Dolly Chaiwala Announces Nationwide Tea Franchise Rollout, Invites Applications Across India
Dolly Chaiwala Announces Nationwide Tea Franchise Rollout, Invites Applications Across India
Sunil Patel, known widely as Dolly Chaiwala, has announced plans to expand his tea-selling brand into a pan-India franchise model. Originally operating a roadside tea stall in Nagpur, Dolly gained online attention for his theatrical tea-making style and unique personal branding. His popularity surged further earlier this year after he served tea to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, a moment that went viral across social media platforms.
Building on that visibility, Dolly is now offering franchise opportunities under the name of his brand, as confirmed in a recent Instagram post on his page, Dolly Ki Tapri Nagpur. The post described the expansion as “India’s first viral street brand” and positioned the move as a serious business opportunity. It read, “From carts to flagship cafes, we’re launching nationwide and looking for real people with real passion to carry this dream forward,” 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.” A Google application form has also been shared through his Instagram Stories for those interested in applying.
The franchise is being offered in three different models based on investment capacity. The most affordable option is a cart stall, priced between ₹4.5 lakh and ₹6 lakh. A mid-level store model is expected to cost between ₹20 and ₹22 lakh, while a full-scale flagship café model could range from ₹39 to ₹43 lakh.
As expected, the announcement sparked a variety of public reactions, especially across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Some users expressed support for his move, calling it a bold step. One commented, “Ab hui real success ke raste pe chalne wali chaal, Mama. Go big, make Nagpur proud and stand out,” while another said, “Kis kis ko yeh hazam nahi hua!? Anyways, congratulations to him,” applauding the transition from a street stall to a structured business model.
However, not everyone shared the same level of enthusiasm. Concerns were raised about the long-term feasibility of scaling a business that began as a viral trend. One user noted, “The speed at which he is going, it’s not sustainable. People always look for consistent quality vs different experience,” suggesting that internet fame may not guarantee long-term business success. Another remarked, “Everything has a trend for a limited time. After some time, that trend fades away. Just like that, Dolly’s trend is also settling. Time is fast, and people want something new every day,” reflecting a sense of skepticism over the venture’s potential to remain relevant.
Adding to the controversy, a tweet circulating on X claimed that Dolly’s existing stall in Nagpur’s Civil Lines is still an encroachment on public footpath, sparking debate over how a business lacking formal licensing can offer franchise models. This led to further critical commentary, including statements like “How is this possible? An encroacher offering such things,” and “Just one Bill Gates visit made a business model out of his viral tea-making style.”
Despite the mixed reception, Dolly Chaiwala continues to operate his original tea stall, serving between 350 to 500 cups daily, while simultaneously maintaining an impressive digital presence with over 5 million followers on Instagram and more than 2 million YouTube subscribers. His current net worth is reportedly estimated at ₹10 lakh.
