The disagreement revolves around the use of the Chaiwala name, royalty payments, and claims of independent brand development.

Arshad Khan, who rose to global fame in 2016 after a photograph of him making tea at an Islamabad stall went viral, launched his first Chaiwala Café in 2020.

Soon after, in 2021, UK master franchise rights were granted to Nadir Durrani and Yawar Akbar Durrani, leading to successful openings in East London and South London.

However, what began as a promising partnership has now turned into a bitter legal standoff.

The UK team claims that they received no operational or marketing support from the franchisor, forcing them to independently design the logo, menus, interiors, and overall brand experience.

“Everything that defines our cafés from visuals to recipes was created here,” said Nadir, emphasizing that their growth came from hard work, not franchise assistance.

He further stated that despite fulfilling royalty obligations, the UK operation lacked the backing typically expected in a franchise.

“We built this from scratch with our creativity and perseverance,” he added, while also confirming that the partnership with Arshad Khan’s team has now ended and a rebranding is underway.

On the other hand, Arshad Khan claims that his UK partners stopped royalty payments nearly a year ago and are still using his brand name Café Chaiwala after removing his identity from it.

“This is my name, my brand, and my story. I only seek justice,” he said, expressing disappointment that his hard work and recognition are being overshadowed by contractual disputes.

Arshad, who recently resolved legal issues related to his nationality, shared that he has hired solicitors and plans to travel to London soon to pursue the case.

Meanwhile, the franchisor’s representative, Kazim Hasan, maintains that the Café Chaiwala brand and its ownership rights remain under their control.

This unfolding conflict highlights not only the complexities of international franchise agreements but also the human side of a young man’s journey from a tea stall in Islamabad to global fame now caught in a struggle to reclaim his name and legacy.