By Saksham Arora Did you know that it was as recent as 2015 when Belgian Waffle first made its appearance in the Indian market? Yes, that’s pretty much the case! And look at them now, they have more than 450 stores across 160 countries right here in India, can you even believe that? Not just that though, the love for Belgian Waffles Co. offerings is increasing in India day by day, and that is precisely where we smell profits. You don’t? Well, we are actually referring to the franchise opportunity offered by Belgian Waffles right here in India, and with their big brand name and love for their offerings in the country, you can seriously make big profits, that’s for sure. So, come with us as we talk about things like Belgian Waffles franchise cost in India, their different models, among other things. Here we go.
Franchise Models and Cost Structure
When someone considers the steps taken to start a Belgian Waffle franchise, they usually have two key models available, either the Kiosk Model or the Cafe Model, one of which is the best for them, especially because both of them have different costs and space requirements. So, choose accordingly, first, let’s get to know a little more about these offered outlets.
1. Kiosk Model (Mall Outlets)
The first and one of the common options is the Kiosk Model which is a highly thought-of approach to the Kiosk Model to provide service in limited spaces like malls, busy areas, or anything like that. One will need a minimum of 80 square feet for this. The cost to get started with this model is about ₹12 lakhs in total. This includes a franchise fee of ₹3.5 lakhs and setup costs of ₹8.5 lakhs. For those wanting to take on the business, one can expect a return on investment on average in 14 to 16 months. Just so you know though, for the daily operation of this outlet, you’ll need around 2 to 4 employees to help run it.
2. Cafe Model
The Cafe Model is a bit larger and ideal for a standalone store where the customers can sit back and enjoy their waffles. For this model, a minimum space of 200 square feet would be required. Just so you know though, for this investment, the total capital required is ₹18 lakhs. This is made up of ₹5 lakhs franchise fee and ₹13 lakhs setup costs. Sure, the business scenario for this model is the same as the Kiosk Model, in that the return on investment is also about 14 months to 16 months.
Now, the choices are right in front of you, and you can easily make a better decision by knowing how much you are willing to spend, and where you’ll likely be setting up this outlet. So, that’s that!
What Are The Additional Franchise Requirements?
You see, it just doesn’t end with you having the initial investment, which is a must but still, there are other things you should keep in mind before applying for a Belgian Waffles Franchise right here in India. Like what though? Well, here are a few things you should know:
The total investment depends on the outlet format, city, and rental costs. On average, the overall investment ranges between ₹12 lakh and ₹25 lakh.
1. Franchise Fee (One-Time)
The franchise fee gives you the right to operate under the brand name and use its recipes, systems, and branding.
- ₹3.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh (one-time, non-refundable)
This fee usually includes initial training, store launch support, and access to approved suppliers.
2. Store Setup & Interiors
Interior cost depends on whether you choose a kiosk or a full café model.
- Kiosk / Food Court Model: ₹8 – ₹12 lakh
- Takeaway Outlet: ₹10 – ₹15 lakh
- Café or Dine-in Model: ₹12 – ₹18 lakh
This includes furniture, counters, signage, lighting, branding, and basic civil work.
3. Equipment & Machinery
Belgian waffle outlets require specialised waffle makers, refrigeration units, freezers, display counters, and POS systems.
- ₹2 – ₹5 lakh depending on store size
4. Licences, Deposits & Working Capital
You must budget for FSSAI licence, GST registration, local municipal permissions, initial stock, staff salaries, and utility deposits.
- ₹1 – ₹3 lakh
Total Estimated Investment
| Outlet Type | Estimated Cost |
| Kiosk | ₹12 – ₹15 lakh |
| Takeaway Outlet | ₹15 – ₹20 lakh |
| Café / Dine-in | ₹18 – ₹25 lakh |
These figures are indicative and can vary based on city, rent, and interior standards.
Recurring Costs & Royalty Fees
Once the outlet starts operating, you will have monthly expenses that affect profitability.
Royalty & Marketing Fees
Most Belgian waffle franchises charge:
- 8% – 12% royalty on gross sales
- Some brands also charge 2% – 3% marketing contribution
These fees cover brand support, national marketing, menu innovation, and operational guidance.
Monthly Operating Expenses
Typical monthly costs include:
- Rent
- Staff salaries
- Raw materials
- Electricity and water
- Delivery platform commissions (Zomato/Swiggy)
On average:
- ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh per month, depending on location and outlet size
Revenue, Profit Margin & ROI
Monthly Revenue Potential
A well-located Belgian waffle outlet can generate:
- ₹3 – ₹6 lakh per month for kiosks and takeaway stores
- Café models can earn more due to higher seating capacity and longer customer stay
Profit Margins
- Gross margin: 55% – 65%
- Net profit margin: 15% – 25% after all expenses
Waffles use low-cost ingredients, which helps maintain strong margins when sales volume is consistent.
Break-Even Period
Most franchise owners recover their investment within:
- 12 to 18 months
Prime locations with high footfall may achieve break-even even faster.
Location Matters More Than Anything Else
For Belgian waffle franchises, location directly decides success. The best performing outlets are usually found in:
- Shopping malls
- High-footfall food courts
- College areas
- IT parks
- Busy high streets
Even a strong brand can struggle if footfall is weak, so site selection should never be rushed.
Things to Check Before Investing
Before signing the franchise agreement, always:
- Visit existing outlets and observe daily sales
- Ask for a sample profit & loss statement
- Understand royalty and marketing fees clearly
- Confirm training, supply chain, and marketing support
- Negotiate rental terms carefully
Final Thoughts
A Belgian waffles franchise in India is a relatively low-investment, high-margin food business with strong brand demand and scalable growth potential. With an investment starting around ₹12 lakh, it is suitable for first-time entrepreneurs as well as experienced investors looking to diversify into the dessert café segment.
However, success depends on location, cost control, and consistent quality. If these factors are managed well, a Belgian waffles franchise can deliver steady profits and long-term business growth.