Mast Banarasi Paan crosses 400 outlets, targets 600 stores in 2 yrs

Mast Banarasi Paan, a tobacco-free paan café chain, has crossed the milestone of 400 outlets across the country and plans to expand its network to 600 outlets over the next two years. As part of its next phase of growth, the company is exploring strategic growth capital to support expansion, strengthen its technology and supply chain capabilities, and enhance its franchise ecosystem. 

According to the company, India's paan market is estimated to be worth over ₹5,000 crore, yet remains overwhelmingly fragmented, with organised retail accounting for only a small share of the category. The proposed capital will support geographical expansion, technology infrastructure, central sourcing, supply chain capabilities and brand-building initiatives, while deepening the company's presence across metropolitan as well as Tier II and Tier III markets.

With more than 400 outlets across 20+ states and over 320 cities, Mast Banarasi Paan has built one of the country's largest organised tobacco-free paan retail networks. The company is also evaluating opportunities in international markets with significant Indian diaspora populations.

The expansion comes at a time when Banarasi Paan is receiving renewed policy recognition. The Uttar Pradesh Government recently included Banarasi Paan under its One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative, aimed at promoting iconic regional cuisines through branding, entrepreneurship and market access. 

“Paan has long been an integral part of India's culinary and cultural heritage, but the category has remained largely unorganised,” said Panchanand Thakur, Founder & CEO, Mast Banarasi Paan. “We see a growing preference for trusted brands that offer quality, consistency and hygiene while preserving authenticity. Our focus is on expanding responsibly, strengthening our operating capabilities and making the Banarasi paan experience accessible to consumers across the country." 

Its franchise-led model has enabled entrepreneurs across Tier I, II and III cities to participate in organised food retail through standardised operating systems, technology-enabled processes and central sourcing. Looking ahead, Mast Banarasi Paan will continue to focus on disciplined expansion, operational excellence, product innovation and strengthening its franchise partner ecosystem as it scales its presence across existing and new markets.