KaroStartup’s Post

In a landscape where giants tread carefully, Kabir Jeet Singh has masterfully navigated Burger Singh to the forefront of India’s QSR arena, not just by playing the game but by changing the rules!  His success recipe is disarmingly simple - a masterstroke in understanding what exactly drives the Indian consumer and that is - VALUE. Offer a 20% bigger burger for 8% lesser. In a country where every rupee counts, offering more for less is not just attractive; it’s compelling. Where every brand chases the glitter of metro cities, The Burger Singh - Kabir - decided to tap into the Heart of India, the real Bharat, tier 2 & 3 cities.  This approach helped the brand become a part of the Indian community turning it into a household name in 75+ cities with 175 outlets. Imagine tasting the essence of each Indian state in a burger! That’s the genius of Burger Singh - initiating one distinct burger from each state, infused with the rich palette of Indian spices. It’s not just a burger; it’s a journey through the flavors of India, wrapped in a bun! The real kicker? In the brutal QSR industry of India where giants like McDonald's took 22 years to carve out profits, Burger Singh is sprinting with yearly sales of more than 100 Crores. With 90% of outlets showcasing profitability, Burger Singh is redefining what success looks like in the QSR space. Reflecting upon Burger Singh’s saga, it’s not a success story or a killer market strategy. It’s a reminder of the flavorful possibilities that emerge when you blend your ambitions with a deep love for your roots, a reminder that when it comes to building a brand that resonates with millions, it's not just about what you serve, but how and where you serve it. What lies ahead for Burger Singh? Armed with a vision that's easy on the wallet, a touch of Indian spices, and a commitment to authenticity, they're aiming for the stars. The goal? 1000 outlets by 2026! Burger Singh isn't just a brand; it's a bite-sized journey of Indian flavor conquering the global QSR stage. #burgersingh #innovation #entrepreneurship #culinaryexcellence #indiancuisine #businesssuccess

In 2004, two men with a shared passion for food—Venkatesh Iyer and Shivadas Menon—set out to bring Mumbai’s favourite street snack, the vada pav, to a wider audience. Their journey, however, was far from simple. With an initial investment of ₹40 lakhs, they opened the first Goli Vada Pav outlet in Mumbai's Kalyan. What seemed like a small local business idea eventually evolved into a national brand, raking in ₹45 crores in annual revenue, and redefining the fast food landscape in India. The idea was straightforward—take a beloved Mumbai street food and serve it fresh, hygienically, and consistently. But their success wasn't instant. They faced hurdles like varying patty quality, short shelf life, pilferage, and rising costs. It wasn’t until they introduced advanced American technology, producing vada pavs similar to McDonald's patties, that things started to fall into place. This step revolutionized their operations, allowing Goli to streamline production and grow. Venkatesh and Shivadas also knew that marketing played a critical role in their success. Their ingenious promotional tactics, such as collaborating with movie-makers and having Goli Vada Pav featured in film scenes, brought thousands of curious customers to their doors. Today, Goli Vada Pav operates over 350 outlets across India, selling 70,000 vada pavs daily. Despite nearly going bankrupt at times, the founders never lost hope. They revolutionized street food by leveraging technology and staying focused on their vision—to turn an iconic Indian snack into a marketable, global product. Through sheer determination and smart business moves, Venky and Shivadas have built an empire that continues to grow and inspire entrepreneurs across the world. Moral of the story? No idea is too small. Even a humble snack like vada pav can become a multi-crore business if you believe in it enough. #StreetFoodToSuccess #MillionaireMindset #DesiFlavours #MumbaiStreetFood #VadaPavRevolution #IndianBusinessStories #Crorepati #golivadapav

Quick Service Restaurant chain, CharcoalEats Food Tech Pvt. Ltd.(https://lnkd.in/gbBnnA9f), has recently announced a funding round where it secured INR 45 crore. The investment was led by Girish Parasotam Patel , founder of Paras Pharma, along with investors Anil Sanghvi, Ajinkya Firodia of Kinetic Group, and ex-banker Rajiv Jain. The company is targeting an annualized run rate of INR 150 crore by the fiscal year-end. Charcoal Eats, a Quick Service Restaurant chain based in New Delhi, India, has successfully raised INR 45 crore in a recent funding round. The investment was spearheaded by prominent business leaders such as Girish Patel, Anil Sanghvi, Ajinkya Firodia, and Rajiv Jain. This funding will be utilized to strengthen Charcoal Eats' operations, expand its presence both nationally and globally, and boost brand development. Co-founder Krishnakant Thakur expressed enthusiasm about the company's future prospects, highlighting the potential for improved distribution networks, enhanced technological integration, and rapid growth. Currently operating around 40 outlets across Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi-NCR, Charcoal Eats aims to achieve an annualized run rate of INR 150 crore by the end of the fiscal year, amidst the rapidly growing Indian online food delivery market, which is projected to reach $18 billion by 2030. #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #technology #creativity #futurism #startups  

