Dessert franchises are among the most attractive low-investment business models in the food sector, offering high margins and year-round demand. Entrepreneurs with budgets under ₹10–15 lakhs can explore scalable formats like kiosks, carts, and cloud kitchens.
1. Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Kiosks
Brands like Giani’s, Cream Bell, and Top 'N Town offer small-format models with investments starting from ₹5–8 lakhs. These kiosks require minimal space and operate well in malls, food courts, and near colleges.
2. Waffle & Crepe Stalls
Popular among youth, waffle franchises like The Belgian Waffle Co. and Waffle House start from ₹6–10 lakhs, with high impulse-buying potential and low operational costs.
3. Cupcake & Pastry Boutiques
Small dessert parlours offering cakes, pastries, and gourmet cupcakes are gaining traction. Brands like The Bake Shop offer entry with low investment and high custom-order potential.
4. Dessert Cloud Kitchens
With the boom in online ordering, cloud kitchen models selling brownies, cheesecakes, or jar desserts offer a cost-effective option. They eliminate retail rent and thrive on Swiggy/Zomato.
These franchises often include training, raw material supply, and branding support. When paired with smart delivery marketing and seasonal menu tweaks, they can break even in 12–15 months, making them ideal for first-time food entrepreneurs.