The Origin: A Family Recipe for Business Success
Cafe Delhi Heights (CDH) wasn’t born in a boardroom. It began in a Delhi home where Usha Batra’s passion for food inspired her sons, Vikrant and Sharad, to take the flavours of their kitchen to the world. In 2011, they opened their first outlet in Cross Point Mall, Gurgaon, aiming to capture Delhi’s essence—eclectic, bold, and comfort-driven.
What set them apart? A mix of global and Indian flavours under one roof. CDH’s iconic Juicy Lucy burger became an instant hit, and by staying true to their roots, the brand found mass appeal across age groups and cities.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: ₹0 to ₹180 Cr in Just Over a Decade
CDH took the slow and steady route—no rapid franchising, no rush. Every new location was company-owned, ensuring consistency. By 2017, they had 9 outlets. As of FY2023, they operate over 42 outlets across 13 cities, with estimated group revenues exceeding ₹180 crore.
Average outlet revenue? Estimated at ₹4–5 crore annually. That’s significant in the casual dining space, where many brands struggle to break ₹2 crore.
The Indian casual dining industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% till 2027. CDH is perfectly positioned to ride this wave with its pan-India recall and adaptability.
The Business Strategy That’s Winning: Quality Control and Consistent Innovation
Unlike competitors who scaled fast and compromised on quality, CDH chose control. Ingredients are sourced centrally. Staff is trained rigorously. The experience stays consistent whether you’re in Mumbai or Delhi.
They also diversified strategically:
- Comfort BakeHouse – A cloud bakery born during the pandemic.
- IKIGAI – A premium Japanese dining concept for upscale urban diners.
- Juicy Lucy – Now a standalone QSR brand with high-margin, scalable potential.
This multi-brand model allows CDH to play across formats: casual dine-in, premium, and cloud kitchen—future-proofing the business.
Key Takeaways for Investors: What’s Working and What to Watch Closely
What’s working:
- Consistency across outlets.
- Strong brand recall—the Juicy Lucy is a cult favorite.
- Strategic locations—including high-footfall malls and even inside Delhi’s Red Fort.
- Innovation in menu and brand positioning.
What to watch out for:
- Diversification complexity—each new brand needs focused execution.
- Scaling infrastructure—plans to reach 120 outlets and ₹500 crore revenue by 2028 will require backend and tech investments.
- Franchising risks—their biggest upcoming move. Mishandling this could dilute brand quality.
“It’s not about how many outlets we have. It’s about how many customers we make feel at home,” — Vikrant Batra, Co-founder.
Where It’s Headed – And Why Investors Should Watch Closely
CDH is expected to target a valuation of ₹1,200–1,500 crore in the next few years, possibly preparing for external funding or an IPO. Its success so far offers a blueprint: thoughtful scaling, diversified yet focused growth, and unmatched brand storytelling.
At BBFT, we specialize in identifying, nurturing, and scaling brands like these, helping investors find high-potential opportunities in the F&B space.
Ready to explore your next investment in the F&B sector? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you connect with the best franchise and business opportunities in the industry.
