By Saksham Arora Sujata Mastani is a popular dessert brand in India, known especially for its signature mastani — a rich, thick milkshake topped with ice cream, dry fruits, fruit pieces and indulgent toppings. The original mastani hails from Pune, where Sujata’s version became an iconic local favourite over decades. With growing demand for dessert bars and specialty beverage outlets across India’s urban and semi-urban markets, many entrepreneurs explore whether they can open a Sujata Mastani franchise.
This article explains the franchise model, investment cost, cost structure, space requirements, profitability and how to operate a Sujata Mastani outlet in India.
About the Sujata Mastani Brand
Sujata Mastani offers mastani in multiple flavours (e.g., kesar, pista, mango, chocolate and mixed fruit) along with sharbat, falooda, thick shakes, ice creams and sweets. The brand is known for its rich texture, distinctive presentation and nostalgic appeal among customers. Franchise partners must maintain taste consistency, quality control, hygiene and franchise-approved service standards to protect the brand’s reputation.
Is Sujata Mastani a Franchise or Company-Owned Model in India?
Traditionally, Sujata Mastani expanded through company-owned stores and key partnerships in select cities. In recent years, demand from business owners has led the brand to explore franchise/retail partner models in some regions, allowing independent operators to open Sujata Mastani-branded outlets under the brand’s guidelines. These partnerships are usually offered in urban or high-footfall suburban locations where dessert demand is strong.
Total Sujata Mastani Franchise Investment Cost in India
Investment depends on the outlet format, city and location. Typical investment ranges include:
- Express / Counter Outlet: ₹8 lakh – ₹15 lakh
- Standard Sujata Mastani Shop: ₹15 lakh – ₹30 lakh
- Larger Flagship Mastani Café: ₹30 lakh – ₹50 lakh+
Most franchise partners target the ₹15 lakh – ₹30 lakh range for a standard dessert shop in a busy neighbourhood, mall or commercial centre.
Sujata Mastani Franchise Cost Breakdown
Here’s a typical allocation of initial costs:
- Franchise / Brand Onboarding Fee: ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh (one-time)
- Store Interiors & Fit-Out: ₹4 lakh – ₹12 lakh
- Kitchen & Beverage Equipment: ₹2 lakh – ₹6 lakh
- Display Counters & Serving Setup: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- Initial Inventory & Ingredients: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- POS & Billing System: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
- Signage & Branding: ₹80,000 – ₹2 lakh
- Staff Training & Onboarding: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹1 lakh – ₹4 lakh
- Rental Deposit: varies by city and landlord
Interior setup and beverage equipment usually account for the largest portion of the initial investment because presentation and taste consistency are key to the brand experience.
Space & Location Requirement
Typical space needs for a Sujata Mastani outlet include:
- Express / Counter Outlet: 150 – 300 sq ft
- Standard Shop: 300 – 600 sq ft
- Larger Café / Dessert Bar: 600 – 1,200 sq ft
Ideal locations include high streets, marketplaces, malls, near colleges, offices, transit hubs and neighbourhoods with high foot traffic and young consumers.
Profit Margin & ROI for Sujata Mastani Franchise
Dessert and specialty beverage outlets often benefit from daily visits and repeat customers.
- Net Profit Margin: 18% – 30% depending on pricing and cost control
- Monthly Revenue Potential: ₹3 lakh – ₹12 lakh+ depending on location
- ROI Timeline: 18 – 30 months once customer base builds
Peak demand usually happens during evenings, weekends and festive seasons when people seek indulgent desserts.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Franchise partners typically handle ongoing costs such as:
- Royalty / Brand Fee: a monthly percentage of gross sales
- Rent and utilities
- Staff salaries
- Inventory replenishment
- Local marketing and promotions
Periodic quality reviews and brand audits help ensure consistent taste, service and hygiene.
Support Provided by Sujata Mastani
Franchise partners generally receive:
- Assistance with outlet layout and interior design
- Standardised recipes and ingredient sourcing guidance
- Staff training on product preparation and customer service
- POS and billing systems support
- Brand logos, signage and launch marketing materials
This structured support helps partners deliver the familiar Sujata Mastani experience.
Who Should Invest in a Sujata Mastani Franchise?
- Entrepreneurs with ₹8 lakh – ₹50 lakh investment capacity
- People passionate about food, dessert culture and quick-service dining
- Investors targeting urban and high-footfall suburban areas
- Café or retail operators seeking diversified offerings
This model suits partners focused on repeat customer visits and impulse dessert purchases.
Risks & Challenges
- Competition from local sweet shops, dessert cafés and beverage chains
- Managing ingredient freshness and quality control
- Staff training and retention
- Dependence on peak meal/outing times
Despite these challenges, mastani and cold beverage categories remain popular across age groups and seasons.
How to Apply for a Sujata Mastani Franchise
- Prepare your business and financial profile
- Identify a suitable location with strong footfall
- Submit franchise application with space and investment details
- Brand evaluates feasibility and partner fit
- On approval, sign the franchise agreement
- Complete outlet interiors and equipment setup
- Hire and train staff under brand standards
- Launch the outlet with promotional support
Once operational, your shop serves mastani, shakes, cold drinks and light snacks to walk-in and takeaway customers.
Conclusion
A Sujata Mastani franchise offers an attractive opportunity in India’s growing quick-service dessert and beverage space. With investment typically ranging from ₹8 lakh to ₹50 lakh depending on format and location, franchise partners can benefit from high-margin beverages, repeat visits, youth demand and structured brand support. For entrepreneurs focused on desserts and popular beverage culture, Sujata Mastani provides a promising long-term business opportunity.