Third Wave Coffee Marks 10 Years, Plans to Reach 320 Cafés by FY27

Third Wave Coffee has completed 10 years of operations, growing from its Bengaluru origins in 2016 to a network of 250+ cafés across 27 cities. The coffee and food QSR brand is targeting approximately 320 cafés by FY27, followed by plans to add 100 new cafés every year.

The brand has expanded its business beyond specialty coffee to include food, desserts, beverages, community activities and at-home coffee. It sources 100% of its coffee from Indian farms, keeping domestic coffee origins central to its product offering.

“When we started Third Wave Coffee, specialty coffee was still a relatively unfamiliar proposition for a large part of India. What has been exciting over the last decade is seeing the category develop alongside consumers, and watching coffee become part of a much broader everyday culture. We believe India’s coffee journey is only getting started,” said Anirudh Sharma, Co-Founder, Third Wave Coffee.

Over the years, the menu has grown to cover different consumption occasions, including pizzas, handcrafted sandwiches, baked goods and sweets. Its beverage range includes limited-time offerings such as the Omakase style Backroom Brews range and espresso tonics, alongside matcha and newer ube-based drinks. Earlier this year, the company also introduced Third Rush Desserts, a proposition focused on desserts within its café format.

Third Wave Coffee has also invested in its digital platform and app-based loyalty programme to support customer engagement. Community events, workshops and collaborations across fashion, technology, culture and lifestyle form part of its consumer engagement strategy.

“The last decade has fundamentally changed the role of the café in India. For us, the opportunity ahead is to build on the foundation we have created, while continuing to develop the experience around coffee. The next phase will be about scaling our presence pan-India, creating stronger connections with consumers, and giving them more reasons to make Third Wave Coffee part of their everyday lives,” added Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee.

As it enters its second decade, the company’s stated priorities include expanding its café network, developing its menu and increasing engagement with consumers across India.