The coffee and food QSR brand is expanding across metro, Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets, with new locations planned across India.

The company has recently entered markets including Agra, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Jalandhar. It is also expanding into Ludhiana, Manipal and Kochi this month, while Dehradun and Amritsar are planned for this financial year.

Third Wave Coffee is targeting approximately 320 cafés by FY27, with its expansion strategy focused on entering new markets and increasing its presence in existing ones. The company is also investing in product development and operational capabilities as it scales.

Speaking on the milestone, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “Reaching 250 cafés is a remarkable milestone in our 10-year journey and a moment to reflect on how far Third Wave Coffee has come. What started as a vision to make specialty coffee more accessible has evolved into a brand that is a part of everyday life for consumers across India. As we look to the next decade, our ambition is to build a distinctive and enduring national brand. We will continue to explore new markets, exciting offerings and segments, while evolving the experience through our baristas, food and beverage innovations, and technology. At the heart of this journey is our commitment to creating spaces and experiences that foster community and give people a reason to return.”

Third Wave Coffee’s cafés are positioned as spaces for work, meetings, social interactions and leisure, with work-friendly infrastructure and seating.

The company’s product and operational development is supported by its Food Innovation Lab and roastery, which focus on developing its coffee and food portfolio as the chain expands.

Third Wave Coffee was founded by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma, and Ayush Bathwal in 2016.

The brand has also expanded beyond its core café business with the launch of Third Rush Desserts, a dessert-focused brand currently available in Bengaluru and Kolkata. The company plans to expand Third Rush Desserts to other markets in phases.