Some years ago, a career in the food industry meant being a chef or a hotel manager. But with the economy flourishing and fast food becoming more of a necessity than a luxury, the food industry has turned into a haven for young entrepreneurs who whip up unusual ideas and translate them into profitable ventures.
Selling pizza slices, wraps or burgers at a kiosk might sound like an upmarket version of the street-side bandi, but when this comes with a promise of international flavours, hygiene and pocket-friendly prices, you have a recipe for success. Sunil Cherian, the founder of Burgerman, comes from a family of jewellers but with his passion for turning the American staple into the desi man’s snack, this entrepreneur has struck gold. “I wanted to start a business with three simple things in mind — low investment, big brand name and high returns,” says Sunil candidly.
While finance is one of their biggest hurdles, innovative solutions sell like hot cakes. Rakesh Raghunathan, director of Infusion Foods in Chennai, launched an autorickshaw-themed kiosk that sells wraps early this year. “The passion for food was fuelled with the conversations that I used to have with my mom in the kitchen. When I pitched the idea to my family, they were supportive since they were convinced about my passion. To set up the venture, I had to use my personal savings and take the services of various financial institutions. It was not easy, but the high that I got after my business was up and running is unbeatable,” he explains.
Gaurav Jain, a Pune-based software engineer, began his own fast food catering service that also serves IT offices. He says, “I wanted to do something on my own and that’s why I chose to self-finance Tasty Bitez. I had to work for two years to save up for the initial investment, even now what I earn is lesser than the salary of a techie but I’m doing what I love.”
Rithika Ramesh, a Mumbai-based youngster started The Green Stove, a vegan baking venture. “There was no better place to start than my mom’s kitchen and my family were my first guinea pigs,” she laughs. Adds Lenin N., founder of Chennai-based Pizza Guy, “My family was supportive. Considering the fact that no one in the family is in this industry, that’s a huge thing.” And what is moneymaking if you can’t invest that moolah for a good cause? Gautam Aggarwal, Sanju Johny and R. Nelson of Auraley Foods have kiosks at their alma mater called @Corner. “We want to give opportunities to youngsters from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” says Gautam, whose kiosk employees are college dropouts.
With a hunger for success and a taste for innovation, for these young entrepreneurs the journey has just begun.