Third Wave Coffee Roasters

The founders' diverse backgrounds converged to create the brand. Ayush Bathwal developed a passion for specialty coffee culture while working at Qualcomm in San Diego. Anirudh Sharma brought his experience from a family rooted in the hospitality industry and his work with ITC Hotels. Sushant Goel contributed his business acumen from his previous data analytics firm and experience with McKinsey & Co. This blend of expertise shaped the company's focus on quality and customer experience.

The company's business model is centered on a direct-to-consumer approach through its expansive network of cafés and a growing online presence. Revenue is primarily generated from the sale of brewed coffee, food items, and roasted coffee beans. The business also offers a subscription service for regular delivery of fresh beans and has a franchising model to accelerate expansion. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, the company reported operating revenue of ₹241.3 crore, a 67% increase from the previous year. However, net losses also grew to ₹110 crore as expenses rose, particularly in employee benefits and rent, reflecting its aggressive expansion.

Third Wave Coffee positions itself by offering a premium experience focused on ethically and sustainably sourced 100% Arabica beans, primarily from estates in North Karnataka. The coffee is roasted in small batches at micro-roasteries to highlight the unique flavor profiles of each single-origin bean. Their cafés serve a variety of brew methods, from pour-over to AeroPress, and feature a curated food menu with vegan and keto-friendly options. As of October 2024, the company operated 114 cafés with plans for continued rapid growth. Keywords: specialty coffee, QSR chain, cafe franchise, direct-to-consumer, Arabica beans, single-origin coffee, coffee subscription, Indian market, food and beverage, micro-roastery