
In a bold move to democratize food entrepreneurship, The Burger Company has introduced TBC PICO, a compact, cost-effective franchise model aimed at transforming how quick-service restaurants (QSRs) operate in India.
Priced at an all-inclusive investment of just Rs 7.89 lakhs plus taxes, PICO is designed for spaces as small as 80 to 100 sq ft — making it one of the most affordable and space-efficient QSR franchise formats in the country. This initiative arrives at a time when India's QSR sector is growing rapidly, fueled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a shift toward fast-casual dining.
“The capital barrier has long been a bottleneck for aspiring food entrepreneurs in India,” said Neelam Singh, Founder and CEO of The Burger Company. “With TBC PICO, we’re removing that hurdle. Our goal is to put the power of our proven burger business in the hands of everyday Indians.”
Unlike traditional food franchise models, PICO reduces startup costs by 60 to 80 percent. The investment package includes everything needed to launch: franchise fees, kitchen equipment, branding, POS systems, fit-outs, marketing, training, and opening inventory — with no hidden costs.
The menu has been streamlined using historical point-of-sale (POS) data, focusing on top-performing items such as veg and chicken burgers, signature fries, sandwiches, momos, and beverages. Average order fulfilment time is just 4–5 minutes, and the model emphasizes inventory efficiency and space profitability, slashing ingredient waste and maximizing earnings per square foot.
With projected monthly revenues of Rs 3–4 lakhs and a payback period of 8–12 months, PICO is being positioned as a viable option for first-time business owners, side-hustling professionals, and small-space entrepreneurs looking to join India’s growing food retail movement.
India’s QSR industry is currently growing at a 20% CAGR, with micro-QSR formats expected to account for 25–30% of new launches by 2030. Real estate constraints and a demand for speed and convenience are accelerating the shift toward smaller, agile formats.
The Burger Company has ambitious plans to open 500 PICO outlets in the next three years, focusing on malls, food courts, transit hubs, corporate campuses, and high-traffic street locations.
As consumer demand for fast, accessible dining continues to grow, TBC PICO could signal a major turning point in India’s food franchise landscape — offering big-brand value at a small-business scale.