Sunil Patel, widely recognized as Dolly Chaiwala, the Nagpur-based tea seller who gained immense popularity for his flamboyant tea-making style, has announced the launch of his franchise, "Dolly Ki Tapri," with pan-India expansion plans. The announcement has generated significant buzz, with over 1,600 applications received within the first 48 hours of the launch.
Dolly Chaiwala's rise to fame began with his unique tea-serving style at his roadside stall in Nagpur. A video of him serving tea to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates earlier this year went viral, catapulting him to national and international recognition. Leveraging his social media presence, Dolly announced the franchise opportunity on his Instagram page, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to join his venture.
The franchise is being presented as "India's first viral street brand" and a unique business opportunity for individuals passionate about growth. Dolly's Instagram post stated, "From carts to flagship cafes, we're launching nationwide and looking for real people with real passion to carry this dream forward," further adding, "If you've ever wanted to build something big, something desi, something truly legendary — this is your moment. Limited cities. Unlimited chai. Applications open now". Interested individuals were directed to a Google form via his Instagram Stories to apply. To apply for the Dolly Chaiwala Franchise, potential franchisees are required to complete the form available in the bio of the Instagram handle @dolly_ki_tapri_nagpur. The initial section of the form requires essential details such as Name, Email, Phone Number, City, and State.
The franchise model offers three distinct formats to accommodate varying investment capacities. The most affordable option is the cart stall, priced between ₹4.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh. The mid-level store format is estimated to cost between ₹20 lakh and ₹22 lakh, while the premium flagship café model is projected to range from ₹39 lakh to ₹43 lakh.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions online. While many have expressed enthusiasm and support for Dolly's entrepreneurial endeavor, some have raised concerns about the legality of his roadside stall in Nagpur, which has allegedly been operating on encroached public land. Critics have questioned how a business without formal licenses can offer franchises, with remarks such as, "How is this possible? An encroacher offering such things".
Despite the criticism, Dolly remains undeterred and proud of his journey, which began 20 years ago with a simple tea cart. He continues to operate his original stall, reportedly serving 350 to 500 cups of tea daily. The overwhelming response to the franchise announcement, with over 1,600 applications received in just 48 hours, demonstrates the strong interest in the Dolly Chaiwala brand and the potential for its nationwide expansion.
