In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where every corner resonates with the aroma of chai and the sizzle of street snacks, Mr. Alok Kikkeri and Mr. Nikhil C S found their inspiration. In an exclusive interview with Vygr Media, they share the story behind Mumbai Chai & Snacks, a brand that aims to bring the essence of Mumbai's street food culture to every corner of the world.
Meet the Minds Behind the Brand
Vygr Media: Can you both introduce yourselves ?
Chai & Snacks: Hi, My name is Alok, and I'm Nikhil. We are the co-founders behind Mumbai Chai & Snacks, where every cup of chai tells a story.
The Birth of Mumbai Chai & Snacks
Chai & Snacks: We both share a deep love for Mumbai's street food, especially the chai and snacks. Living away from Mumbai, we missed the authentic flavours that we were used to experiencing. With both of us combining our expertise and working experiences, the idea struck us to create a space where we could serve authentic Mumbai street food in a hygienic and welcoming environment.
Crafting a Brand Identity
Vygr Media: Why did you choose the brand name 'Chai & Snacks'?
Chai & Snacks:The name reflects our core offerings and the essence of what we stand for. We wanted to keep it simple yet impactful, just like the flavours we serve.
Menu and Target Audience
Vygr Media: What all do you provide on your menu and who does it cater to?
Chai & Snacks: Our menu boasts a variety of chai blends with more than 15 varieties available and authentic Mumbai snacks like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Samosas, and Misal Pav. Our target audience is anyone who appreciates a good cup of chai and craves the flavours of Mumbai's streets.
Unique Selling Proposition
Chai & Snacks: Our USB lies in the authenticity and homely warmth of our offerings. Every sip of chai transports our customers back to the streets of Mumbai, where every moment is filled with flavour and nostalgia. Our menu is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from chai lovers to food enthusiasts. With a cup of tea starting at Rp. 10, it purposefully fits into everyone's budget, be it a local or a tourist.
'Mumbai Man'- The mascot !
Vygr Media: Tell me about the mascot outside your stores?
Chai & Snacks: He was inspired by a child we used to meet during our chai outings in Mumbai from the small shop. This persona embodies the essence of our brand.
Mission and Vision
Chai & