Baskin‑Robbins India, part of global parent Inspire Brands, has been operational in India since 1993. With over 750 outlets across 200+ cities, it remains one of India’s leading international ice-cream brands. For entrepreneurs exploring F&B franchising, Baskin‑Robbins offers a structured, aspirational, and relatively accessible franchise model. Here’s your comprehensive guide:
Franchise Formats & Required Spaces
Baskin‑Robbins India offers three outlet formats tailored to different retail environments:
- Kiosk: Compact 150 sq ft footprint, ideal for malls, cinemas, or high-street walkways (frontage: ~10 ft)
- Parlour: Mid-sized setup at ~250–300 sq ft with seating (frontage: ~12 ft)
- Lounge: Full-service outlet of 500 sq ft+ with more seating and customer dwell time (frontage: ~15 ft)
Financial Details: From Setup to Opening
| Outlet Type | Franchise Fee | Total Initial Investment |
| Kiosk | ₹4–5 lakh | ₹11 lakh – ₹14 lakh |
| Parlour | ₹4 lakh | ₹13 lakh – ₹18 lakh |
| Lounge | ₹4 lakh | ₹18 lakh – ₹23 lakh |
Detailed breakdown includes:
- Franchise fee: ₹4–5 lakh (covers setup, training, and marketing support)
- Interior & civil work: ₹2–6 lakh depending on format
- Equipment & POS systems: ₹2.5–5 lakh
- Branding, furniture, security deposit: ₹1–1.5 lakh
- Working capital & initial stock: ₹1–4 lakh
- Licenses and marketing: ₹0.5–1 lakh
Ongoing Costs and Fees
- Royalty: No standard royalty. Baskin‑Robbins India reportedly does not take a percentage of gross sales. Instead, the upfront franchise fee is high and marketing is brand-led.
- Operating Expenses: Includes rent, staff, utilities and inventory replenishment. For kiosks, expect ₹2–3 lakh/month, and parlours/lounge formats ₹3–4 lakh/month.
Revenue Potential & Profitability
Estimated performance per outlet:
- Monthly Revenue: ₹3–6 lakh (kiosks), ₹5–8 lakh (parlour/lounge) in prime areas.
- Gross Margin: ~45–50% across formats.
- Net Profit: ₹1–2 lakh per month depending on rent and staffing. OP margin often around ~18%.
- Payback Period: Typically 18–24 months; some outlets break even within 12–18 months.
Eligibility & Onboarding Process
- Own/leasable commercial space in a high-traffic area (~150–500 sq ft).
- Minimum investment capability of ₹11–23 lakh and net worth of ₹50 lakh+.
- Commitment: Franchisees must actively manage operations—Baskin‑Robbins prefers engaged, onsite partners.
✅ Application Steps:
- Submit online franchise enquiry via Baskin‑Robbins India website.
- Undergo evaluation: site review, profile review, and background interviews.
- Sign a 5-year franchise agreement, presumably renewable.
- Franchisor assists with design, store build, staff training, and opening campaign.
- Launch with centrally supported supply chain and marketing.
Advantages vs. Limitations
✅ Key Benefits
- High-recognition global brand with strong legacy presence in India
- Well-defined entry-level investment under ₹25 lakh
- Strong guidance in operations, inventory, and promotions
- Attractive gross margins (~50%) if location and execution are strong
⚠️ Risks & Considerations
- Pricing bands often viewed as premium—may limit daily consumption by price-sensitive customers
- Rent and operating costs can erode margins quickly if sales plateau
- Competition from Naturals or local ice-cream parlours is fierce—especially in Tier-II/III cities
- Operational success requires tight cost control and staff consistency
Final Verdict
The Baskin‑Robbins franchise opportunity in India offers a well-recognized brand with moderate investment entry points, structured support, and return potential within 18-24 months, assuming strong location and execution. From ₹11 lakh for kiosks to ₹23 lakh for lounges, formats suit varied investor profiles.
However, success depends heavily on prime locations, disciplined operations, and managing overheads. With net margins around 20%, ROI is feasible—but not guaranteed. Due diligence on rent, footfall patterns and competition is essential.
Interested entrepreneurs should verify details via Baskin‑Robbins India’s official franchise channels before committing.
