Shiju Pappen¡¯s incredible journey from earning just Rs 5,000 a month as a restaurant worker to becoming the founder of Chatpata Affairs, a thriving caf¨¦ chain with 50 outlets across India, is a powerful story of hard work and determination.
Shiju grew up in a small town in Rajasthan and faced significant challenges after losing both parents at a young age. This personal struggle fueled his desire to create a better life. In 1997, he moved to Delhi and took on various roles at Pizza Hut, from washing dishes to serving customers.
In an interview with Startuppedia, Shiju shared, "I was earning only Rs. 5,000-6,000 per month for almost a year. It was tough to manage rent, electricity, and food. However, I had no choice but to make do with whatever I earned." His determination during these difficult times laid the groundwork for his future success.
Shiju who has over 20 years of experience in the fast-food industry, including a significant role as CEO of Southern Fried Chicken, noticed a big gap in the market. He realised that Indian street food was not getting the recognition it deserved. Inspired by his passion for authentic flavours, he launched Chatpata Affairs in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic changed the business world forever.
Chatpata Affairs focuses on celebrating India¡¯s rich vegetarian street food culture. The menu features nearly 200 items, including the traditional litti chokha from Bihar and tangy, crispy chaat from North India. Shiju has a bold vision: he wants to elevate Indian street food to global fame, making these dishes as well-known as burgers and pizzas.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Shiju faced new challenges, especially with rising rental costs. He cleverly adapted his business model by switching to a mobile cart system to keep things running. Starting with limited offerings, Chatpata Affairs successfully expanded to 50 outlets across the country, with key locations in Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Hyderabad.
As a self-funded business, Chatpata Affairs mainly uses a franchise model. Currently, 40 of the 50 outlets operate under this franchise system, while the other 10 are company-owned. Each outlet requires an investment of Rs 5-6 lakh and occupies about 200 square feet, generating monthly profits of Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000.
After a slow start, where he generated only Rs 2 lakh per month with just two outlets, Shiju Pappen¡¯s business quickly gained speed. By FY-23, Chatpata Affairs reported revenues of Rs 6 crore, which jumped to Rs 8 crore in FY-24, according to Money Control. The founder now aims to reach 100 outlets by March 2025 and has set an ambitious goal of 500 by 2027, projecting an annual revenue of Rs 1,000 crore.
Looking to the future, Shiju Pappen is exploring opportunities to expand into the Middle East and Europe. Chatpata Affairs, based in Bengaluru, now employs 200 people, showcasing its impressive growth.
Shiju Pappen¡¯s story is not just about his success; it¡¯s a powerful reminder of the impact of hard work, vision, and innovation. As the founder of Chatpata Affairs, he is on a mission to place Indian street food on the global stage, proving that with determination and effort, anyone can rise above their circumstances.