Join the world's most recognised chai brand. From a single cafeteria in Dubai to 100+ stores across 13+ countries — powered by passionate franchise partners like you.
From a single store in Dubai to a fast-growing global footprint across 13+ countries and 100+ stores — powered by passionate franchise partners.
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Canada
CanadaComing SoonToronto
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USA
United States3 StoresHouston, TX
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UK
United Kingdom3 StoresLondon, Birmingham
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Qatar
Qatar5 StoresDoha
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UAE
UAE (Headquarters)45+ StoresDubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ
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Oman
Oman3 StoresMuscat
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Pakistan
Pakistan8 StoresLahore, Islamabad, Karachi
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Nepal
Nepal3 StoresKathmandu
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India
India5 StoresDelhi, Mumbai
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka2 StoresColombo
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Seychelles
Seychelles1 StoreMahé
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Mauritius
Mauritius6 StoresPort Louis, Quatre Bornes
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Australia
Australia2 StoresSydney, Melbourne
Message from the Founder
When I started serving my special saffron tea at my father's small cafe in Dubai, I never imagined it would lead to a global brand. What began as an experiment — adding a touch of Zafran to traditional chai — quickly became a signature flavour that brought people together. That's when I realised: FiLLi wasn't just about tea. It was about connection.
FiLLi has always stood for more than just business. It's about creating moments of flavour, friendship, and belonging. Every store we open, every cup we serve, is a step toward our dream of building a truly global tea experience.
I'm looking for partners who share this passion — people who believe in serving with purpose and who want to build something long-lasting.
Mr. Rafih FiLLi
Founder, FiLLi Cafe
Why FiLLi
Four Reasons to Partner with Us
Heritage Brand
Founded in 2004 in Dubai. Harvard Business School case study. Best Tea in UAE for 3 consecutive years. TEDx-featured founder. A brand people know and trust.
Proven Model
100+ stores across 13+ countries. 1 billion+ cups served. Multiple store formats from Express kiosks to Signature flagships — each with a track record of success.
Full Support
Site selection, store design, comprehensive training, supply chain, marketing, and a dedicated franchise manager. We're with you from day zero to grand opening and beyond.
Growing Market
The chai cafe category is exploding globally with minimal competition. 10,000+ branded coffee shops vs fewer than 100 dedicated chai cafes. The opportunity is massive.
The Experience
What Makes FiLLi Different
A visit to FiLLi is about more than tea — it’s about how you feel from the moment you walk through the door.
Zafran Magic
Our signature saffron-infused tea is the heart of everything we do.
Comfort Meets Culture
Warm, modern settings designed for real conversations and connection.
Tea N’ Talk
A place for friends, families, and communities to meet and connect.
Instagrammable
Our cups, interiors, and food are designed to be shared on social.
Global Family
Wherever you go, FiLLi feels like home. One brand, one quality, everywhere.
The Vibe
Upbeat playlists and friendly staff create our laid-back brand energy.
From high-traffic kiosks to spacious flagship cafes — every FiLLi format delivers the same signature experience.
Grab & Go
FiLLi Express
500 – 1,000 sq ft
Compact, grab-and-go locations focused on quick service. Perfect for high-traffic spots like transit hubs, business districts, and university areas.
Transit HubsUniversitiesBusiness Districts
Most Popular
FiLLi Lounge
1,000 – 1,500 sq ft
Medium-sized stores with comfortable seating and a relaxed cafe experience. Ideal for shopping centres, high streets, or neighbourhoods with steady foot traffic.
Shopping CentresHigh StreetsNeighbourhoods
Flagship
FiLLi Signature
1,500+ sq ft
Flagship locations showcasing the full FiLLi experience. Extensive menu, premium interiors, private event space — ideal for central city and high-end retail areas.
Central CityPremium RetailEvents & Private Dining
Our Journey
From Al Mamzar to the World
2004
From a Name to a Brand
Rafih FiLLi takes over his father’s cafeteria in Al Mamzar, Dubai and introduces saffron-infused chai.
2007
Growth Begins
Second branch opens in Al Mankhool, building early brand awareness and customer loyalty.
2010
City-Wide Recognition
Expands into five prime Dubai locations, becoming one of the city’s most popular tea spots.
2012
Franchise Vision
FiLLi signs with Francorp to launch a structured franchise model across the MENA region.
2016
Goes International
First global franchise location opens in Qatar — a historic milestone marking the international debut.
2018
Harvard & TEDx
Featured as a Harvard Business School case study. Founder Rafih speaks at TEDx sharing the brand story.
2021
Best Tea in UAE
Voted Best Tea in the UAE for three consecutive years — 2021, 2022, and 2023.
2022
Entering the West
FiLLi opens first stores in the United Kingdom and the United States (Houston, Texas).
2025
Airport Expansion
Expands into airports — Sharjah International, Dubai, Al Maktoum, and Delhi Airport in India.
Today
A Global Brand
100+ stores across 13+ countries with a passionate global community — and growing every year.
What People Say
Loved by Leaders — Trusted Globally
“Is this what real chai tastes like? Wow, this tea is special, isn't it? I've never had anything like it.”
SD
Sean Doyle
Chairman & CEO, British Airways
“I am in love with the FiLLi concept. As an avid FiLLi consumer, I can tell you there is nothing like it anywhere in the world.”
MM
Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk
International Speaker
“Every time I pass through Dubai, I make sure to pick up FiLLi tea powder for my sister. It's become a tradition — she won't forgive me if I forget!”
ST
Shashi Tharoor
Member of Parliament, India & Author
How It Works
Your Path to Ownership
From first enquiry to grand opening — we guide you through every step of the journey.
