In India, fast-food businesses have expanded and tailored their menus to local preferences. With a CAGR of 23% between 2020 and 2025, the fast-food sector in India is expanding quickly. In 2020, the industry had a value of $348 billion; by 2025, it was predicted to be worth $1.01 trillion. Rising earnings, shifting lifestyles, and growing urbanisation are just a few causes fueling the fast-food industry’s expansion.
The average Indian spends 2,500 on fast food each year. Over 10,000 locations are operated by India’s top 10 fast-food chains. This sector employs around 7 million people in India and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 11.19% from 2022 to 2028.
Fast-food restaurants are now a common and changing feature of India’s culinary scene, serving a broad and constantly growing customer base. This fusion of global and local tastes.
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Business landscape in India
India’s food chain business environment is vibrant and exciting. There is an increase in demand for takeout and delivery due to a growing population, more urbanisation, and changing lifestyles. This has drawn both local and foreign players, leading to fierce competition. While digital platforms like Swiggy and Zomato assist meal delivery, the franchise model is frequently used for quick expansion. Supply chain management, strict laws governing food safety, and cost variations are some of the issues the business must deal with. The key to success in this booming market is adapting to the many regional tastes, emphasising health and sustainability, and utilising technology.
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Top food chains in India
McDonald
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi.
Founded in: 1940
The happy meals, McDonald’s birthday celebrations, and the excited squealing when Ronald McDonald arrived at the party were a part of the childhoods of Indian children in the 1990s. McDonald’s was first established in California, USA, by Maurice and Richard McDonald. It moved to New Delhi, India, in 1996. The first McDonald’s to offer a menu without beef or pork was in India. With Indians’ eating habits in mind, vegetarian choices, including McAloo Tikki, Pizza McPuff, and McVeggie, were added to the menu. There are numerous chicken and fish options for non-vegetarians. McDonald’s also offers a breakfast menu, which includes hotcakes, drinks, hash browns, and McMuffins (burgers) with vegetarian, chicken, or egg options, until 10 a.m. at some locations.
Dominos
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: Tower-D, Plot No. 5, 5th Floor, Logix Techno Park, Sector 127, Noida 201304
Founded in: 1960
Thirty minutes, or it’s free. We’ve all brazenly waited for the delivery person to be late to get the pizza order for free. They were punctual, though. Fresh, hot pizza delivered to your door was a revolutionary idea never thought of before Domino’s. Tom and James Monaghan launched the Domino’s Pizza brand of pizza restaurants in the United States in 1960. There was a general enthusiasm when Domino’s opened in India in 1996 for their cheese pizzas and mouthwatering twisted breads (no longer offered). It has never failed to deliver a Domino’s pizza box to an urban Indian home.
Pizza hut
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: 12th Floor, Tower D, Global Business Park, Gurugram 122002, Haryana
Founded in: 1958
Dan Carney and Frank Carney established Pizza Hut in Kansas, Kansas, USA. With the opening of its first location in Bangalore (Bengaluru), Karnataka, the American restaurant brand Pizza Hut entered the Indian market in 1996. Pizza Hut offers everything, including many pizzas, creamy pasta dishes, and crunchy garlic bread. Pizza Hut is currently one of the most well-known fast-food companies in India, having operated there for more than 20 years with more than 400 locations.
KFC
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: 4th Floor, World Mark, Tower-2, Maidawas Rd, Sector 65, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Founded in: 1952
In the world, there are more than 23,000 KFC locations. In Bangalore in 1995, KFC made its debut in India. Chicken popcorn, tenders, burgers, rice bowls, spicy chicken, and the original secret recipe fried chicken are all offered by KFC in India. Considering the Indian clientele, many vegetarian options are also provided.
Taco bell
Industry: fast food
Company type: Public
Location: Ashi Bhawan Ground Floor, 19 Rouse Avenue, New Delhi 110002
Founded in: 1962
Taco Bell and Tex-Mex come to mind. Taco Bell has many delectable options, including tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas. With only 35 locations across India, Taco Bell is a recent market debut. Glen Bell, the company’s founder, set up shop in Downey, California, for the first Taco Bell. With more than 300 restaurants, it went public in 1970. When 1978 rolled around, Glen Bell sold Taco Bell to PepsiCo.
Burger King
Industry: fast food
Company type: Public
Location: Office no 1003 to 1007, B Wing, 10th Floor, Mittal Commercia, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400059
Founded in: 1954
What a whopper! James McLamore, David Edgerton, William R. Jarvis, and James Duncan Rae established Burger King in Florida, USA. The burger chain arrived in India in 2014 to a warm reception. Indian dishes were created with plenty of vegetarian alternatives and no beef or pig.
