In this episode, Ankit Gupta, co-founder of Burma Burma, shares his incredible journey of turning a childhood passion for Burmese food into one of India’s most beloved vegetarian restaurant brands. From the initial struggles of launching a restaurant to scaling and securing funding, Ankit offers practical advice and valuable insights for anyone looking to start a restaurant business.
Episode Highlights:
• How to Start a Restaurant Business: Ankit’s early steps and crucial lessons when founding Burma Burma
• Choosing the Right Location: Key factors in selecting the ideal spot to set up your first restaurant
• Building the Right Team: How to hire and retain a skilled team that aligns with your brand’s vision
• Legal Requirements: Navigating the licenses, permissions, and legal complexities of opening a restaurant in India
• Balancing Authenticity with Consumer Preferences: Staying true to Burmese cuisine while catering to Indian palates
• Building a Brand Without a Traditional Menu: The power of storytelling in food marketing and brand identity
• Bootstrapping for Success: How Burma Burma remained profitable for 8 years before raising funding
• Scaling the Brand: Managing consistency and quality as you expand across cities
• The Restaurant Business Model: Ankit’s take on the challenges of the food industry and whether starting a restaurant is worth it
If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a restaurant, or just love a good behind-the-kitchen story, this episode serves up the real deal, with a side of tea leaf salad.