- How did 99 Pancakes and the idea of a specialty QSR chain come about?
Initially the idea was to open a good Pancake Café and not a chain. Given the
overwhelming response received from our customers, we changed strategy to establish a
QSR chain.
- From ideation to setting up and successfully operating a homegrown QSR brand, what challenges did you face?
It was a new concept so it was a mixed bag of challenges too. We were the first brand to
launch Pancakes in India in a retail format, hence, to explain to customers what pancakes
really are was a challenge in initial days. The idea was to serve freshly made pancakes and
provide a mouth-watering experience as these pancakes were made a la minute, right in front of the customers.
- How many outlets do you own and operate currently?
We have 15 company owned and company operated outlets as of now, and 25 Franchised
outlets.
- How is the QSR segment evolving in India? What are the challenges and opportunities for homegrown brands vs established international brands?
Post pandemic, QSR is the most promising segment in F&B business. It is a low Capex, high
return venture. Also, expansion can be very fast which helps in brand visibility. Homegrown brands are doing equally well if we compare with International players. With the growing technology, startup funding, delivery and e-commerce partners, it is much
easier to grow faster.
- What was the most meaningful failure you encountered as an F&B entrepreneur, and what did you learn from it?
Giving too many franchises without much knowledge of franchisee background, bad
location selection due to rent, are some good learnings that we picked up. Pandemic also
helped us reset our business strategy.
- Regarding product and territory expansion, what plans do you have for the future?
Pancakes is our hero product and will always be the best seller. In coming days, we will be
launching pancakes in many forms like American Pancakes etc. We plan to expand pan
India covering all metro and tier 2 cities in a couple of years.
- In your opinion, how much should a business rely on technology?
In QSR, technology plays a very important role and at the same time manpower will
always remain the key of any F&B vertical. Hence, tech should contribute 50% of business
model. More and more tech can advance the brand and give an edge over competitors.
