Our Story
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
In recent years, the hot and cold beverage and snacking market has experienced significant growth. Historically, this market was divided between affordable tea stalls, focusing on affordability, and cafes offering a plush environment for drinks. The common denominator was a commitment to quality and hygiene among tea vendors, while cafes catered primarily to urban niches.
The landscape shifted with the emergence of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), introducing freshly prepared beverages and finger foods at great value. QSRs capitalized on professionally staffed kitchens, a compelling business model.
Enter Chai Waale! This brand strategically entered the mid-range QSR segment, achieving rapid growth through competitive pricing, a dedication to customer satisfaction and hygiene, and efficient sourcing of raw materials to maintain freshness and flavor. Chai Waale ventured into an established market with determination, aiming to pioneer affordable, high-quality chai, beverages, and quick bites within an organized and hygienic framework.
Chai Waale embarked on its journey cautiously, opening its inaugural outlet in Mint Street, Chennai, India, in June 2018. This location was a litmus test, as it significantly influenced customer perceptions of chai. The first store enjoyed immediate success. However, the brand prioritized building trust before opening a second outlet in December of the same year. Since 2019, Chai Waale has expanded vigorously, boasting an impressive count of 60+ outlets, with 37 company-owned and company-operated (COCO) stores. Throughout this growth, the brand has upheld stringent quality standards, ensuring the authentic taste and hygiene of its chai, along with a delightful selection of beverages and bites.
Chai Waale’s commitment to affordable, high-quality offerings in an organized, hygienic environment has positioned it as a prime player in the evolving beverage and snacking market.
OUR VISION
Our goal is to become a global sanctuary for chai enthusiasts seeking high-quality desi chai, whether it’s a hot cup or a refreshing cold option, along with delightful snacks – all at pocket-friendly prices. Through strong management, quality commitment, innovation, and sustainable growth, we’re poised to be the world’s largest chai QSR chain.
OUR MISSION
With a realistic timeline in mind, we’re resolute in our mission to establish 1,500 outlets globally to begin with. Our goal is to become the ultimate one-stop destination catering to all times of the day, every season, diverse formats, and all customer segments. Furthermore, we aim to foster entrepreneurship as the occupation of choice through Chai Waale’s franchise opportunity.
Our Journey
We currently have a network of 60+ operational outlets with more stores in the pipeline to serve customers at new locations. Our current outlet portfolio includes marquee locations like the Chennai Airport, Chennai Central Railway Station, Chennai Central Metro Station, Vadapalani Metro Station, Airport Metro Station, prestigious malls, colleges, and Tech Parks. We are on a massive global expansion drive with new outlets opening soon in Dubai and the prestigious Presidency Club in Chennai, India.
The Brew Architect: Introducing The Founder
Vidur Maheswari, Chai Waale’s founder, hails from a traditional Chennai business family. He is an alumnus of elite educational institutions- Harvard University, USA, and King’s College London, UK. Blending tradition and modernity, Vidur brings his elite education to this fourth-generation business venture. His ambition, resourcefulness, sociability, teamwork, frugality, minimalistic lifestyle, and philanthropy have fostered deep connections and invaluable experience. Despite COVID-19 challenges, Chai Waale thrived. Vidur’s extensive wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, combined with his skill in surmounting operational challenges, firmly establishes Chai Waale as a prominent player in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector. His visionary leadership and adaptability are the driving forces behind the company’s expansion. He’s not just our founder; he’s passionate about creating as well as relishing amazing food with a simple mission: to revolutionize how we enjoy chai and snacks. Join us to savor the delicious world of tea and bites, crafted by Vidur’s food-loving heart.
Vidur Maheswari
The Brew Architect : Introducing The Founder
Vidur Maheswari, Chai Waale’s founder, hails from a traditional Chennai business family. He is an alumnus of elite educational institutions- Harvard University, USA, and King’s College London, UK. Blending tradition and modernity, Vidur brings his elite education to this fourth-generation business venture. His ambition, resourcefulness, sociability, teamwork, frugality, minimalistic lifestyle, and philanthropy have fostered deep connections and invaluable experience. Despite COVID-19 challenges, Chai Waale thrived. Vidur’s extensive wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, combined with his skill in surmounting operational challenges, firmly establishes Chai Waale as a prominent player in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector. His visionary leadership and adaptability are the driving forces behind the company’s expansion. He’s not just our founder; he’s passionate about creating as well as relishing amazing food with a simple mission: to revolutionize how we enjoy chai and snacks. Join us to savor the delicious world of tea and bites, crafted by Vidur’s food-loving heart.
Vidur Maheswari
MEET OUR TEAM
Sundar Ganesh
Head of Operations
Sukanya Mohan
Supply Chain Head
Durgaprasath G
Senior Finance and Accounts Executive
Sathish Kumar
HR and Accounts
Executive
Manoj Prasad
Training and Operations Executive
Bablu Biswas
Training and Operations Executive
Swathi T
Operations Support Executive
