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Old School Tea: Brewing Dreams, One Cup at a Time
In the bustling by-lanes of Indian cities, amid the aroma of boiling tea leaves and the chatter of passersby, lies a centuries-old tradition — the humble tea stall. It is here, at these roadside nooks, that countless conversations have started, friendships have been cemented, and the nation’s pulse has often been felt over a simple clay cup of tea. From this nostalgic landscape emerged a brand that dared to dream big — Old School Tea. What began as a modest idea, rooted in tradition and inspired by community, has now become one of India’s most talked-about new-age beverage brands. Known affectionately as “The Starbucks of Ordinary People,” Old School Tea has brought premium, globally-inspired tea and beverage experiences to the masses — without ever losing the warmth, simplicity, and inclusivity that defines a true tea shop.
The Origin Story: From Government to Entrepreneurial Passion
The story of Old School Tea is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring. Shyam, the visionary behind the brand, once held a secure and respectable government. However, his true calling lay elsewhere — in a steaming cup of tea and the social culture surrounding it. Recognizing the immense cultural and emotional value of tea in India, Shyam envisioned something that no one had done quite the same way before: bringing premium quality, professionally crafted tea and beverages to the everyday Indian — not in posh cafes, but in spaces that are accessible, affordable, and rooted in nostalgia. In a bold move, he left the security of his and poured his heart, time, and savings into a concept that was as audacious as it was simple: creating a modern, quality-centric brand inspired by the old-school tea stall.
Our Mission: Quality for the Common Cup
At Old School Tea, we're passionate about serving premium, globally-inspired beverages that delight our customers. Our mission is to make high-quality drinks accessible to everyone, without compromising on taste or affordability. This mission has remained central to Old School Tea’s ethos. Every drink crafted under the brand aims to hit that sweet spot — rich in flavor, innovative in presentation, and modest in price. Whether it’s a perfectly brewed kadak chai, a fusion latte, or a cooling summer cooler, the goal is to democratize taste. While high-end coffee shops often come with steep prices and intimidating ambiances, Old School Tea flips that narrative. It welcomes students, workers, families, and tea lovers of all backgrounds — creating a comfortable space where great beverages don’t break the bank.
Crafting a Unique Identity
In a market flooded with generic cafes and standardized tea stalls, Old School Tea carved out a distinct identity through three core principles:
Nostalgia Meets Modernity
Old School Tea cleverly marries the emotion of the past with the efficiency of the present. The ambiance at their outlets reminds you of simpler times, but the menu speaks to a global palate. This juxtaposition has helped the brand resonate with both younger and older generations.
Uncompromising Quality
Shyam was clear from the start: if Old School Tea is to grow into a respected brand, quality can never be optional. From sourcing the best tea leaves and ingredients to maintaining hygiene and consistency across outlets, the company has invested heavily in quality assurance.
Affordability as a Value
The brand prides itself on keeping prices within reach of everyday people. While offering premium beverages, Old School Tea ensures that cost never becomes a barrier to experience — a major reason for its rapid expansion and grassroots popularity.
The Rise: From a Single Outlet to a Thriving Chain
Old School Tea’s growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. What started as a single outlet quickly caught the attention of tea lovers and entrepreneurs alike. Today, the brand has over 50+ outlets across India, with plans to expand even further. This growth has been fueled by Word-of-mouth advocacy from loyal customers A scalable business model suitable for both metro and tier-2 cities An increasing demand for affordable premium beverages A robust franchise program that empowers small entrepreneurs Unlike traditional chains that grow top-down, Old School Tea has taken a community-driven, bottom-up approach, building relationships with local vendors, supporting regional tastes, and training partners to maintain consistency.
Everyone
Old School Tea isn’t just about tea — it’s a beverage experience. The menu is a carefully curated blend of tradition, innovation, and customer feedback. Some highlights include Traditional Chai Varieties: Masala Chai, Tulsi Chai, Ginger Chai, Cutting Chai Milk-Based Fusions: Rose Latte, Caramel Tea, Chocolate Cha Each drink is made fresh, with recipes designed to be both delightful and consistent across all outlets.
