Nagpur’s tea-making sensation Sunil Patel, popularly known as Dolly Chaiwala, is transforming his viral fame into a full-fledged business venture by unveiling his first-ever franchise model across India. Known for his dramatic tea-showmanship and iconic tongue-out serving style, Dolly first burst into the limelight after a video of him serving tea to Bill Gates went viral in 2024 .

Through a post on his official Instagram account, Dolly announced that he’s officially launching the Dolly Chaiwala Franchise, describing it as “India’s first viral street brand.” Franchisees can choose from three formats—traditional tea carts, standalone stores, or flagship cafés—with investment options ranging roughly from ₹4.5 lakh to ₹43 lakh depending on the model .

He invited passionate individuals to join the venture, saying it’s an opportunity to “build something big, something desi, something truly legendary,” while emphasizing that it’s “limited cities. Unlimited chai.” 

The franchise rollout seeks to scale Dolly’s playful “viral street” brand, bringing his signature tea experience—complete with flair and style—to new cities nationwide ().

Netizens have been vocal about the move, with several raising concerns about maintaining consistent quality post expansion. Comments ranged from enthusiasm (“Go big, make Nagpur proud!”) to skepticism (“the speed isn’t sustainable; people expect consistent quality”)