Restaurant India News: Third Wave Coffee Launches 3 Cafés in Kolkata, Targets 320 Stores by FY27

Third Wave Coffee has entered the East Indian market with the launch of three cafés in Kolkata, marking one of the company's largest city-entry initiatives to date. The coffee-first QSR brand has opened two outlets in Ballygunge and one in Salt Lake, signalling its long-term commitment to the city and the broader East India region.

The company has announced plans to add another 5-6 cafés in Kolkata during the current financial year as part of its strategy to strengthen accessibility and deepen its presence in the market. With more than 220 cafés operating across India, Third Wave Coffee's expansion into Kolkata reflects the rising demand for specialty coffee and premium café experiences beyond traditional metropolitan strongholds. 

The newly launched cafés have been designed as community-oriented spaces that combine specialty coffee offerings with food experiences. Customers can access the brand's range of signature beverages, single-origin coffees, artisanal baked products, quick-service menu options, and curated food selections.

The brand has also introduced menu additions including breakfast offerings such as Turkish Eggs, Shakshuka, sourdough-based dishes, and lasagnas. The cafés will further integrate the company's app-based ordering and customer engagement features. Recognising the city's preference for dessert-led experiences, Third Wave Coffee is also introducing its recently launched concept, 'Third Rush', in Kolkata. The dessert-focused range includes products such as Jim Jam Tres Leches, alongside cakes, tarts, pies, mousses, cheesecakes, and other sweet offerings aimed at evening consumption occasions.

Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, "Kolkata is one of the most important markets in East India and we are excited to begin our journey in the region with a city that has such a strong affinity for culture, community, and café experiences. Our East India expansion is pivotal to building our national footprint, and we see Kolkata evolving into one of our key markets over the coming years. We are committed to investing in the region and alongside deepening our presence in Kolkata, we are also evaluating opportunities in other cities such as Guwahati, Ranchi, Patna, and Bhubaneswar as we deepen our market presence in the region."

The Kolkata expansion follows a period of accelerated growth for the brand. During FY26, Third Wave Coffee expanded into Ahmedabad and Agra while also entering transit locations such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Simultaneously, it strengthened its presence across existing markets including Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Mysuru. Looking ahead, the company plans to open 100 additional cafés by FY27, taking its national network to 320 outlets.

Supported by its Food Innovation Lab and in-house roastery operations, Third Wave Coffee continues to focus on menu development, operational capabilities, and experience-led café formats as competition intensifies within India's evolving specialty coffee segment. The Kolkata launch represents another step in the brand's strategy to build a wider national presence while catering to changing consumer preferences across emerging regional markets.