Starting with just Rs 20K in hand, Biraja Rout embarked on a mission to introduce the concept of authentic grilled burgers to Indian consumers and has built a QSR empire that is set to reach its 100 Crore mark this financial year. Through his relentless efforts and innovative approach, Biggies Burger has become the largest homegrown burger chain in India, having sold an incredible 50 lakh burgers to date. What sets Rout apart is not only his entrepreneurial success but also his ability to inspire and empower aspiring foodpreneurs across the country. By scaling Biggies Burger from a small kiosk in Electronics City, Bengaluru, to a national phenomenon with over 130 stores in 28 cities and 14 states, Biraja Rout has demonstrated the power of resilience and innovation.
Hotelier India in conversation with the man himself…
- What was the idea behind Biggies Burger?
After I recognized the growing appetite for international cuisines and the influence of global food culture on the Indian food landscape, I wanted to tap into this trend and offer a burger experience that was not only delicious but also catered to the Indian palate.
The idea behind Biggies Burger was to introduce authentic grilled burgers to the Indian market and create a homegrown QSR brand that resonates with the local palate. We wanted to offer a unique dining experience where customers could enjoy flavorful and delicious burgers that capture the essence of India. Our aim was to bridge the gap between global fast food chains and Indian tastes by offering a localized menu with a wide range of options that cater to the diverse preferences of our customers.
We wanted to create a unique fusion of global burger concepts and Indian culinary traditions, providing a distinct taste that would appeal to the Indian consumers. By carefully curating our menu and sourcing high-quality ingredients, we were able to strike a balance between international flavors and local preferences.
As a techie-turned-foodpreneur, our vision was to create a brand that empowers aspiring foodpreneurs from different walks of life. We wanted to go beyond traditional franchising and develop a robust franchising program that focuses on creating foodpreneurs rather than just financial transactions. Our Biggies Entrepreneur Programme was designed to provide aspiring individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, with the knowledge, skills, and support to establish successful QSR businesses. We believe in the potential of franchising as a financial instrument and strive to make Biggies Burger a secondary source of income for anyone looking to embark on a foodpreneurial journey.
- How did you start with just 20 K in hand? What was your business model?
Starting with just 20K in hand, we adopted a lean and focused approach to build Biggies Burger. Our business model revolved around maintaining high quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. We began as a small kiosk in Electronic City, Bangalore, where we perfected our grilled burgers and garnered a loyal customer base. We focused on cost-effective marketing strategies, word-of-mouth referrals, and continuous innovation to drive growth and create brand awareness.
My business model was built on the foundation of localized menus and a strong focus on quality and taste. I believed that by offering burgers that catered to the flavors and preferences of Indian consumers, we could carve a niche in the QSR industry.
We gradually expanded our presence across multiple cities and states. To further fuel our growth, we adopted a franchise model that allowed us to scale rapidly while maintaining quality control. We carefully selected franchise partners who shared our passion for delivering a memorable dining experience. This enabled us to expand our footprint and reach a wider audience.
- How big is your brand today?
Today, Biggies Burger has grown to become India’s largest and most beloved homegrown burger brand. With our presence in 28 cities and 14 states, we have established ourselves as a dominant player in the QSR industry. We take pride in our network of over 130 stores, serving our delicious grilled burgers to a wide range of customers across the country. We have also entered the café segment recently with the launch of India’s largest burger café in Bengaluru. We are looking to add more stores in the café model soon.
In terms of revenue, we are at a 100Cr ARR and are looking at reaching a 100 Cr revenue by end of the current financial year which is a major milestone in our growth. We are looking at expanding our network of stores to 350 by 2024.
Our brand is not just about numbers and locations. It’s about the love and trust we have earned from our customers over the years. We have sold over 50 lakh burgers to date, a testament to the quality and taste that our brand offers.
- What is your success mantra? And your revenue strategy?
Our success mantra lies in our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We strive to deliver the best dining experience to our customers by focusing on the finest ingredients, meticulous cooking techniques, and a menu that caters to their preferences. We emphasize consistency in taste and service across all our outlets, ensuring that every customer leaves satisfied.
Additionally, our revenue strategy involves a combination of factors such as increasing store count, expanding into new markets, implementing efficient cost management practices, and embracing technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
