Coffee as we know it was first discovered 1200 years ago by an Ethiopian shepherd, Kaldi. Ever since then, coffee has been an integral part of the human civilisation. Many people can’t even start their day without a cup of coffee. For something so abundantly available throughout the globe, it takes a special business model and vision to revolutionise the market. Starbucks was one of the companies which was successful in doing that, but no company since has had a significant impact on the coffee drinkers in the world. This is where Chelvies Coffee comes in. With a knack for standing out and offering something different from the rest of the world, Chelvie Coffee is poised to change the way we consume this beverage.
Founded in 2023, Chelvies Coffee has become a trailblazer in the coffee cafe landscape. As of 2025, the company operates around six outlets in Noida, Delhi, Gurugram and Ahmedabad. Moreover, it has secured $1,5 million in seed funding to expand its businesses further.
The Origins
Established in 2022, Chelvies Coffee is the brainchild of Dhruv Singh, a fourth-generation restaurateur renowned for transforming Kake Di Hatti into a unicorn venture. Collaborating with visionary marketer Chirag Dave, the duo sought to redefine India’s coffee culture by introducing a speciality coffee house emphasising single-origin excellence and fostering a sense of community.
Drawing inspiration from their travels across Italy, Dhruv and Chirag envisioned a brand that resonates with India’s cultural fabric. They named it “Chelvies” and embarked on creating a farm-to-cup experience. The company takes pride in sourcing beans from prestigious estates, including Ratnagiri and Mandalkhan in Baba Budangiri, Chikmagalur, ensuring an unparalleled coffee experience.
In a short span, Chelvies Coffee has expanded to six high-street locations across Delhi NCR and Ahmedabad, achieving a monthly revenue run rate of ₹1.30 crore (approximately $160,000 USD) with demonstrated profitability at each store level.
Dhruv Singh stated, “Our mission is not only to serve exceptional coffee but also to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian coffee culture while championing the efforts of our local farmers.“
Chelvies Coffee continues to make significant strides in India’s coffee scene, blending quality brews with a community-focused atmosphere.
Challenges Faced
Entering a market dominated by established coffee chains posed a significant challenge for Chelvies, requiring the company to carve out a unique identity in order to attract discerning customers. At the same time, establishing a reliable farm-to-cup process involved building robust relationships with coffee estates and ensuring consistent quality, which proved to be both time-consuming and resource-intensive. Additionally, introducing the concept of single-origin specialty coffee to a market accustomed to traditional blends necessitated extensive consumer education and palate development, further complicating the process.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges:
Chelvies Coffee has strategically positioned itself in the competitive Indian coffee market by offering a European-inspired coffee experience combined with an upscale dining atmosphere, setting it apart from conventional coffee shops. This unique value proposition has resonated with discerning customers seeking premium experiences. To further solidify its market presence, Chelvies has focused on high-street locations in major metropolitan areas, targeting a clientele that appreciates quality and ambiance. The funds they secured are earmarked for establishing over 30 high-street locations across major Indian metros by 2026, enhancing supply chain infrastructure, developing proprietary food production systems, and strengthening operational teams.
Moveover their revenue has been quite good considering the fact that they are less than 2 years old. By blending exceptional coffee with a curated dining menu and a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service, Chelvies Coffee is redefining the coffee shop experience in India.
Reflecting on the brand’s journey, Dhruv Singh, Founder and CEO of Chelvies Coffee, stated, “We are redefining coffee shops from being merely casual spaces to becoming experience-driven destinations where customers feel at home while enjoying exceptional coffee and food.“
Through strategic innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality, Chelvies Coffee has successfully navigated the challenges of the competitive coffee industry, establishing itself as a distinguished player in India’s speciality coffee market. Moreover, the company is also revolutionising the hospitality landscape of India by offering a calm and relaxing environment in its cafes. With 6 working outlets and 30 more supposedly on the way, it’s safe to say that Chelvies Coffee will be one of the biggest food and beverage in India.
