India’s Most Viral Dolly Chai Now a Franchise and Costs More Than Your Car

Sunil Patil, popularly known as Dolly Chaiwala, is back in the headlines, this time not just for his unique tea-making flair or fancy sunglasses, but for something much bigger. After his viral moment with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, the internet’s favourite chaiwala from Nagpur has now launched a full-blown franchise plan across India.

India’s First Viral Street Brand?

Yes, that’s what Dolly himself is calling it. On July 11, his official Instagram handle @dolly_ki_tapri_nagpur announced that Dolly Chaiwala is now a brand, and he’s opening up franchise opportunities for anyone who shares the same passion for chai and desi vibes.

“It’s India’s first viral street brand, and now… it’s a business opportunity,” reads the post. “If you’ve ever wanted to build something big, something desi, something truly legendary, this is your moment.”

Franchise Formats and Investment Details

The franchise will be available in three different formats, giving options to tea lovers and business aspirants with varying budgets:

• Cart Stall Format: INR 4.5 lakh to INR 6 lakh
• Store Format: INR 20 lakh to INR 22 lakh
• Flagship Café Format: INR 39 lakh to INR 43 lakh

Applications are now open through a link shared on Dolly’s Instagram Stories.

The Viral Backstory: From Nagpur Streets to Bill Gates’ Cup

Dolly Chaiwala shot to international fame earlier this year when a video of Bill Gates enjoying tea at his stall went viral. With his slick dance moves, cool looks, and quirky tea-serving style, Dolly became an overnight sensation.

Born in 1998 in Nagpur, Dolly (Sunil Patil) started helping at his family’s tea stall at a young age. Today, he still serves 350–500 cups daily from his original stall in Sadar Bazar, Civil Lines, Nagpur, while juggling content creation. He has built a massive following online, with over 5 million followers on Instagram and 2 million+ subscribers on YouTube.

Also Read: Who is ‘Dolly Chaiwala’ aka Sunil Patil who serves chai to Bill Gates?

But Here’s the Twist: The Original Stall Is on a Footpath

Even as the franchise dreams roll out, sharp-eyed netizens pointed out a contradiction. According to one viral tweet, Dolly’s original stall is actually an encroachment on a Nagpur footpath and hasn’t been officially registered. That hasn’t stopped him from making bold moves.

One user commented: “How is this possible? An encroacher offering franchises?”

Another added: “The speed at which he is going, it’s not sustainable. People always look for consistent quality.”

Internet Reacts: From Admiration to Scepticism

While many are impressed by Dolly’s rise from a roadside stall to a business model, others are not sold. Some say it’s all hype, powered by one lucky moment with Bill Gates. Others see it as a smart move, turning viral fame into real cash.

“Just one Bill Gates visit made a business model out of his tea-making style,” a user wrote.

In contrast, other fans continue to root for him, calling him an inspiration for India’s youth and street entrepreneurs.

So What’s Next for Dolly Chaiwala?

With franchise prices ranging from INR 4.5 lakh to INR 43 lakh, Dolly is clearly betting big. He’s inviting real people with real passion to join what he calls a “legendary” journey.

While the business details and inclusions for franchise partners are yet to be fully revealed, one thing’s clear, Dolly’s chai is no longer just hot, it’s officially sizzling on the startup burner.