The franchise sales process is polished. Discovery calls, brochures, P&L projections, and a smooth signing experience. Then you pay the franchise fee and the silence begins.
At least, that is how it works with bad brands. Good brands are just getting started. Here is what the first 6 months should look like after you sign a franchise agreement.
Week 1-2: Onboarding and Location Finalisation
What should happen: Your franchise manager contacts you within 48 hours of signing. You get an onboarding schedule. If you have not finalised a location, the brand helps you evaluate options.
What sometimes happens: Radio silence for 1-2 weeks. You have to chase the brand for next steps. This is your first signal of how support will work long-term.
At TBWX, your onboarding call happens within 24 hours. You receive a complete timeline for setup, training, and launch.
Week 2-4: Setup and License Applications
What should happen: Store design provided. Equipment list shared. License application process starts. You hire your first staff member.
In parallel: Apply for FSSAI, GST, trade license, and fire NOC simultaneously. Do not wait for one to finish before starting the next.
Setup cost and timeline depend on your format:
Cart: 1-2 weeks setup, minimal construction
Kiosk: 2-3 weeks setup, counter fabrication and branding
Cafe: 3-6 weeks setup, full interiors and seating
Week 3-5: Training
What should happen: 5-7 days of comprehensive training covering product preparation, food safety, POS operation, customer service, and delivery platform management.
What to expect: You will feel overwhelmed on day 1. By day 5, making a waffle will feel like second nature. By day 7, you will be running the outlet under supervision.
Key question to ask: Does training happen at your location or do you travel to the brand's training centre? On-site training is better because you learn in your actual setup.
Week 5-6: Pre-Launch
What should happen: Final equipment testing. Menu display setup. Delivery platform onboarding (start Swiggy and Zomato applications now, they take 7-14 days). Social media accounts created. Soft launch with friends and family.
Smart move: Invite 5-10 local food bloggers for a free tasting before your official launch. Their posts create awareness before you even open to the public.
Month 1: Grand Opening and Reality Check
Revenue: Rs 50,000-80,000 (lower than your expectation. This is normal.)
You are learning. Staff is getting comfortable. Delivery orders are just starting. Walk-in customers are discovering you for the first time. Every new outlet goes through this slow start.
Focus areas: Perfect your product consistency. Fix any equipment issues. Get your daily operations routine established. Do not worry about revenue yet.
Month 2: Building Momentum
Revenue: Rs 80,000-1.2 lakh
Delivery platforms are now active and accumulating ratings. Walk-in regulars are forming. You are getting better at portion control and food cost management.
Focus areas: Push for 4.5+ rating on Swiggy and Zomato. Respond to every review. Start running small promotions to drive trial.
Month 3: Finding Your Groove
Revenue: Rs 1-1.5 lakh
Operations are smooth. Food cost is under control. Staff is trained and reliable. You start seeing consistent daily patterns.
Focus areas: Optimise delivery menu (some items travel better than others). Adjust staff scheduling to match peak hours. Start tracking daily revenue, food cost percentage, and customer count.
Month 4-6: Steady State
Revenue: Rs 1.2-2 lakh
This is your normal operating range. Each month brings incremental improvement. You know your bestsellers, your slow movers, and your peak hours.
Focus areas: Reduce food waste. Build a direct ordering channel (WhatsApp or Instagram) to reduce delivery commission dependence. Start thinking about whether a second outlet makes sense.
What Good Brand Support Looks Like During This Period
Weekly check-in calls during month 1
Monthly performance review calls from month 2 onward
Food cost analysis and portion guidance
Marketing material for local promotions
Quick response to operational issues (equipment, supply chain)
Sharing best practices from other outlets in the network
If your franchise brand disappears after you pay the franchise fee, that tells you everything about whether their royalty is worth paying.
[Start your franchise journey with TBWX](/franchise/apply) — support from day one through month 60.