Nagpur, India – Sunil Patil, better known as Dolly Chaiwala, has transformed from a local tea vendor to a national sensation with the launch of his new franchise, “Dolly Chai Wala Franchise.” The tea seller, who gained global fame after serving tea to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in 2024, announced his ambitious plan to expand his brand across India, branding it as the country’s “first viral street brand.” However, the claim has sparked mixed reactions online, with some questioning its uniqueness.
Dolly, a Nagpur-based entrepreneur, became an internet star due to his theatrical tea-making style, complete with dramatic milk pours and quirky hand gestures. His small tea stall, Dolly Ki Tapri, located in Nagpur’s Sadar Bazar, draws crowds for its flavorful chai and Dolly’s charismatic persona. A viral video featuring Bill Gates sipping his tea skyrocketed Dolly’s fame, earning him over 5 million Instagram followers and 2 million YouTube subscribers.
On July 11, 2025, Dolly announced his franchise model through his Instagram handle, @dolly_ki_tapri_nagpur. The franchise offers three formats: a basic cart stall (priced between $5,400 and $7,200 USD), a store model ($24,000 to $26,400), and a flagship café ($46,800 to $51,600). The announcement, shared widely across social media, invited “real people with real passion” to join his venture, promising to bring his signature chai experience to cities across India.
The move has been celebrated by many as a remarkable success story. “From a street stall to a national franchise, Dolly proves hard work and style can go far,” wrote one supporter on X. Another commented, “This is real success. Go big, Dolly!” However, not everyone is convinced. Some netizens questioned the sustainability of a business built on viral fame. “Just one Bill Gates visit made a business model out of this?” one user remarked. Others expressed concern that the charm of Dolly’s roadside stall might not translate to polished café settings. A post on X noted, “Everything has a trend for a limited time. Will Dolly’s chai stay special in a mall?”
Critics also pointed out that Dolly’s claim of being India’s “first viral street brand” might be an overstatement. India’s street food culture is filled with iconic vendors who have gained fame through social media, from chai stalls to vada pav carts. Some online users argued that Dolly’s franchise, while innovative, isn’t the first of its kind.
Despite the skepticism, Dolly’s journey from a roadside vendor to a franchise owner is undeniable. His original stall reportedly earns $1,200 monthly, serving 350 to 500 cups of tea daily. The franchise launch builds on his strong personal brand, blending India’s love for chai with modern marketing. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the franchise offers a chance to tap into Dolly’s fame, though the high costs—especially for the café model—have raised eyebrows.
Dolly’s rise highlights the power of social media in turning local talents into national brands. Whether his franchise can maintain the authenticity and appeal of his Nagpur stall remains to be seen. For now, Dolly Chaiwala is brewing ambition, one cup at a time.
