The group, which operates more than 100 stores in the UK, as well as 20 in Canada and some in the Middle East, reported global sales grew by 35% to £89.4m for the year ended 31 December 2024. It says sales were driven by strong growth across all markets, demonstrating successful expansion and the brand’s global relevance.
During the period, Chaiiwala said it sold more than nine million cups of chaii - an increase of 18% year-on-year - and more than 750,000 of its Wala wraps.
Chaiiwala opened 24 new stores globally across a variety of formats in 2024, including 15 in the UK stores that included at Birmingham and Luton airports as well as a second drive-thru in Mellor Brook.
It also debuted its container concept at Watford Gap, which it says offers a low capex format for franchisees to scale in high footfall locations, such as service stations, universities and shopping centres.
Nine international sites also opened during the period, including a site at Canada’s University of Calgary and another in Al Barsh, Dubai.
The group is aiming to reach 500 sites internationally with a focus on the US, Canada, and the Middle East.
Chaiiwala was established in 2015 in Leicester and serves a fusion of Indian street food with a Western twist. Open from breakfast menu items include the English-ish breakfast; shakshuka; aloo paratha; masala chips; samosa chaat; and a selection of rotis and parathas.
“When we first started Chaiiwala, there was a clear gap in the market for quality, on-the-go chaii and traditional Indian flavours that could be enjoyed at all dayparts,” says co-founder and CEO Muhummed Ibrahim.
“We took our passion for street food and chaii and created Chaiiwala from the ground up, bringing a unique and universally loved cuisine into a new format that can provide a delicious alternative to other high-street brands.
“Today, driven by the hard work and commitment of our fantastic teams across the business, we have cemented our position as the leading Indian street food and café brand and have incredible momentum. We have an expanding, global footprint in various formats, a strong network of hugely ambitious franchisees, and bold ideas for how we can keep delivering long-term sustainable growth and become a household name.”