1
Enquire
Submit your application through our franchise form.
2
Discovery Call
We learn about your vision, market, and business goals.
3
Qualify & Agree
Review terms and sign the franchise agreement.
4
Build-Out
Our team supports site selection, design, and construction.
5
Training
4-week programme covering operations, barista skills, and management.
6
Grand Opening
Launch with full FiLLi marketing and operational support.
5
Training
10–15 days at HQ in Dubai + 7 days on-site at your store.
6
Grand Opening
Launch with full marketing, operational, and brand support.
Our Support
We're With You Every Step
End-to-end franchise support designed to set you up for success from day one.
Site Selection
Data-driven location analysis, demographic profiling, and lease negotiation guidance to find the perfect spot for your store.
Store Design & Build
Full architectural plans, FiLLi-branded interiors, equipment specifications, and project management through to handover.
Training Programme
Comprehensive training covering barista skills, operations, customer service, and management — at HQ and on-site.
Supply Chain
Centralised sourcing for tea, saffron, food, and packaging. Consistent quality and competitive pricing worldwide.
Marketing & Brand
Launch campaigns, social media assets, seasonal promotions, influencer coordination, and access to 60K+ social followers.
Ongoing Operations
Dedicated franchise manager, performance reviews, menu innovation, tech support, and continuous improvement programmes.
Digital Presence
A Brand People Connect With
1M+
Monthly Reach
500K+
Reach
135K+
App Downloads
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
At FiLLi, Zafran Tea is our specialty to say the least; we have our own signature blend which is blended by a team of experts. Unlike other tea companies, our focus is on delivering a tea that brings a unique taste which is now associated with our brand. The blending process is carried out by experts who have been master tasters who understand the process better than anyone else. The result is a healthy and tantalizing cup of FiLLi Zafran tea in every FiLLi outlet across the globe…an experience they simply cannot get enough off.
The combo of trained tea makers, high quality tea and a team of highly trained staff members ensures an unbeatable experience that makes people come back to our cafes for more.
FiLLi is a reputed name today for tea lovers across UAE and the world. The brand had a very interesting inception journey and started as a small local cafe to now become a popular chain, worldwide. Established by Rafih FiLLi in Dubai, FiLLi Cafe is a fast casual chain of cafés originating from the United Arab Emirates, and has successfully expanded its presence to 9 other countries including UK, USA, Canada, Oman, Qatar, Nepal, Mauritius, and India.
FiLLi Cafe serves multicultural middle to high-end income customers. The size of a typical FiLLi Cafe outlet is between 350 sq. ft and 1200 sq. ft. with a foot fall of 300 to 400 customers per day.
FiLLi Café grants an exclusive territory for a minimum of units and agreed upon on a case-by-case basis and country specific business plan.
Initial assistance provided by FiLLi Cafe will include the following franchisee training programs:
Phase I — Training provided at a location designated by FiLLi Cafe: FiLLi Café management will provide franchisees with approximately 10 to 15 days of initial training at FiLLi Café headquarters or at a location designated by the FiLLi Café Management, beginning approximately 6 to 9 weeks before the franchisee is scheduled to open for business. Phase I Instructions will pertain to administrative, F&B operational, and sales/marketing matters; it will also include a liberal amount of on-the-job training. This training will be provided for the franchisee and up to two (2) designated attendees.
Phase II — Training provided at the franchisee’s location: On-site training typically takes place when the franchisee commences operations. Experienced trainers from FiLLi Café will provide on-site training for a period of minimum 7 days to assist the franchisee in the commencement of operations.
The initial term of the franchise agreement is seven years from the date of signing the franchise agreement. The franchise is renewable for two additional terms of seven years each, provided you have complied with all the provisions of the franchise agreement.
In addition to field support, FiLLi Café management provides the following services as listed below:
Operational Support — FiLLi Café management will provide ongoing training and support in many areas critical to the success of the franchisee’s business, including unit operations and maintenance, customer-service techniques, product ordering, suggested pricing guidelines, and administrative procedures.
Site Selection — Prior to approving a site for the outlet, FiLLi Café management will provide franchisees with clear guidelines for a suitable location. FiLLi Café will require franchisees to follow these instructions to ensure that an appropriate site is selected.
Marketing Support — FiLLi Café management coordinates development of advertising materials and strategies for the benefit of all members of the franchise network. It will also supply franchisees with consumer marketing plans and materials for use at the local or regional level, and retains the right to approve all local advertising materials that the franchisee chooses to develop.
Purchasing — FiLLi Café management or its affiliate negotiates quantity discounts on behalf of all of its members, passing some or all of these savings on to the franchisees.
Accounting/Audit/Legal — Reporting directly to FiLLi administration, this department is responsible for the financial and legal oversight of franchisees financial books.
Internal Support — The functional areas of training, purchasing, franchisee communications, and research and development are typically included in such a department.
Ongoing Research and Development — FiLLi Café management continues to research methods and techniques for franchise operations (including purchasing and promotional schemes) that enhance unit-level profitability.
Overall Program Oversight — FiLLi Café management will provide the overall coordination and planning for the FiLLi Café franchise system.
You can directly reach our Director Business Development Mr. Hitesh Mehta at +971 52 379 0218, +971 50 654 8753.
or
Simply submit the franchise application form. One of our franchise development team member will contact you as soon as we receive the enquiry.
Franchise fee structure may vary according to the country and territory. One of our Franchise expert will assist you with all informations during the initial meeting. Please send your enquiry to franchise@fillicafe.com.
Let’s Talk Chai
Start Your FiLLi Journey
Fill in the form below and our franchise team will be in touch within 48 hours.