What It’s Like to Run a Café in India – Stories from the Ground

Running a café in India is not just about brewing chai or flipping a sandwich. It’s about managing emotions, expectations, and everyday excitement — one customer, one cup at a time. And when the café is part of a recognized brand like Mumbai Chai Café, the journey becomes even more rewarding.

Let’s take a peek behind the counter — into the real experiences of those who’ve taken the leap from chai lover to café owner.

👨‍💼 Meet Nayan – The First-Time Entrepreneur

A 32-year-old IT professional from Bangalore, Prashant had never run a business before. But the simplicity of the Mumbai Chai Café model gave him the confidence to take the leap.

“What helped me was the clarity in setup. Everything was plug-and-play. Within 25 days, my café was ready, staff trained, inventory sorted. I never thought starting a business could be this smooth.”

Today, he runs a bustling outlet and earns a steady income from it — all while still working part-time in his tech role.

👩‍🍳 Namita – A Homemaker-Turned-Café Boss in Vadodara

Rina had a flair for food but lacked business know-how. She chose MCC because it didn’t require a chef, had a standardized menu, and provided training for everything — from billing software to kitchen layout.

“It’s more than a business for me. I’ve built a community café where people feel at home. I earn and enjoy — both at once.”

Her favorite item to serve? Vada Pav with extra chutney — always a crowd-pleaser.

🧾 It’s Not Glamorous — But It’s Honest and Fulfilling

Running a café in India isn’t about Instagrammable aesthetics alone. It’s about:

Managing footfalls
Ensuring hygiene
Handling vendor deliveries
Guiding your staff
Serving with a smile, even on tough days

But here’s what makes it doable: when the system works for you.

At Mumbai Chai Café, the café format is compact, standardized, and designed for India’s local markets. The training, branding, menu design, and supply chain are all taken care of — so the café partner focuses on service and growth.

📈 Why Small Cafés Are Winning Big

With rising real estate costs and growing demand for clean, quick eateries, smaller format cafés are booming in India — especially in Tier 2 and 3 towns.

Mumbai Chai Café outlets typically:

Operate in 150–250 sq ft
Run with minimal staff
Cater to students, families, and office-goers
Have high-margin items like chai and snacks
Offer affordable food between ₹10 and ₹100

It’s this mix of low investment and high repeat footfall that makes it an exciting venture — especially for first-time entrepreneurs.

🏁 Real People, Real Results

Whether it’s a college student working part-time or a retired banker trying something new, Mumbai Chai Café partners are proving that owning a café in India is possible — without crores of capital or decades of F&B experience.

💬 Final Sip

Running a café is about heart. It’s about giving people that quick break, warm snack, and comfort chai — and doing it in a way that feels authentic and local. And when it’s done with the right support system, it becomes more than a business — it becomes a part of your identity.

Thinking of starting your own café story? Maybe this is your sign.