What started as a dream fueled by a deep passion for coffee, confections, and artisanal sweets has now become a go-to place for millennials and Gen Z. The Hazelnut Factory (THF), a F&B startup has created something truly unique, a space where rich brews, freshly baked goods, and classic Indian sweets coexist under one roof.
Noticing a gap in the market for such a versatile offering, this spot officially opened its doors in the heart of Lucknow– The city of Nawabs in 2019 and has since become a beloved destination for cafe enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.
The Hazelnut Factory- Behind The Brew
As you walk into the THF cafe, the experience is exceptional, from the European-inspired interior to the delectable food served on your plate, but it was not an easy journey to redefine the food and beverage space as one of Uttar Pradesh’s fastest-growing brands.
Ankit Sahni, the Founder and CEO of Hazelnut Factory Food Products Private Limited, described that initially he researched for about a year in this particular segment and observed a gap in serving versatility at one place. Then he thoughtfully shaped every aspect of the brand, from refining the menu and curating the perfect ambiance to ensuring a seamless customer experience.
This meticulous groundwork laid the foundation for what would become The Hazelnut Factory, culminating in the grand opening of its very first store in 2019 in Lucknow.
Shutdown, Not Shaken: THF’s COVID-19 Chapter
The Hazelnut Factory started to grow and gain some momentum, the Pandemic knocked on its door in early 2020, and like many in the food and beverage industry, it also faced significant challenges. The endless lockdowns and health concerns led to the closure of dine-in services, disrupting traditional operations.
However, THF pivoted its strategy to online orders and enhancing delivery services to meet the changing needs of its customers, while ensuring the health and safety of their delivery partners.
This strategic shift not only sustained the business during uncertain times but also laid the groundwork for future growth.
The Hazelnut Factory’s Business Expansion
Leaving behind COVID-19 and other challenges, THF expanded its reach to the customers way beyond what one can think. Today, they have multiple outlets located in Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Delhi. The artisanal sweet brand has recently opened an outlet in Delhi’s Aerospace, introducing India’s first espresso bar and artisanal mithai boutique.
Here is the list of their cafe’s at various locations:
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh:
- Nirala Nagar (Flagship Store)
- Hazratganj
- Gomti Nagar
- Alambagh
- Aliganj
- Sadar Bazaar
- Phoenix Palassio Mall
New Delhi:
- Punjabi Bagh (Club Road)
- Aerocity (Worldmark 2)
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh:
Civil Lines (Lohia Marg)
Going forward, the company is planning to multiply its outlets to 6-7 states to accelerate its growth trajectory.
Speed Meets Sweet: THF’s Quickcommerce Move
Looking ahead, The Hazelnut Factory has set its sights on ambitious growth, with plans to significantly scale both its presence and revenue. By the end of FY30, the brand aims to generate a total revenue of ₹400–₹500 crore, supported by a robust Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) target of ₹100 crore.
This financial vision is backed by a strategic expansion roadmap that includes launching 70 new outlets across key cities over the next five years, further strengthening its footprint in India’s competitive F&B landscape.
To ensure seamless operations and cater to evolving consumer preferences for speed and convenience, THF is also preparing to enter the quick commerce space within the next 18 months.
This move will not only enhance last-mile delivery capabilities but also position the brand to serve its customers faster, bringing its signature sweets, bakes, and brews to doorsteps in record time. With this integrated approach, The Hazelnut Factory is well on its way to becoming a household name in India’s café and confectionery segment.
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