What began in 1927 in New Delhi, when the founders’ forefathers ran a tea stall serving strong, spiced karak chai, has grown into Chaiiwala of London, one of the fastest-growing independent café brands in the U.K. and beyond.
After reviving the brand in Leicester around 2015, Chaiiwala carved out a unique niche: offering Indian street food and chai culture in a modern café setting. With more than 100 locations worldwide, the brand’s expansion into Canada — its first international market outside the U.K. — is already making waves.
Canadian rights were secured by Surrey, B.C., entrepreneurs Shiraj Kothiwala and Ajmal Gundhra, who saw an opportunity in a coffee-dominated market. The first location opened in Scarborough, Ont., in 2021, followed by Abbotsford, B.C. The response was immediate: long lines, buzz on social media and more than 100 franchise inquiries by late 2024.
Today, there are 23 Chaiiwala cafés across four provinces, with a plan to add 25 more by the end of 2026 and a goal of reaching 100 Canadian stores by 2030. Upcoming openings include Edmonton, Burnaby, Surrey, Kelowna, Danforth, Saskatoon and Vancouver.
Chaiiwala is best known for its signature Karak Chaii and Pink Chaii, but the menu goes far beyond. It includes Desi Breakfast platters, Halwa Puri, Butter Chicken Rolls, Bombay Toasties, Falooda and Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.
Each location is designed as a modern social hub where customers from all backgrounds can gather. With regular audits every six to eight weeks and a focus on fresh, natural ingredients, quality and consistency remain central to the brand.
For prospective franchisees, Chaiiwala offers a straightforward model:
- Investment range: $450,000 to $700,000 (with $120,000 to $300,000 liquid capital)
- Franchise fee: $55,000
- Training: three weeks for managers, two weeks for staff
- Support: step-by-step guidance, ongoing mentorship and access to a preferred construction partner with 24 years of experience to lower build-out costs
- Marketing: national campaigns and local support to drive awareness and sales
The brand looks for franchise partners who share its values, bring strong operational skills and are committed to upholding Chaiiwala’s standards.
Chaiiwala’s impact extends beyond its cafés. The company works to lower barriers for first-time entrepreneurs and immigrants by offering structured training, cultural mentorship and proven systems that reduce risk. Each store creates local jobs, supports cultural exchange and fosters a sense of belonging — whether through Diwali and Eid specials or by recreating the spirit of South Asian chai cafés in a Canadian setting.
Sustainability is also a priority, with eco-friendly packaging, efficient lighting and recycling programs in place across locations.
Chaiiwala of London’s Canadian journey is just beginning, but its momentum is clear. By blending authenticity, innovation and community-building, the brand is reshaping the café landscape — offering South Asian diaspora a taste of home while inviting Canadians from all backgrounds to explore the richness of chai culture.
As co-owner Ajmal Gundhra says, “This isn’t just about selling tea — it’s about creating spaces where people feel connected, inspired and at home.”
This article comes courtesy from Chaiiwala of London. With ambitious growth plans and a story rooted in heritage and entrepreneurship, Chaiiwala is more than a franchise opportunity. It’s a movement brewing across Canada.
