blenz opens first Mumbai café, targets 40 Indian outlets by 2027

Canadian café brand blenz has launched its Indian operations with its first outlet in Versova, Mumbai. Actors and entrepreneurs Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh inaugurated the café on 13 November 2026. The brand aims to open 40 outlets across key Indian markets by 2027, with franchise partners expected to contribute to its expansion.

Entering the Indian market through Versova

According to a Bollywood Hungama report dated 13 November, blenz’s first Indian café has opened at Gurukrupa Dhyanam in Four Bungalows, Versova, Mumbai. Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh have partnered with Invision Brands and Franchise India Group to bring the brand to India. The opening marks the start of blenz’s Indian operations and forms part of its international expansion plans.

There are two distinct milestones here: the first Mumbai outlet has opened, while the wider Indian network remains an expansion target. The figure of 40 outlets should therefore not be read as the brand’s current footprint. For now, the Mumbai café represents its confirmed entry into the country.

For India’s franchise sector, the significance of this launch extends beyond the opening of an overseas café brand. Franchise partners feature in the announced growth strategy. However, this does not mean that all proposed outlets will follow the same ownership or operating model.

Who is responsible for expansion in India?

blenz’s entry into India is being led by Dr Pooja Singh, founder and chief executive of UpLyv Global Ventures Private Limited. The company serves as the brand’s area developer in India. She is overseeing the market entry in collaboration with Invision Brands and Franchise India Group.

Understanding the different roles within this partnership is important for prospective franchise investors. Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh’s entrepreneurial involvement and presence at the launch should be distinguished from the area developer’s responsibilities. The announced development role in India belongs to UpLyv Global Ventures Private Limited.

Before proceeding with a partnership, interested entrepreneurs should establish which entity they would contract with and who would be responsible for training, supplies and day-to-day operational support. These are questions to ask before investing, not confirmed terms of a blenz franchise agreement.

Plans for 40 outlets and investment exceeding INR 1.2 billion

The brand has set a target of 40 outlets across key Indian markets by 2027. Proposed investment in this expansion is reported to exceed INR 1.2 billion (₹120 crore). The plan covers both major cities and emerging markets, with franchise partners expected to contribute to growth.

This figure relates to the proposed expansion as a whole, not the announced cost of an individual franchise. It would not be appropriate to divide it by the target number of outlets to calculate an investment cost per café. A separate commercial proposal would be needed to establish the costs of a particular location and a partner’s financial obligations.

Similarly, the 2027 target is a future plan, not an achieved milestone. It is important to maintain this distinction between the Mumbai launch and the proposed wider network. A useful next step for investors would be to obtain written confirmation of availability in their chosen city, the proposed outlet format and the opening timetable.

Assessing the café experience and partnership terms

blenz plans to bring its Canadian café experience to Indian customers. Its offering is described as combining an international café experience with handcrafted drinks. The Mumbai outlet is the first step in that Indian journey. This describes the brand’s proposition; it is not evidence of customer response or sales performance.

Prospective franchise partners should assess local business requirements alongside the brand proposition. Rent, staffing, equipment, opening stock and working capital should each be evaluated separately. Investors should also obtain written details of fees, recurring payments, supply arrangements and territorial rights. These are due diligence considerations, not a list of costs confirmed as included in the announced investment figure.

Practical takeaway: blenz’s Mumbai opening marks its actual entry into India; the 40 outlets and investment exceeding INR 1.2 billion remain future plans. Prospective partners should keep that distinction in mind and make a decision only after confirming availability in their preferred location, total costs and operational support.