FiLLi
Founded in Dubai in 2004, FiLLi is an international chai and Indian street food franchise known for saffron-infused Zafran Tea, with cafés across the UK and more than 100 worldwide.
About FiLLi
FiLLi began in Dubai in 2004 when Rafih Filli developed his signature saffron-infused Zafran Tea. The UAE-born café brand pairs chai and other hot and cold drinks with an all-day menu of Indian street food, including paratha and kathi rolls, samosas, bun kebabs, wraps, burgers and masala fries. Customers can also order breakfast dishes, with digital channels supporting collection, delivery and table service.
The business has expanded internationally through franchising, entering the UK with a Marylebone café in 2022. Further openings followed in Manchester and Islington, with Rusholme joining the network in 2025. FiLLi offers formats ranging from kiosks to larger cafés, suitable for high streets, shopping centres and other busy locations. Franchise partners receive structured training, assistance with site selection, marketing materials and ongoing operational guidance.
Why franchise with FiLLi
- Introduce FiLLi’s signature saffron-infused Zafran Tea to customers in busy UK locations.
- Offer Indian street food, breakfast dishes and drinks across several customer occasions.
- Choose from compact kiosks and larger cafés to suit different properties and trading areas.
- Receive staged pre-opening and on-site training covering operations, service and marketing.
- Access site-selection guidance, promotional materials and ongoing franchise support.
- Explore exclusive territorial development opportunities subject to an agreed business plan.
Investment breakdown
| Management service fee | On request |
|---|---|
| Marketing contribution | On request |
| Agreement term | 7 years |
What's expected of a franchisee
Property requirements
FiLLi offers flexible premises formats, from kiosks of approximately 500 sq ft to cafés of up to 2,000 sq ft, with larger stores potentially seating 80 customers indoors. Suitable locations include high streets, shopping centres, business parks and event venues. Sites require space for tea preparation, food service, storage, customer ordering and seating where applicable. The franchisor provides location guidelines and reviews proposed premises before approval.
Training and support
FiLLi provides two stages of initial franchise training. The first comprises 10–15 days at headquarters or another designated venue, beginning around six to nine weeks before opening and covering administration, operations, sales and marketing. The second takes place at the franchisee’s café after launch and lasts at least seven days. Ongoing assistance includes customer service, product ordering, pricing guidance, marketing materials and operational procedures.
Operational requirements
FiLLi franchisees operate chai cafés serving signature saffron tea, drinks, breakfast and Indian street food. Daily duties include drink and food preparation, customer service, staff supervision, stock control, food safety and financial management. Depending on the site, operators may manage dine-in, collection and delivery orders. Franchisees must follow approved recipes, pricing guidance, service procedures and brand standards while undertaking local marketing activity.
Experience required
FiLLi seeks franchise partners with the capital, leadership and operational commitment to develop cafés within an agreed market. Applicants should demonstrate customer service skills, sound business judgement and the ability to recruit and manage staff. Hospitality experience would be useful, but no mandatory prior industry qualification is specified in the supplied information. Multi-unit and territorial development applicants must agree a country-specific business plan with the franchisor.
Territory availability
Request franchise information
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