Bubble tea and cold coffee are high-demand summer beverages, attracting young customers, office workers, and coffee lovers. Setting up a kiosk-style business allows you to start with low investment, target high-footfall areas, and maximize profits during the hot season.
Let’s dive into a detailed guide on how to start a Bubble Tea & Cold Coffee Kiosk successfully.
1. Why Start a Bubble Tea & Cold Coffee Kiosk?
✅ Fast-Growing Industry – The bubble tea market is booming globally, and cold coffee remains a favorite summer drink.
✅ Low Investment, High Profit – A small kiosk needs less space and fewer staff compared to a café.
✅ Customizable Menu – Customers love DIY flavors, toppings, and unique drinks.
✅ Easy Expansion – Once successful, you can open more kiosks or franchise your brand.
2. Investment Required to Start a Kiosk
Starting a bubble tea & cold coffee kiosk requires a low-to-moderate budget, depending on location and setup style.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Kiosk Setup (Furniture & Branding) | ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Equipment (Tea Brewers, Coffee Machine, Blenders) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Ingredients (Tea, Coffee, Milk, Tapioca, Flavors) | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Licenses & Permits | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Staff Salary (1-2 employees) | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000/month |
| Marketing & Branding | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000
(You can start smaller and expand gradually.)
3. Best Locations for a Bubble Tea & Cold Coffee Kiosk
📍 Shopping Malls – High footfall, ideal for impulse buyers.
📍 College & University Campuses – Students love trendy drinks.
📍 IT Parks & Office Areas – Office-goers grab quick coffee breaks.
📍 Tourist Spots & Beaches – Perfect for summer refreshment sales.
📍 Street Markets & Food Courts – Affordable, high-traffic locations.
🔹 Tip: Choose a location with high youth & working-class population for best results.
4. Essential Equipment & Supplies
You need high-quality equipment to serve delicious and consistent drinks.
Main Equipment Needed
🔹 Bubble Tea Equipment – Tea brewer, tapioca cooker, shakers.
🔹 Cold Coffee Equipment – Espresso machine, blender, milk frother.
🔹 Storage & Refrigeration – Mini fridge for milk and syrups.
🔹 Dispensers & Containers – For sugar, toppings, and add-ons.
Raw Ingredients Needed
✔ Bubble Tea Base – Black tea, green tea, matcha.
✔ Cold Coffee Base – Espresso, instant coffee, cold brew.
✔ Toppings – Tapioca pearls, jelly, whipped cream, chocolate chips.
✔ Flavors & Syrups – Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, fruit syrups.
✔ Dairy & Alternatives – Milk, oat milk, almond milk.
5. Unique Menu Ideas for Your Kiosk
Bubble Tea Variations
🥤 Classic Milk Tea – Black tea + milk + tapioca pearls.
🥤 Matcha Boba – Matcha green tea + honey + chewy boba.
🥤 Fruit Tea – Green tea + fruit syrups + popping boba.
🥤 Taro Bubble Tea – Purple yam-based tea + milk + chewy pearls.
Cold Coffee Variations
☕ Iced Caramel Macchiato – Espresso + caramel syrup + milk.
☕ Mocha Frappe – Cold coffee + chocolate + whipped cream.
☕ Vanilla Cold Brew – Slow-brewed coffee + vanilla essence.
☕ Hazelnut Iced Coffee – Chilled espresso + hazelnut syrup.
🔹 Tip: Introduce seasonal specials and customizable options for variety.
6. Licensing & Legal Requirements
📜 Essential Licenses for a Beverage Kiosk in India
✔ FSSAI License – Required for selling food & beverages.
✔ GST Registration – If your revenue is above ₹20 lakh.
✔ Trade License – Get from your local municipal authority.
✔ Shop & Establishment License – If hiring staff.
✔ Fire & Health Safety Certificates – As per location requirements.
7. Marketing & Branding Strategies
📣 How to Attract More Customers to Your Kiosk?
A) Online & Social Media Marketing
📌 Create a Google My Business listing for local discovery.
📌 Post Instagram Reels & TikTok videos of drink-making.
📌 Offer discounts for customers who tag your brand on social media.
📌 Run WhatsApp & Facebook promotions with limited-time offers.
B) Offline Promotion Tactics
📌 Distribute flyers & discount coupons near your location.
📌 Collaborate with local influencers & food bloggers.
📌 Offer combo deals (Buy 1 Get 1 Free on new flavors).
8. Cost-Cutting Tips for Budget-Friendly Setup
💰 How to Start with Less Investment?
✔ Start with a cart or small kiosk instead of a full café.
✔ Buy second-hand coffee machines and essential equipment.
✔ Partner with a local supplier for discounted ingredients.
✔ Use digital marketing instead of costly ads.
✔ Operate in a shared food court instead of renting a standalone space.
9. Profit Potential & ROI Calculation
💰 How Much Can You Earn?
| Drink Type | Selling Price (INR) | Cost Price (INR) | Profit Per Unit (INR) |
| Bubble Tea | ₹150 | ₹50 | ₹100 |
| Cold Coffee | ₹120 | ₹40 | ₹80 |
Daily Sales Estimate (Example)
🔹 50 cups per day (Mix of coffee & bubble tea)
🔹 Average profit per cup: ₹90
🔹 Daily earnings: ₹4,500 – ₹6,000
🔹 Monthly earnings: ₹1,35,000 – ₹1,80,000
✔ Break-even period: Within 3-6 months!
Final Thoughts – Is a Bubble Tea & Cold Coffee Kiosk a Good Business?
✔ YES! It’s a profitable, trendy, and growing business, especially in urban areas.
✔ With low investment & high demand, it’s perfect for first-time entrepreneurs.
✔ Success depends on location, unique flavors, branding, and marketing.
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