By Saksham Arora Giani’s was founded in 1956 in Delhi and has grown into one of India’s most loved ice cream and dessert brands. Known for its rich, creamy ice creams, kulfis, golas and soda creations, Giani’s became a household name over decades. With rising demand for quality desserts and frozen treats across cities and towns, many entrepreneurs explore opening a Giani’s franchise. This article explains the franchise opportunity, investment costs, cost structure, space requirements, profitability and how to open and operate a Giani’s franchise in India.
About the Giani’s Brand
Giani’s has built a strong reputation for premium ice cream, traditional Indian flavours and innovative dessert offerings. The brand focuses on consistent product quality, attractive store ambience and strong customer recall. Giani’s outlets deliver a retail experience that combines walk-in counters, display freezers and takeaway service. Because of its brand strength and wide customer base, franchise partners benefit from existing demand without needing to build awareness from scratch.
Is Giani’s a Franchise or Company-Owned Model in India?
Giani’s offers a franchise model that allows entrepreneurs to open branded ice cream and dessert outlets in approved locations.
You can open:
- Standard Giani’s Retail Franchise – full-size store with counters and seating
- Kiosk / Mall Outlet Franchise – compact outlet for malls and food courts
- Express / Takeaway Outlet – smaller format focused on quick service
All franchise outlets are owned and run by partners under the Giani’s brand, following product, service and branding standards.
Total Giani’s Franchise Investment Cost in India
Investment varies based on outlet type, city and location. Typical ranges are:
- Express / Takeaway Outlet: ₹8 lakh – ₹15 lakh
- Kiosk / Mall Outlet: ₹15 lakh – ₹25 lakh
- Standard Retail Franchise: ₹25 lakh – ₹40 lakh+
Most new franchise owners start with a ₹15 lakh – ₹25 lakh investment for a mall kiosk or takeaway focus in an urban area.
Giani’s Franchise Cost Breakdown
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh (one-time)
- Store Interiors & Fit-Out: ₹5 lakh – ₹12 lakh
- Display Freezers & Equipment: ₹4 lakh – ₹8 lakh
- Initial Ice Cream & Dessert Inventory: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- POS & Billing System: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
- Branding & Signage: ₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh
- Staff Training & Onboarding: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh
- Rental Deposit: depends on city and location
Store setup and freezer equipment are the major components of the investment because these create the core customer experience.
Space & Location Requirement
- Express / Takeaway Outlet: 200 – 400 sq ft
- Kiosk / Mall Outlet: 300 – 500 sq ft
- Standard Retail Franchise: 500 – 1,000+ sq ft
Ideal locations include shopping malls, high-street markets, food courts, busy commercial zones and areas with strong walk-in footfall, especially among families and youth.
Profit Margin & ROI for Giani’s Franchise
Dessert and ice cream outlets typically show high customer frequency due to daily and seasonal demand.
- Net Profit Margin: 15% – 30% depending on sales mix
- Monthly Revenue Potential: ₹1 lakh – ₹5 lakh+ depending on city and footfall
- ROI Timeline: 18 – 30 months
Premium desserts, combo deals and seasonal specials can significantly boost earnings beyond basic ice cream sales.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Giani’s franchise partners handle the main ongoing costs themselves.
Typically:
- Royalty / Brand Fee: a monthly portion of sales (varies by agreement)
Partners also manage: - Rent and utilities
- Staff salaries
- Inventory restocking
- Local promotions
Brand quality checks ensure consistency in taste, service and hygiene across all outlets.
Support Provided by Giani’s
- Guidance on store layout and design
- Staff training on products, service and preparation
- Access to approved ice cream bases and dessert supplies
- Marketing and promotional materials
- POS setup and operational systems
This support helps ensure partners deliver the signature Giani’s experience customers expect.
Who Should Invest in a Giani’s Franchise?
- Entrepreneurs with ₹8 lakh+ in capital
- People passionate about the food and dessert business
- Investors experienced in retail or food services
- Those targeting high footfall areas like malls, markets and neighbourhoods
This model suits partners focused on consistent daily earnings and repeat customers.
Risks & Challenges
- Seasonal fluctuations in demand (higher in summer)
- Competition from local and premium ice cream brands
- Staff training and retention
- Rent pressure at premium locations
- Inventory management due to perishable products
Still, frozen desserts have strong loyalty among customers, and established brand value can attract steady traffic.
How to Apply for a Giani’s Franchise
- Prepare your business profile and financial details
- Identify and share your proposed outlet location and space size
- Submit franchise application to the company’s franchise team
- On approval, sign the franchise agreement
- Begin outlet setup, interior work and equipment installation
- Hire and train staff under brand guidelines
- Launch the outlet with marketing support and promotions
Once operational, the outlet serves walk-in customers and helps grow the brand presence locally.
Conclusion
Giani’s franchise presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to enter India’s booming dessert and quick-service food category. With investment typically ranging from ₹8 lakh to ₹40 lakh or more, depending on outlet size and location, franchise partners can benefit from strong brand recognition, repeat customer demand, and structured operational support. For investors focused on consistent footfall and daily sales, Giani’s offers a proven brand with solid long-term potential.