Meet IIM Graduate Divya who Quit her Job and started small business, Now she is earning Rs 4.5 crore Monthly

In the backdrop of a lower-middle-class upbringing, Divya Rao faced financial challenges with a modest monthly allowance of Rs 1000. Undeterred, she displayed resolute determination, achieving the prestigious title of Chartered Accountant at the age of 21. Her pursuit of knowledge extended to an MBA in finance from the esteemed IIM Ahmedabad.

Financial Challenges and Education:

Growing up in a financially fragile environment, Divya’s careful money management was a response to the family’s financial struggles. Recognizing the importance of education in improving her family’s situation, she navigated multiple buses to attend tuition sessions, becoming the first Chartered Accountant in her family.

Inspiration at IIM Ahmedabad:

Divya’s interest in the food business was ignited during in-depth case studies at IIM Ahmedabad, exploring global giants like McDonald’s, KFC, and Starbucks. Intrigued by the observation that Indians struggled in managing such food chains, she envisioned establishing a world-class food chain from India, focusing on introducing traditional South Indian cuisine to a global audience.

Partnership with Raghavendra Rao:

The pivotal moment in Divya’s entrepreneurial journey occurred when she crossed paths with Raghavendra Rao, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the food industry. Initially reaching out to Divya in her capacity as a Chartered Accountant, their partnership began with financial advice and evolved into the establishment of Rameshwaram Cafe.

Overcoming Family Resistance:

Despite familial resistance, especially from her mother’s disapproval, Divya made the bold decision to venture into the food business. Her flourishing career as a Chartered Accountant took a backseat as she pursued her entrepreneurial dreams, driven by a vision to bring traditional South Indian cuisine to a global platform.

Establishment of Rameshwaram Cafe:

Combining their savings, Divya and Raghavendra established Rameshwaram Cafe. Their dedication to delivering high-quality South Indian cuisine garnered stellar reviews, leading to the opening of additional outlets. The name, a tribute to former President APJ Abdul Kalam born in Rameshwaram, underscored the immediate association with South-Indian cuisine.

Achievements and Expansion:

Presently, Rameshwaram Cafe boasts four successful outlets in Bangalore, with plans for expansion to Dubai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The restaurant chain employs a substantial workforce of 700 individuals, contributing to an impressive monthly sales revenue of Rs. 4.5 crore per outlet and an annual turnover of approximately Rs. 50 crore.

Remarkable Success and Recognition:

Sujeet Kumar, Co-founder of B2B startup Udaan, highlighted the success of Rameshwaram Cafe during a podcast with Zerodha CEO Nikhil Kamath. Despite the compact size of their stores, the cafe processes 7,500 bills daily, maintaining a commendable gross margin of around 70 percent.

Future Aspirations:

Divya and Raghavendra express ambitious plans to establish a presence in South India, North India, and even abroad. Their journey serves as an inspiration for individuals willing to take chances in life and pursue their dreams.

Transformation and Impact:

From initially facing skepticism and familial resistance to achieving an annual revenue of over Rs. 50 Crore, Divya and Raghavendra’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams.