By Saksham Arora Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters was founded in 2013 in Delhi and has grown into one of India’s most respected specialty coffee brands. Known for sourcing premium beans, roasting them in small batches, and offering a unique coffee experience, Blue Tokai has a loyal following among coffee lovers. As India’s café culture expands, many entrepreneurs explore opening a Blue Tokai outlet.
This article explains whether the brand offers franchise opportunities, the real investment possibilities, cost structure, and how to operate a Blue Tokai-affiliated café in India.
About the Blue Tokai Brand
Blue Tokai is known for high-quality coffee beans, in-house roasting, chef-level brewing standards, and modern café environments. Its menu includes espresso-based drinks, pour-overs, cold brew, and light meals. The brand focuses on coffee education, transparency of sourcing, and consistent taste across locations. Because of its premium positioning, Blue Tokai requires strong operational discipline and quality control from every café it partners with.
Is Blue Tokai a Franchise or Company-Owned Model in India?
Blue Tokai does not offer a traditional franchise model like many fast-food chains.
You cannot open a typical Blue Tokai “franchise” with a simple franchise agreement.
What Blue Tokai allows in India:
- Managed Store Model – company partners with real-estate owners/operators
- Licensing / Collaboration Model – brand use with strict training and standards
- Blue Tokai-Approved Café Partner – approved operators subject to brand quality
These models are based on partnerships or licensing rather than a public franchise opportunity.
Total Blue Tokai Franchise / Partnership Investment Cost in India
Investment varies depending on format and location.
Typical ranges:
- Managed Café (Standard Outlet): ₹40–60 lakh
- Premium Café (High Footfall or Mall): ₹60 lakh–₹1 crore
- Compact Coffee Bar / Kiosk: ₹25–40 lakh
Most partners enter in the ₹40–60 lakh range for a standard café in a good location.
Blue Tokai Franchise Cost Breakdown
- Franchise / Partnership Setup Fee: ₹5–12 lakh
- Store Interior & Furnishing: ₹10–25 lakh
- Coffee Equipment (Espresso, Grinders, Brewers): ₹8–15 lakh
- POS & Billing System: ₹1–2 lakh
- Initial Inventory & Stock: ₹2–4 lakh
- Staff Training & Certification: ₹1–2 lakh
- Branding, Signage & Launch Marketing: ₹1–3 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹5–10 lakh
- Rental Deposit: depends on location
The brand-approved setup and premium equipment are among the biggest costs.
Space & Location Requirement
- Standard Café: 500–1,000 sq ft
- Premium Café: 800–1,500 sq ft
- Kiosk / Coffee Bar: 200–400 sq ft
Ideal locations include busy high streets, malls, office complexes and lifestyle zones. Blue Tokai locations focus on visibility, comfort and customer experience.
Profit Margin & ROI for Blue Tokai Outlets
Cafés can earn well with the right footfall and efficient operations.
- Net Profit Margin: 12%–20% (varies by location and sales mix)
- Monthly Profit: ₹1 lakh–₹3 lakh+ once sales ramp up
- ROI Timeline: 24–36 months
Premium beverages and food can boost average order value, improving margins over time.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Blue Tokai partnership models typically involve ongoing brand fees.
Partners handle:
- Brand Usage / Royalty Fees: usually a fixed monthly share or percentage of sales
- Rent & Utilities
- Staff Salaries
- Inventory Replenishment
- Maintenance & Hygiene Standards
Brand compliance and quality checks ensure consistent café experience across outlets.
Support Provided by Blue Tokai
- Design & Layout Guidelines for consistent brand identity
- Barista Training & Coffee Education
- Recipe Standards & Beverage Protocols
- Marketing Assets & Launch Support
- Supply Chain for Coffee Beans & Key Ingredients
This support ensures partner outlets deliver the Blue Tokai experience customers expect.
Who Should Invest in a Blue Tokai Franchise?
- Entrepreneurs with ₹30–60 lakh+ in capital
- People passionate about coffee and café culture
- Investors with experience in F&B or retail operations
- Those ready to manage staff and daily customer service
- Suitable for tier-1 and growing tier-2 cities
This works best for operators who can balance quality with consistent customer service.
Risks & Challenges
- High competition from established café chains and local cafés
- Operational discipline needed to maintain quality standards
- Staff training and retention challenges
- High rental costs at prime locations
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
Yet, specialty coffee is a growing category in India, and well-run outlets often build loyal customer bases.
How to Apply for a Blue Tokai Franchise / Partnership
- Prepare your business profile and financial capability
● Submit proposed location details and space plans
● Blue Tokai reviews your experience and location suitability
● On approval, sign partnership/licensing agreement
● Execute layout and fit-out as per brand guidelines
● Train staff and stock initial inventory
● Grand opening with brand support and marketing
Once live, regular audits help maintain quality across operations.
Conclusion
Blue Tokai does not offer a traditional “franchise” model open to the public, but it does partner with café operators through licensing and managed formats. Estimated investment ranges from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore depending on café size and location. For entrepreneurs passionate about specialty coffee and customer experience, a Blue Tokai partner outlet offers solid potential with strong brand backing. This path is best suited for those ready to commit to quality, training and operational excellence.