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Chai Waale Trades Private Limited
Chai Waale Trades Private Limited (branded as Chai Waale) is an Indian quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain specializing in chai (tea) and snack-based offerings. Founded in June 2018 by entrepreneur Vidur Maheswari, 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.
| Chai Waale Trades Private Limited | |
| |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Quick service restaurant (QSR) |
| Founded | June 2018 |
| Founder | Vidur Maheswari |
| 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 | ₹16.30 crore (latest) |
| Products | Chai, snacks, fusion foods |
| Website | |
History
Chai Waale traces its entrepreneurial heritage to the Maheswari family’s 120-year-old steel trading business before diversifying into the food and beverage sector. In 2018, Vidur Maheswari, an alumnus of Harvard University and King’s College London, launched the first Chai Waale outlet in Sowcarpet, Chennai, as a pilot for affordable chai-centric offerings.
The brand was incubated under India’s MSME scheme and is recognised as a DPIIT-certified start-up. It also holds ISO 9001 certification.
Business Model and Operations
Chai Waale operates on a QSR café model, serving hot and cold chai, street snacks, and fusion food. Outlets are strategically located at malls, metro stations, airports, and IT parks. The company adopts a hybrid growth model through COCO stores and franchising, emphasizing affordability and entrepreneurship.
Vision and Mission
The company’s vision is to become the world’s largest chai QSR chain, with a goal of 1,500 outlets globally. Its mission is to provide a chai destination for diverse demographics and to promote entrepreneurship through franchise programs.
Milestones
- 2018 – First outlet launched in Sowcarpet, Chennai
- 2019 – Rapid expansion across Chennai
- 2020 – Recognition as a DPIIT Start-Up and ISO certification
- 2022 – Surpassed 50 outlets nationwide
- 2025 – Entered UAE market; revenue reached ₹16.3 crore
Clients and Partnerships
Institutional and corporate partnerships include:
- Airports Authority of India – Chennai Airport
- Chennai Metro Rail Limited
- DLF and Phoenix Malls
Awards and Recognition
Chai Waale has been profiled in media and business publications for its rapid expansion and entrepreneurial impact.
- Recognised as a DPIIT Start-Up
- ISO 9001 Certified Enterprise
- Featured in The Hindu, Times of India, YourStory
Media Coverage
The brand has been featured in:
- The Hindu – Rise of tea-based QSR chains in India
- Times of India – Chai Waale’s expansion in Chennai
- YourStory – Entrepreneurial journey of Vidur Maheswari
External links
- Chai Waale on LinkedIn
- Chai Waale on Twitter / X
- Chai Waale on Facebook
- Chai Waale on Instagram
- Chai Waale on YouTube