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Chai Waale Trades Private Limited
| Chai Waale Trades Private Limited | |
| |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Quick service restaurant (QSR) |
| Founded | June 2018 |
| Founder | Vidur Maheshwari |
| Headquarters | CHAI WAALE HOUSE, Old No. 73, New Door No. 273, Gujji Main Road, Anna Nagar East, Chennai – 600102, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Area served | India, United Arab Emirates |
| Key people |
|
| Number of employees | 350 |
| Revenue | ₹19.30 crore (latest) |
| Products | Chai, snacks, fusion foods, light meals |
| Website | www.chaiwaale.com |
Chai Waale Trades Private Limited (branded as Chai Waale) is an Indian quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain specializing in chai (tea), snacks, and light meals. Founded in June 2018 by entrepreneur Vidur Maheshwari, the brand has expanded across India and into the United Arab Emirates, operating more than 70 outlets, including 37 COCO (Company Owned, Company Operated) stores.
History
Chai Waale traces its origins to the Maheshwari family’s steel trading business, which has been operating for over 120 years, before the family diversified into the food and beverage sector. In 2018, Vidur Maheshwari, an alumnus of Harvard University and King’s College London, launched the first Chai Waale outlet in Sowcarpet, Chennai, as a pilot project focused on tea-based offerings.
The brand was incubated under India’s MSME scheme and is recognised as a start-up by the DPIIT. It also holds ISO 9001 certification.
Business Model and Operations
Chai Waale operates on a quick-service restaurant (QSR) café model, offering hot and cold chai, snacks, and fusion foods. Its menu also includes light meals such as sandwiches, wraps, and beverages. Outlets operate in multiple formats, including kiosks, food-court counters, standalone cafés, and mobile trucks. Stores are typically located in malls, metro stations, airports, and IT parks.
The company follows a hybrid growth approach, combining Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) outlets with franchised stores, including Franchise Owned Franchise Operated (FOFO) models. While most outlets are concentrated in South India, the brand has also expanded internationally to the United Arab Emirates.
Vision and Mission
Chai Waale has stated that its long-term vision is to become a leading global chai-focused quick-service restaurant chain, with a target of opening 1,500 outlets worldwide. The company’s mission includes offering hot and cold chai alongside snack options, positioning its outlets as accessible destinations for varied consumer needs. It also aims to encourage entrepreneurship through its franchise model.
Milestones
- 2018 – First outlet launched in Sowcarpet, Chennai
- 2019 – Opened 1,200 sq. ft flagship store in Anna Nagar, Chennai
- 2020 – Raised seed funding during COVID-19 lockdown
- 2021 – Completed second funding round with angel and celebrity investors; 25th outlet opened at DLF Cybercity, Chennai
- 2022 – Opened four outlets at Chennai International Airport, one at Chennai Central railway station, and several metro outlets
- 2023 – Expanded to 55 outlets, including 37 COCO stores; announced global expansion target of 1,500 outlets
- 2024 – Launched premium outlet at Presidency Club, Chennai; expanded into IT hubs and residential areas; introduced drive-through format; opened IOCL fuel station outlet at Chrompet, Chennai
Clients and Partnerships
Chai Waale has partnered with institutions, corporations, and infrastructure operators. The company operates outlets at locations managed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). It also runs stores at Chennai International Airport and Chennai Central railway station.
In addition to retail customers, Chai Waale serves corporate and institutional clients through outlets in IT parks, educational campuses, and commercial complexes. Collaborations with fuel stations, airports, and metro systems reflect its focus on high-footfall commuter-centric locations.
Awards and Recognition
Chai Waale has received recognition from industry associations, food platforms, and government bodies.
- Recognised as a start-up by the DPIIT
- ISO 9001 Certified Enterprise
- Winner of the Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2025 – “Best in Café & Chai” (Chennai)
- Member of the Chennai Hotels Association
- Institutional member of the AIMA
- Member of the Federation of Sweets and Namkeen Manufacturers (FSNM)
- Member of the NRAI
- Featured in The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, Business Standard, and YourStory
Media Coverage
Chai Waale has been covered in a range of national newspapers, digital platforms, and business magazines.
- The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, Business Standard, The News Minute, Dailyhunt, Asianet News, Pallava Times
- The Economic Times (ET Retail), BusinessLine on Campus (BLoC), BW Disrupt, Restaurant India, VCCircle
- YourStory, The Entrepreneur Story, ABP News
External links
- Official website
- Chai Waale on LinkedIn
- Chai Waale on Twitter / X
- Chai Waale on Facebook
- Chai Waale on Instagram
- Chai Waale on YouTube