Every 60 seconds, Indians place around 160 biryani orders online. That’s not just a food habit—it’s a business opportunity that’s happening in real time. According to Swiggy’s 2024 report, biryani topped the charts with over 83 million orders, holding its position as the most ordered dish for the ninth year in a row.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a food business but didn’t know where to begin, this might be your entry point. Traditional restaurants come with high risk, long setup timelines, and a constant need to reinvent. On the other hand, a biryani franchise gives you a tested menu, operational support, and customer demand that’s already proven.

You’re not building something from scratch. You’re plugging into a system that already works.

If you’re looking for a smarter entry into the food business, starting a biryani franchise is a strong move.

Why Choose a Biryani Franchise?

Biryani isn’t just a dish in India. It’s a habit, a weekend plan, and for many, a comfort food. No matter where you are in the country, you’ll find people arguing about the best style. And this isn’t just about taste. There’s a real business story behind it, too.

1. Lower Risk with a Proven Business Model

Franchises come with an established brand, standardised recipes, and ready-to-use systems. This reduces the trial-and-error phase common in starting from scratch. According to a Grant Thornton report, food franchises in India have a payback period of 12 to 18 months, which is much quicker than most independent restaurants.

2. Consistent Demand Across Markets

Biryani is one of the few dishes that works across meal times and customer groups. According to Swiggy’s 2024 year-end report, biryani was the most ordered dish on the platform with approximately 158 biryani orders per minute, or about 2.6 orders every second. This kind of demand provides franchisees with steady daily sales potential.

3. Support with Setup, Marketing, and Training

Most biryani franchise brands offer full operational support, right from outlet design and staff training to social media campaigns. This is especially useful for first-time business owners who may lack experience in the food sector. Brands like Anifa Biryani, for example, provide staff onboarding and setup guidance as part of their franchise kit.

4. Lower Initial Investment Compared to Full-Service Restaurants

Biryani franchises often operate on a QSR or takeaway model, which cuts down most costs. Most biryani franchise setups fall within the ₹20–50 lakh range, and cloud kitchen models can go even lower. This makes it easier for first-time investors with a limited budget. Lower setup cost also means a shorter breakeven period and a faster return on investment.

5. Growing Opportunity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities

While metro cities are saturated with food outlets, smaller cities are seeing fast growth in food delivery and organised QSRS. Swiggy has expanded its express delivery service, Bolt, to several tier 2 and tier 3 cities to meet the increasing demand in these areas. This expansion is an effective opportunity for franchisees to tap into new markets.

How to Start a Biryani Franchise in India?

Launching a biryani franchise is more than simply choosing a brand and opening. There’s a fairly straightforward process to follow, from your research and paperwork to fit out and opening your store. Here is your starting point to open your biryani business in the correct way.

1. Research and Select the Right Franchise

Before you put any of your money into a biryani franchise, there’s step number one: understanding the biryani franchise space. All biryani brands are not alike; some will have better margins, some will have better (more extensive) support, and some will provide a wider menu range.

What you can do:

• Compare franchise options based on investment range, brand popularity, and location flexibility. Look at reviews, testimonials, and the kind of support offered.
  
• Attend discovery days or webinars hosted by franchisors to understand how their system works and what is expected of you.
  
• Use a franchise advisor platform like Bharat Franchise to access verified biryani brands, including Anifa Biryani, and get guidance on shortlisting the right fit for your budget and goals.

2. Understand the Franchise Agreement and Terms

The franchise agreement is a legally binding contract. It outlines your rights, obligations, fees, and operating terms. Skipping the fine print can lead to future issues.

What you can do:

• Review the agreement in detail and make note of the key clauses—royalty percentage, territory rights, duration, renewal conditions, and exit terms.
  
• Get legal advice from a professional who understands franchising laws to clarify anything that’s unclear.
  
• Ask questions openly to the franchisor to ensure alignment on expectations regarding support, branding, and performance benchmarks.

3. Secure Necessary Licenses and Permits

Even though you’re working with an established brand, you still need to comply with all local and national food business regulations.

What you can do:

• Apply for an FSSAI license, which is mandatory for all food businesses in India
  
• Register your shop under the Shop and Establishment Act with the local municipal authority.
  
• Check for other permits, including trade licence, fire safety clearance, and GST registration.

