The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL), a popular coffee shop chain originally established in the United States, has set its sights on expanding its reach in India. Following its acquisition by Jollibee Foods Corporation, a fast food brand headquartered in the Philippines, CBTL is actively searching for new franchise partners in India. This strategic move aims to strengthen CBTL’s presence in the country and capitalize on the growing demand for its offerings.
According to sources, CBTL intends to engage with up to two master franchise partners to oversee its operations in India.
“The company is holding preliminary discussions with Indian conglomerates, large restaurant partners and family offices,” they added.
CBTL has enlisted the services of Lodha Capital Markets to provide guidance on its business plan for India and assist with the selection of a master franchise partner.
CBTL presently operates roughly 30 stores in India but has terminated its master franchise agreement with Pan India Food Solutions, a company owned by Prabhuji Pure Foods, which had store franchise rights for approximately 10 CBTL outlets under the 2019 agreement. While a store franchise partner is usually confined to a single location, a master franchise agreement provides exclusive territorial rights and unlocks greater potential for growth.