Tea Avenue, Sri Lanka’s flagship tea café brand with a heritage spanning four generations, today announced its official entry into the Indian market through a strategic partnership with FranGlobal, the international arm of Franchise India Group. This milestone marks Tea Avenue’s first step outside Sri Lanka and into one of the world’s most dynamic tea markets, underscoring the brand’s ambition to build a global footprint of more than 200 outlets by 2035.
Founded in Colombo in 2014 by the De Silva family, Tea Avenue is the culmination of a legacy in tea that dates back to 1936. Over the years, it has evolved from a traditional tea business into a lifestyle café concept that blends heritage with modernity. Known for its signature brews, contemporary menu, and inviting café atmosphere, Tea Avenue has become a destination of choice in Sri Lanka for both locals and international visitors.
“Our brand is rooted in heritage, but it is also about creating spaces that reflect the way people live today,” said Sajeev De Silva, Founder and Managing Director of Tea Avenue. “India has always been on our horizon. With FranGlobal’s reach, we see this not just as an expansion, but as an extension of our story.”
The India rollout will begin in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore over the next 12 to 18 months, adopting a Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) model. The formats will range from flagship cafés to smaller kiosks and in-hotel tea stations, offering flexibility to suit different markets and investment levels. Alongside its café presence, Tea Avenue will also introduce a retail line of premium merchandise, including tea tins, curated blends, and gift sets, giving customers the opportunity to extend the Tea Avenue experience into their homes.
“Our aspiration is to establish Tea Avenue as a global brand synonymous with premium tea experiences,” said Jeewaka Liyanage, CEO of Tea Avenue. “As part of the Empire Teas family, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and today exports more than 14 million kilograms of Ceylon tea annually to over 120 countries, we are uniquely positioned to leverage that global expertise and reach. By 2035, we aim to build a network of more than 200 outlets worldwide, with India serving as a cornerstone of this journey. This expansion represents not just growth in numbers, but a commitment to redefining how the world engages with tea culture—authentic, experiential, and truly international.”
For Tea Avenue, entering India carries a deeper cultural significance. Tea is central to the shared heritage of both Sri Lanka and India, making this expansion a natural progression for the brand. “India’s relationship with tea is rich, emotional, and deeply cultural,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India Group. “Tea Avenue is more than a café; it is a curated experience that combines heritage, artistry, and a fresh vision for premium tea culture. We are delighted to bring this Sri Lankan gem to India.”
Photo Caption: (L-R) Tea Avenue Deputy Operations Manager Ashan Dissanayake, Head of Operations Muneef, CEO Jeewaka Liyanage, Founder and MD Sajeev de Silva, FranGlobal Chairman Gaurav Marya, Franchisee Consultant Nazeer Latiff, and Tea Avenue Marketing Manager Gihini Hirimburegama