4. Set Up the Outlet: Location, Staff, and Equipment

Once the paperwork is sorted, you’ll move into setup. This includes finalising the outlet location, getting your kitchen and service areas ready, and hiring your team.

What you can do:

• Choose a location with good visibility, accessibility, and customer footfall—malls, office zones, or dense residential areas are all viable.
  
• Work with the franchisor’s vendor partners to order the required kitchen equipment, POS systems, and branding materials.
  
• Hire and train staff—including chefs, helpers, and counter staff—as per brand standards and hygiene guidelines.

5. Training and Onboarding

Franchise training is usually provided by the brand before launch. This ensures that your team is aligned with the service model, recipes, food handling, and safety practices.

What you can do:

• Attend the full training program offered by the franchisor—it may include operational training, recipe handling, and customer service.
  
• Have your staff participate actively, especially if they’re handling cooking or front-of-house roles.
  
• Keep a training manual or checklist handy for day-to-day reference, especially during the first few weeks of operation.

6. Launch and Promote Your Outlet

Once the setup is complete, it’s time to open doors. Your brand may support you with launch promotions, but local marketing is equally important in the early days.

What you can do:

• Plan a soft launch before going all out. This gives you a chance to test operations and fix any issues early.
  
• Run local promotions and online ads to attract footfall. Use Swiggy/Zomato deals or offer limited-period discounts.
  
• Leverage Bharat Franchise’s marketing support. If you’ve used our services, we can assist with digital branding, early exposure, and growth guidance.

Also Read: Biriyani Franchise in Chennai – A Lucrative Business Opportunity

What Do You Need to Start a Biryani Franchise?

What’s Usually Included in a Franchise Kit

Most biryani franchises provide a comprehensive startup kit designed to get you operational quickly. Here’s what’s typically included:

• Recipes, menu design, and food preparation SOPS – These are standardised and provided by the brand to maintain quality and consistency across locations.
  
• Initial staff training and onboarding material – Covers everything from food handling to hygiene, service protocol, and order management.
  
• POS system and billing software – Brands usually offer a digital point-of-sale system connected to their dashboard, making it easy to track daily orders and inventory.
  

What You May Need to Arrange Locally

While the franchisor covers branding and core systems, the day-to-day functioning still relies on basic infrastructure and supplies that you’ll need to manage at the outlet level.

• Freezers and food storage units – For storing semi-cooked biryani base, marinated ingredients, and pre-prepped items.
  
• Packaging materials for delivery – Includes biryani containers, seals, branding sleeves, carry bags, and cutlery.
  
• Raw material procurement – While some franchises supply centralised ingredients, others allow local sourcing for fresh vegetables, curd, or garnishes. A daily procurement routine helps maintain freshness and avoid wastage.

Best Biryani Franchise in Chennai

If you’re looking to start a biryani franchise in Chennai, Anifa Biryani stands out as one of the strongest contenders. Known for its authentic flavours, consistent quality, and solid customer base, the brand has gained popularity across South India. 

With a growing footprint and a customer-first approach, Anifa offers a ready platform for new franchisees looking to enter the food business with lower risk and higher support.

Anifa Biryani Franchise Cost Details

What Anifa Biryani Offers

• Established presence with 20+ outlets across multiple cities
• High visibility through Swiggy, Zomato, and digital promotions
• Brand recognition that drives immediate footfall
• Consistent recipes and centralised standards for food prep
• Full training and operational support for franchise partners
• Guidance on staffing, marketing, and outlet setup

Chennai has a strong demand for both traditional and fusion biryani, and customers often look for trusted names over new players. Anifa Biryani meets that demand with consistency, rich flavour, and an efficient franchise system. 

You can connect with us to gain more understanding about the Anifa Biryani franchise. 

Establishing a biryani franchise in India is not simply a money-making venture; it is a sector of business that experiences consistent demand, strong margins, and the ability to scale up. If you pick the right brand, execute it correctly and have a good understanding of the local market conditions, you are able to create a successful/ profitable outlet in a relatively short timeframe.

If you’re ready to take the next step or just want to explore your options, reach out to Bharat Franchise. 

We can guide you through the entire process—from selecting the best biryani franchise to getting your outlet up and running smoothly. Contact us today at +91 82484 34001!