Challenging Results for Global Fast-Food Chains in India Recent quarterly results have highlighted a tough period for global fast-food franchises in India. Jubilant FoodWorks, which operates Domino's and Popeyes, reported a 46% drop in profits for the quarter ending in March. Similarly, Devyani International, the franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut, saw an 89% fall in quarterly profits. Westlife Foodworld, managing McDonald’s outlets in India, and Sapphire Foods, another Pizza Hut and KFC operator, also reported significant declines, with profits dropping by 96% and to their lowest levels since 2021, respectively. My views: 1. Global QSR chains are facing stiff competition from standalone organized restaurants and brands with fewer outlets. Local food entrepreneurs have successfully gatecrashed the QSR party by focusing on providing wholesome dining experiences. These smaller, nimble players have managed to capture the hearts of consumers with offerings that include traditional favorites.Indians still have a strong affinity for dishes like roti, dal, curry, idli, dosa, poha, chole bhature, pakora, and samosa. These traditional foods, often available at local eateries, provide comfort and satisfaction at a lower cost compared to international fast-food options. 2.Rising Living Costs: Inflation has led to increased living costs, leaving consumers with less disposable income to spend on dining out. 3.Consumer Behavior Shift: Many middle-class and low-income consumers are opting for cheaper alternatives or cutting back on eating out altogether. 4.Price Sensitivity: In a market where per capita income is around $2,700, consumers are highly sensitive to price changes. Even budget deals from fast-food chains are feeling the pinch. While global fast-food chains in India are experiencing a challenging period, the market remains dynamic and full of opportunities. Local QSRs and food entrepreneurs are rising to the occasion, offering affordable, culturally resonant food that appeals to the Indian consumer. This shift highlights the importance of understanding local tastes and economic conditions to succeed in the competitive fast-food industry. As the market evolves, those who can adapt and innovate will find success and growth in the vibrant Indian food scene. #FastFood #QSR #IndianCuisine #ConsumerTrends #InflationImpact #LocalBrands #FoodIndustry #Innovation #MarketTrends #FoodEntrepreneurs #DiningExperience

Established in 2004 by Kainaz Messman Harchandrai, Theobroma, meaning “Food of the Gods” in Greek, has become a distinguished chain of patisseries and cafes celebrated for its exquisite desserts and baked goods. Kainaz’s culinary journey began with a transformative trip to France at 16, inspiring her to pursue her passion. Despite facing a setback with a debilitating back injury while working as a chef, Kainaz’s family supported her in realizing her dream of opening a small neighborhood café. The first outlet, located in Colaba, Mumbai, received Rs 1.5 crore in seed funding from Kainaz’s father and started in her grandmother’s kitchen as a patisserie, later expanding to include breakfast and lunch options. Theobroma emerged from Kainaz’s vision to introduce high-quality, European-style patisseries to the Indian market. Known for its premium ingredients and consistent quality, the bakery distinguishes itself in the competitive landscape. Initially operating in Mumbai for six years, Theobroma, without relying on a franchise model, gained immense popularity, attracting customers from opening to closing time. Despite a humble beginning, it has expanded to over 100 stores across India. According to regulatory filings, Theobroma achieved a revenue of Rs 351 crore in FY23, marking a remarkable journey from a single store to a flourishing brand. #theobroma #pastrybusiness #cakebusiness #womenentrepreneurs #womenentrepreneurship #womeninbusiness #startupstory #startupmarketing #marketinggrowmatics #mumbai

This brand has earned a fortune of ₹3500 CRORE by selling brownies and biscuits!     Back in 2004, a small bakery opened in Mumbai, born out of a family’s love for European-style desserts and the desire to bring something unique to the table.   Little did I know this humble beginning would turn into a household name, touching millions of hearts across India.  I am talking about THEOBROMA FOODS PRIVATE LIMITED.   Back then, though resources were limited, the market was fiercely competitive, and they were not sure how things would turn out. But they had one unwavering belief that if we poured our passion into every cake, every biscuit, and every dessert, something special would happen.     Today, the tables are turning. With over 225 outlets across India, Theobroma has become a symbol of premium quality, standing tall in an industry that is growing at an incredible rate.     The Indian bakery market was valued at $11 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $20 billion by 2028, with a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%. This growth is fueled by evolving lifestyles, advancements in baked goods, and an increasing demand for high-quality treats.  I am proud to say the brand is a part of that journey.   However, for me, it is always about the joy of watching people smile as they bite into a piece of dessert.     And those tiramisus?  Well, let’s just say they are a personal favourite!      Have you tried them? #foodindustry #successstory #businessgrowth #journey #entrepreneurship

Indians’ love affair with spicy foods is no secret. Whether it’s the tongue-tingling heat of different kinds of Indian curries or the fiery kick in street food, bold and intense flavours are a staple of India’s palates. However, with global trends shifting toward healthier eating options, Indians have started to cut back on spices👇 Sagar Merchant and Arjun Panwar (who joined the endeavour later) are laser-focussed on breaking this global dominance with their killer hot condiments and sauces, Kaatil(Smerc Foods & Beverages). Founded in 2022, the Indian D2C brand aims to shake up the global condiment scene with the country’s diverse and vibrant range of chillies. The founders want to reclaim India’s position as the king of fiery flavours on the world stage. They claim to have generated INR 1.5 Cr revenue in FY24 and project 2-3X revenue growth in FY25. Kaatil projects INR 50 Cr-100 Cr in revenues over the next three to five years. The company claims to have experienced significant growth, with monthly increases of 25% across individual channels and an overall growth rate of 30% to 40%. 🔗To read the in-depth article, click here: https://4-2.co/48jnec3 #startups #founders #d2c #brand

