Baked food items have never been part of Indian breakfast menu. But thanks to the high-exposure of globe-trotting Indians who are hooked to American television shows & movies, waffles are gaining rapid popularity.
However, waffles are mostly becoming popular as a dessert item more than breakfast. The warm, fluffy, golden honeycomb crusts, once confined to the dessert menu of a five-star hotel or high-end eating joints, have now moved out of a plush ambience to settle inside roadside eateries.
Waffles have taken the Indian dessert industry by storm and have created a niche. With increasing popularity, various brands are venturing into the segment and aggressively expanding.
Consumer Trends
Instagram-friendly foreign bites like waffles, churros, tarts etc, have totally revolutionised the way of the millennial dessert. If you ask any millennial about what comes in their mind after they hear the word “dessert”, it will be rare to hear “jalebis” or rabdis”; in fact, some of the most common answers would be waffles, cakes, brownies, and so on.
With an increase in western influence and the zeal to try something new, there is a boost in the industry. Owing to this, waffles have surged in popularity, not only in metropolitan cities but also in tier II and tier III cities. One of the reasons waffles’ popularity surged so quickly is due to its flexible preparation methods. Its batter can be eggless or with eggs—as one prefers. From simple chocolate waffles to red-velvet waffle cones, it comes in an abundant variety of flavours and forms—the only limit is imagination!
Franchising a Sweet & Crispy Success
After the humungous success of exclusively selling waffles as a business idea, many brands have now ventured into the market. Brands are franchising their business model to expand their presence and create awareness.
Taking up a waffle franchise has numerous advantages; some of which are as follows:
- Proven business model
- Established brand name
- High demand for waffles
- Products are fit for any age group and preferences
- High revenue
Business Model
There are many waffle brands who are offering franchises and providing a profitable business opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the Food Industry. Some of those brands are Belgian Waffle Co., WAFL, Waffle House, etc.
Brands like the Belgian Waffle Company require a total investment of 40 lakhs with the required area ranging from 100 to 500 sq. ft. The expected ROI is 3-5%.
International brands like WAFL demand an investment of 13-20 lakhs depending on the format and area sq. ft. The anticipated return of investment is 18%, and WAFL offers 6 different business formats:
Movable concepts like:
Kiosk: Investment – 13 Lakhs, Area – 46.5 Sq. ft.
Express WAFL Van: Investment – 16 lakhs
Food Truck: Investment – 20.7 lakhs
Stationary Concepts Like
Island: Investment – 18 Lakhs, Area – 130 Sq. ft.
Food Court: Investment – 18 Lakhs, Area – 130 Sq. ft.
High Street Cafe: Investment – 20.3 Lakhs, Area – 200 Sq. ft.
Hence, there are various options available in the waffle franchise to choose from, according to your own budget and preference. So, you can now franchise your way into the sweet taste of success!