Aims to add 5–6 more cafes in the city in FY 26-27, and enter new markets in the eastern region
Kolkata’s newest adda has arrived. Third Wave Coffee, India’s beloved coffee-first QSR brand, has forayed into East India with the launch of three new cafés in Kolkata—two in Ballygunge and one in Salt Lake. Launching three cafés simultaneously marks one of the brand’s largest city-entry milestones and signals its long-term commitment to the Kolkata market. The company aims to add another 5-6 cafés in Kolkata within the current financial year, further strengthening its presence and accessibility across the city.
With 220+ cafés across the country, Third Wave Coffee’s entry into Kolkata is a reflection of the growing demand for specialty coffee and premium café experiences across East India. As one of the region’s largest metropolitan centres and a city known for its rich heritage and vibrant café culture, Kolkata serves as a strategic gateway for the brand’s broader expansion plans in the region.
The three cafés are designed as community-led spaces that integrate great coffee and meaningful conversations, while celebrating Kolkata’s cherished culture of adda. Patrons can enjoy signature brews, specialty single-origin coffees, artisanal bakes, quick bites, and curated food offerings. The Kolkata cafés will also feature exclusive menu additions, including breakfast favourites such as Turkish Eggs, Shakshuka, sourdough-based bites, and hearty lasagnas, complemented by a seamless, tech-enabled experience through the Third Wave Coffee app.
Recognising Kolkata’s enduring love for desserts and sweet indulgences, Third Wave Coffee is also bringing the recently launched ‘Third Rush’, a dessert-forward concept crafted for late-evening indulgent cravings. Featuring the nostalgia-inducing Jim Jam Tres Leches along with layered cakes, stacks, tarts, pies, mousses, and cheesecakes, Third Rush brings a contemporary dessert experience to the city, complementing the brand’s specialty coffee offerings.
Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “Kolkata is one of the most important markets in East India and we are excited to begin our journey in the region with a city that has such a strong affinity for culture, community, and café experiences. Our East India expansion is pivotal to building our national footprint, and we see Kolkata evolving into one of our key markets over the coming years. We are committed to investing in the region and alongside deepening our presence in Kolkata, we are also evaluating opportunities in other cities such as Guwahati, Ranchi, Patna, and Bhubaneswar as we deepen our market presence in the region.”
In FY26, Third Wave Coffee expanded into Ahmedabad, Agra, and strategic transit hubs such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, while also deepening its presence across Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Mysuru. Building on this momentum, the brand plans to open 100 additional cafés by FY27, taking its national store count to 320.
Backed by its Food Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art roastery, Third Wave Coffee remains focused on product innovation, operational excellence, and creating community-led café experiences that continue to shape India’s evolving specialty coffee culture.
