.9 lakhs + GST
  • Operate from home or any small kitchen space
  • Fully managed operations in the FOCO model
  • Ideal for both active operators and passive investors
  • Profitable in both metro and tier-2/tier-3 markets

Best For: First-time entrepreneurs, investors, NRIs, and home chefs

 

2. Domino’s Pizza – The King of Quick Delivery

One of the most successful international fast-food chains in India, Domino’s, is synonymous with pizza and fast delivery. With over 1,800 outlets nationwide, its franchise network is deeply embedded in the Indian market.

Pros:

  • Strong brand recognition
  • Excellent technology for order and delivery
  • High repeat customer rate

Cons:

  • High investment (₹30–₹50 lakhs+)
  • Needs a prime location and a dine-in/kitchen space
  • Limited flexibility in menu and branding

Best For: Entrepreneurs with substantial capital and experience in QSR operations

 

3. KFC – A Giant in the Chicken Segment

A part of the Yum! Brands portfolio, KFC holds a dominant position in the fried chicken category in India. With a loyal customer base and widespread popularity, the brand continues to grow rapidly in metro and tier-1 cities.

Pros:

  • Established operations
  • High brand value
  • Training and support from Yum! Brands

Cons:

  • Investment upwards of ₹1 crore
  • Heavily regulated and process-driven
  • Longer time to break even

Best For: Large-scale investors and corporate franchisees

 

4. Wow! Momo – India’s Homegrown Fast Food Success

Wow! Momo is a true Indian success story. Known for reinventing the momo, the brand has expanded rapidly with both dine-in and cloud kitchen formats.

Pros:

  • Popular among Gen Z and Millennials
  • Innovative menu and frequent new launches
  • Strong delivery presence

Cons:

  • Medium investment (~₹15–₹30 lakhs)
  • Competition in the street food segment

Best For: Young entrepreneurs and foodies with mid-level investment capacity

 

5. Subway – Custom Sandwiches for the Health-Conscious

Subway has carved a niche in India by offering fresh, customizable sandwiches. It appeals to health-conscious urban consumers and has a significant presence in malls, airports, and business parks.

Pros:

  • Global brand recognition
  • Compact store formats are available
  • Easy operations compared to full-service restaurants

Cons:

  • Franchise cost ₹30–₹50 lakhs
  • Limited popularity in smaller cities
  • High competition from local fast food chains

Best For: Franchisees looking for premium, health-focused formats

 

6. Pizza Hut – Pizza and More

Also owned by Yum! Brands, Pizza Hut is a long-standing player in the Indian pizza scene. It offers dine-in and delivery formats and often co-locates with KFC in food courts.

Pros:

  • Strong brand trust
  • Great dine-in ambience
  • Expanding in delivery format

Cons:

  • High setup cost
  • Slower service compared to Domino’s

Best For: Malls, multiplexes, and high-footfall retail zones

 

7. Haldiram’s – The Indian Food Powerhouse

Starting as a snack brand, Haldiram’s has evolved into a full-service fast food restaurant. Its outlets offer a mix of Indian street food, sweets, chaats, and thalis.

Pros:

  • Huge trust in Indian households
  • Menu variety with mass appeal
  • Strong tier-2 and tier-3 city presence

Cons:

  • Franchise setup costs can be high
  • Needs a large space and staff

Best For: Investors wanting to serve traditional Indian cuisine in a fast-casual format

 

8. Tibbs Frankie – Compact and Street-Smart

Tibbs Frankie has long been associated with rolls and wraps in India. It offers a low-investment franchise model with quick-service counters in malls, stations, and food courts.

Pros:

  • Low investment (₹5–₹10 lakhs)
  • Simple operations and a limited menu
  • Popular snack across age groups

Cons:

  • Smaller average ticket size
  • Limited expansion beyond certain regions

Best For: Low-budget entrepreneurs and kiosk owners

 

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Fast Food Franchise in 2026

India’s fast food franchise landscape is diverse, catering to every budget and business vision. From high-capital international brands to smart, affordable cloud kitchen models, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re a first-time entrepreneur or want a low-risk, high-return food business, The Rolling Plate is by far the most versatile and budget-friendly franchise opportunity in India right now. With low startup cost, zero experience needed, and full backend support, it’s ideal for the new wave of digital-savvy business owners.

But if you’re willing to invest higher amounts and want a premium international brand, Domino’s, KFC, or Subway might be the right fit.

 

Ready to Start Your Food Franchise?

Begin with a model that fits your budget, location, and long-term goals. Whether it’s biryani, burgers, noodles, or momos, India’s appetite is growing, and the opportunities are endless.

Explore The Rolling Plate’s franchise options today and be part of India’s food tech revolution.

The Rolling plate