Franchise with a Purpose
One of the driving forces behind Old School Tea’s expansion has been its entrepreneur-friendly franchise model. Rather than building a corporate empire with centralized control, Shyam chose to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and training to run successful outlets under the Old School Tea banner. Franchisees receive Extensive training in operations and beverage preparation Marketing and branding support Technology integration (POS systems, mobile ordering, etc.) Regular quality checks and audits This decentralized approach has enabled rapid growth while maintaining brand consistency and community ownership.
The Starbucks of Ordinary People
It’s not just a tagline — it’s a recognition of what Old School Tea stands for. While Starbucks caters to a certain demographic with upscale tastes and global branding, Old School Tea provides a similar experience in soul, but tailored for the masses. Where Starbucks has Frappuccinos, Old School Tea offers Spicy Iced Chais. Where others serve imported coffee, this brand celebrates Indian ingredients and roots.Where Western chains thrive on exclusivity, Old School Tea is defined by inclusivity. This brand is not about luxury, but about accessibility with dignity — giving ordinary people a premium experience without feeling out of place or overspending.
Brand Culture and Community Impact
At its heart, Old School Tea is more than a business — it’s a movement. It’s about bringing people together, reviving the communal spirit of chai stalls, and creating new spaces where conversations happen and memories are made. The brand actively engages with its communities through By being a socially responsible and culturally aware brand, Old School Tea has become a trusted name in localities, not just a transaction point.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future
The journey is just beginning. With growing brand equity, high customer retention, and a replicable business model, Old School Tea aims to Expand to 200+ outlets in the next few years Launch its own line of packaged teas and ready-to-drink beverages Develop a mobile app for online ordering, loyalty rewards, and digital payments Enter international markets with high Indian diaspora populations Deepen its commitment to sustainability and fair sourcing Shyam envisions a future where Old School Tea becomes a national symbol of inclusive entrepreneurship, affordable quality, and Indian heritage — a brand that stands shoulder to shoulder with global giants, yet remains true to its roots.
More Than Just a Cup of Tea
Old School Tea proves that big dreams can rise from small beginnings — that a clay cup can carry the weight of a brand’s vision, and that simplicity, when mixed with passion and purpose, can transform into something truly extraordinary. In a time when digital fatigue is high and authentic connection is rare, this brand has brought back something precious: the joy of slowing down, sipping something delicious, and sharing life with others. So whether you're a student on a budget, a traveler looking for something local, or just someone craving the comfort of good chai, there’s always a place for you at Old School Tea — where every sip is a reminder that greatness doesn’t have to be exclusive. Because here, premium isn’t just for the privileged. It’s for everyone.
Operations Commenced On 2022
Franchise Commenced On 2022
Investment INR 2lakh - 5lakh
Franchise/Brand Fee INR 000
Exclusive territorial rights to a unit franchisee Yes
Anticipated percentage return on investment 40 %
Likely pay back period of capital for a Unit Franchise 1-2 Years
Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand
Andaman and Nicobar, Pondicherry, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Ladakh
Type of property required for this franchise opportunity Commercial
Floor area requirement 200 - 300 Sq.ft
Franchisee training location Head Office
Is field assistance available for franchisee ? Yes
Expert guidance from Head Office to franchisee in opening the franchise Yes
Current IT systems will be included in the franchise Yes
Do you have a standard franchise agreement? Yes
How long is the franchise term for? Lifetime
Is the term renewable? Yes
Disclaimer: Franchise India is an integrated franchise solution company since 1999, and an absolute authority on franchising and licensing. FIHL (www.franchiseindia.com) and the site sponsors accept no liability for the accuracy of any information contained on this site or on other linked sites. We recommend you take advice from a lawyer, accountant and franchise consultant experienced in franchising before you commit yourself. It is user’s responsibility to satisfy yourself as to the accuracy and reliability of the information supplied. Please read the terms & conditions on Franchise India.
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