India will have atleast have 15+ #100Cr #dryfruit in next 2 years. The fastest transitioning category for unorganized to organized is undisputedly #dryfruits. The way brands are crossing the 100Cr ARR mark is unbelievable. This goes on to reflect the massive depth in the market, which is often understood wrong in terms of opportunity. #dryfruits are fast growing outside of gifting, Diwali, Dussehra and other such festivals as key drivers. They are becoming part of every day consumption !! Whats interesting to see is that players like Bazana! Happilo are taking it to the masses as a daily snack option which was largely the territory of players in snacking space like Yoga Bar (Sprout Life Foods) and other. At a 10/20 Rs price point they will change the market dynamics and make it difficult for most of the other players and products to survive. Whats also interesting is that most of these brands are offline & retail first !! what that means is that their reach over D2C brands is far deeper then one can anticipate. While margins in commodity game is a question mark for many, small sizing is often a massive win as most brands operate in a 30%+ Gross Margin ( even higher in certain cases). Ops and working capital is roughly in the range of 12-15%, which leaves them with a very health margin unlike many other "celebrated" consumer brands. Many questions that players like FoodPharmer and other have been raising also get solved, as most of these options, unlike others, are literally zero( or closer) processed.

🚀 How Burger Singh Became India's Go-To for Indianized Fast Food 🍔🇮🇳 In 2014, founders Kabir Jeet Singh and Nitin Rana launched Burger Singh with a vision: to bring burgers that resonate with Indian flavors to a fast-food-loving nation. Today, it’s not just a burger brand – it’s a case study in localized innovation and effective scaling. Here’s how they did it: 1️⃣ Unique Market Position: Burger Singh recognized that while global brands brought burgers to India, they lacked local flavors. Introducing options like Amritsari Murgh Makhani gave Indian consumers something truly different. 2️⃣ Competitive Pricing & Value: By offering high-quality, flavorful burgers at affordable prices, Burger Singh created a loyal customer base among India's growing middle class. 3️⃣ Expansion through Franchising: Opting for a franchise model, Burger Singh scaled quickly across India and even made its way to the UK, tapping into the South Asian diaspora and curious locals abroad. 4️⃣ Smart Operations: Local sourcing and standardized processes ensure quality across all outlets, supporting sustainable growth and operational efficiency. 5️⃣ Authentic Branding & Digital Strategy: With humor and Bollywood-inspired marketing, Burger Singh resonates deeply with young, urban Indians. Their strong digital presence and partnerships with delivery apps make them a popular choice for online foodies. Burger Singh’s journey is a testament to the power of understanding local tastes and adapting global business models for Indian markets. 🍟 Curious to see how Indian flavors are being savored worldwide? Keep an eye on Burger Singh! Follow Atishay Jain for more such content #finance #investment #linkedin Parth Verma

Discover the snack that's capturing India's heart: How TagZ Foods achieved a staggering 30x growth in the crowded snack market. In a mere span of a few years, TagZ Foods has evolved from an innovative idea into a household name across India, and here's how: - Founders' Vision: Launched in 2019 by Anish Basu Roy and Sagar Bhalotia, TagZ Foods aimed to revolutionize the snacking industry with healthier, tastier options. - Funding Success: Through strategic funding rounds, including a notable pre-Series A of $2 million, TagZ has raised over $3 million, with backing from industry giants like Ashneer Grover and Namita Thapar. - Product Innovation: Offering a range of snacks from popped chips to gourmet dips, TagZ emphasizes health without compromising taste, free from cholesterol and artificial additives. - Rapid Expansion: With products available in over 22 cities in India and international markets, TagZ Foods aims to dominate the premium snack category, eyeing an 8x revenue growth this fiscal year. - E-Commerce & Distribution Growth: Boosted by a robust e-commerce strategy and a wide distribution network, including partnerships with Swiggy Instamart, TagZ has significantly increased its market presence, reaching even Tier 2 cities. Key Milestones: - 📈 A 30-fold volume increase in 18 months, with an annual revenue rate of INR 15 Crores in 2023. - 🌍 Expanded distribution to over 70 distributors, targeting to become the largest premium snack brand in India. - 🌟 Onboarding cricket star Shikhar Dhawan as brand ambassador, enhancing visibility and consumer trust. The Future is Tasty: As TagZ Foods continues to innovate and expand its product line, it's clear that they are not just selling snacks; they're creating a healthier future for snacking in India. 🙌 Special mention: Arjun Vaidya for being an amazing Mentor and an early Investor. 🔗 Explore more about TagZ Foods and their delicious, healthy snacking options. Let's support homegrown brands making a global impact! #startupindia #innovation #ecommerce #startups #sales #growth #business #d2c