Haldirams
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: B 1, H 3, NH-19, Block B-1, Mohan Cooperative Industrial Estate, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110044
Founded in: 1930
Indian global sweets, snack, and restaurant firm Haldiram’s is based in Noida. It was established in Bikaner, Rajasthan. In addition to more than 100 locations abroad, Haldiram has more than 5,000 locations in India. The company’s top-selling items are bhujia, namkeen, and munchies. People of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds makeup Haldiram’s target market. Because of its extensive product line, dedication to quality, and reasonable costs, the company is regarded as one of the top fast-food chains in India.
Cafe coffee day
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: 23/2, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore 560001
Founded in: 1996
Bengaluru, Karnataka, is home to the corporate headquarters of the international chain of coffee shops known as Cafe Coffee Day. The largest coffee chain in India, with more than 1,700 locations nationwide. The top-selling items at CCD include ice cream, sandwiches, pastries, tea, coffee, and tea sandwiches. Young professionals and students are the target market for the organisation. CCD is regarded as one of India’s best fast food franchises for its variety of coffees, the welcoming atmosphere it creates, and the convenient locations.
Faasos
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: 2nd Floor, Adjacent To Nahur Railway Station, Subhash Nagar Road, Bhandup West Mumbai-400078
Founded in: 2004
An Indian fast-food franchise called Faasos was established in 2004. With over 500 locations spread over 10 countries, it is the largest QSR chain of Indian origin. Fast delivery, high-quality ingredients, and mouthwatering food are hallmarks of Faasos. Wraps, bowls, and biryani are some of its best-selling items. Young professionals and families are the company’s target market. Faasos is regarded as one of India’s best fast food businesses thanks to its reliable quality, creative menu, and practical delivery choices.
Subway
Industry: fast food
Company type: Private
Location: F3JJ+62C, Metro Station, MGF Metropolis Mall, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Founded in: 1965
Subway is a national brand of quick-service restaurants. With more than 40,000 sites spread across 100 countries, it is the largest restaurant chain in the world. With more than 1,500 locations nationwide, Subway has been operating in India since 2001. Subs, wraps, and salads are the most popular menu items at the chain. Consumers interested in good nutrition and searching for quick, inexpensive meals make Subway’s target market. The business is regarded as one of India’s top fast-food restaurants because of the diversity of menu items, emphasis on healthy eating, and convenient and reasonable prices.
Business landscape for fast food chains in India
Office space: India’s expanding fast-food chain market fueled the demand for larger restaurant premises and more contemporary dining options. This expansion is fueling the construction of modern restaurant complexes and infrastructure, improving the nation’s fast-food dining scene.
Rental space: India’s fast-food chain industry’s explosive growth supports an active commercial real estate market. High demand for desirable locations results in competitive lease rates and rising property values, which is advantageous to developers and property owners.
Impact of the fast food chain on India
India has seen a significant impact from fast food franchises. They have boosted economic development, brought about convenience, and produced jobs. They have, however, also been connected to health problems because of their frequently harmful goods. The prevalence of Western fast food can put established eating customs in jeopardy. Environmental waste and the level of local cuisine rivalry are issues. India’s future depends on balancing the comfort and economic advantages it provides and the health and cultural issues it presents.
FAQs
What are some popular fast food chains in India?
Popular fast food chains in India include McDonald's, Domino's, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and many local brands like Faasos and Haldiram.
Are there vegetarian options available at fast food chains in India?
Yes, most fast food chains in India offer various vegetarian options, including veggie burgers, pizzas, wraps, and sandwiches, to cater to the diverse dietary preferences of the population.
Do fast food chains in India offer regional or local flavours?
Many fast food chains in India adapt their menus to incorporate regional flavours and ingredients, providing a taste of local cuisine alongside their regular offerings.
Are there healthy choices available at fast food chains in India?
Some fast food chains offer healthier options such as salads, grilled items, and wraps with lean proteins and fresh vegetables. However, it's essential to check the menu for these choices.
Are there vegetarian or vegan fast food options in India?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan fast food options are available in India, including plant-based burgers, wraps, and pizzas, to cater to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan food.
Do fast food chains in India offer delivery and online ordering services?
Yes, most fast food chains in India offer delivery and online ordering services through their websites or mobile apps, and they often partner with food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.
Are fast food chains in India open 24/7?
Not all fast food chains in India are open 24/7. Operating hours may vary by location and city, so checking with the specific outlet is advisable.
What measures do fast food chains take to maintain food safety and hygiene in India?
Fast food chains in India are required to adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations. They typically have strict quality control and training programs to ensure the safety and quality of their food.
How can one find the nearest fast food chain outlet in that particular area?
Customers can use the official website or mobile app of the fast food chain, or customers can search on popular food delivery platforms to find the nearest outlet in your area.
Do fast food chains in India offer discounts and loyalty programs?
Many fast-food chains offer discounts, combo deals, and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. Check their websites or apps for the latest promotions and offers.
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Saswat Kumar, a real estate writer, keeps up with the latest trends in residential real estate. He simplifies complex real estate jargon, making it accessible to all. Saswat’s data-driven analysis empowers buyers and investors to make informed choices in the housing market.
