Café Coffee Day (CCD) is one of India’s most recognised coffee brands with a long history of serving coffee lovers across the country. While CCD traditionally operates mainly through company-owned outlets, business models exist where partners, space owners, or investors can enter into revenue-sharing/operational partnerships that closely resemble franchise arrangements. This guide explains what such a partnership involves — including investment costs, fees, profit & ROI, space and manpower needs, franchisor support, pros & cons, eligibility criteria, application steps, risks, and FAQs — in clear, practical terms.
☕ CCD & Its Opportunity in India
Café Coffee Day has been a major player in India’s coffee culture since the 1990s, operating thousands of cafés nationwide. Today, the brand seeks partners who own or control commercial space — particularly high-footfall locations — to set up or convert outlets under the CCD banner. The partnership is often revenue-sharing rather than a classic franchise model, but from an investor’s point of view it functions similarly.
💰 Investment Cost (INR)
The total investment to start a CCD outlet partnership varies greatly depending on format, space, and city.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (INR) | Details |
| Franchise / Brand Fee | ₹0.5 – ₹10 L | One-time fee depending on model and negotiation |
| Interior & Setup | ₹20 – ₹50 L | Décor, furniture, coffee machines |
| Kitchen & Equipment | ₹10 – ₹25 L | Espresso/coffee machines & display units |
| Working Capital | ₹8 – ₹15 L | Salaries, inventory buffer |
| Security Deposit | ₹3 – ₹8 L | Often required for revenue-sharing agreements |
| Estimated Total Investment | ₹40 – ₹80 L+ | Depends on space & format |
| Space Required | ~1,000 – 1,500 sq.ft | Best on ground floor with visibility |
📌 In metro cities, investment tends to be higher due to rent, construction, and interior costs. Tier-2 cities may require relatively less.
💼 Franchise Fee & Royalty / Revenue Share
Franchise / Brand Fee
CCD generally charges a one-time brand fee ranging roughly from ₹50,000 to ₹10 Lakh depending on the outlet type and agreement terms.
Royalty / Revenue Share
Rather than a fixed royalty, many CCD partnerships involve a revenue share where the brand takes a percentage of sales or a fixed income share and the partner retains the rest. Estimates suggest the franchisor retains about 5 % of sales while the partner retains ~95 % under revenue share models, though exact terms vary contract-to-contract.
👉 CCD may also require a marketing contribution (often 2 % – 3 % of gross sales) for national/local promotions.
📊 Profit Margin & ROI
Profit Expectations
| Metric | Typical Range / Estimate |
| Gross Profit Margin | 60 % – 70 % on beverages; 40 % – 50 % on food |
| Net Profit Margin | 15 % – 25 % (after expenses) |
| Monthly Turnover (Metro) | ₹8 – ₹15 L (est.) |
| Monthly Turnover (Tier-2) | ₹5 – ₹10 L (est.) |
| ROI / Break-Even | ~2 – 3 years (typical) |
📌 CCD outlets can deliver healthy margins on coffee and snacks due to brand pricing and product mix, but actual earnings depend on location, rent, and cost control.
🏢 Space & Manpower Needs
Space Requirements
| Outlet Format | Space Needed |
| Full Café | ~1,000 – 1,500 sq.ft (ground floor) |
| Express / Compact | ~500 – 800 sq.ft (takeaway/stand) |
✔ High Footfall Areas: near offices, malls, campuses, transit hubs.
Manpower Requirements
- Staff: 4 – 8 employees (baristas, service staff, cashier).
- Manager: Recommended for larger outlets for daily operations.
🤝 Franchisor Support
CCD, or its partnering frameworks, typically provide:
✔ Site evaluation & outlet planning support
✔ Branding, décor, and interiors guidance
✔ Training for staff and operators
✔ Menu standardisation & supply chain assistance
✔ POS systems & operational SOPs
✔ Marketing & promotional assistance (national campaigns + local support)
Such structured support helps partners maintain quality and service consistency.
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
✅ Pros
✔ Strong brand recognition across India.
✔ High customer trust and repeat business.
✔ Wide menu appeal (coffee + snacks).
✔ Structured operational support from CCD.
❌ Cons
❗ Higher investment than small kiosk brands.
❗ Operational complexity (staff, inventory, quality control).
❗ Location dependence: footfall heavily affects sales.
❗ Competition: starbucks, barista, chai cafés, and local outlets.
📋 Eligibility Criteria
To partner with Café Coffee Day:
✔ Commercial space owner or long lease rights for required area.
✔ Financial readiness: liquid capital ₹25 L+; net worth ₹50 L+ often preferred.
✔ Agree to revenue-sharing model or negotiated terms.
✔ Willingness to maintain brand SOPs and quality.
✔ Basic business and staff management skills (experience helps).
✍️ Application Process
Here’s how to apply for a CCD partnership:
- Initial Enquiry: Contact CCD’s business development team (email: bd@cafecoffeeday.com).
- Submit Space Details: Provide area, frontage, photos, and demographics.
- Evaluation: Brand evaluates location viability and footfall.
- Agreement Signing: Finalise revenue-share/terms and sign contract.
- Setup & Training: Complete setup, staff training, and launch support.
⚠️ Risks to Consider
- Real Estate Costs: Rent deposits and monthly leases can significantly affect profitability.
- Staff Training: Service quality and consistency matter in hospitality.
- Operational Costs: Utilities, raw materials, and wages add up in larger outlets.
- Market Competition: Intense with global and domestic café chains.
❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. How much is a Café Coffee Day franchise cost in India?
A: Typical total cost ranges ₹40 – ₹80 L+ including brand/partner fees, interiors, equipment, working capital, and deposit.
Q2. What space is needed for a CCD outlet?
A: Generally 1,000 – 1,500 sq.ft ground-floor space with good visibility.
Q3. How long until break-even?
A: Many outlets aim for 2–3 years break-even with strong operations.
Q4. Is prior café experience required?
A: Not mandatory, but helpful for operations and staff management.
Q5. Does CCD charge royalties?
A: CCD partnerships often involve revenue sharing (~5 %) instead of fixed royalties.
🏁 Conclusion
A Café Coffee Day partnership offers a chance to operate under one of India’s best-known coffee brands with structured support and wide customer appeal. The investment is significant and location-dependent, requiring strong financial planning and operational skill. With the right commercial space, management focus, and brand compliance, a CCD outlet can deliver steady sales and competitive profitability over time. Always verify specific terms directly with CCD before committing.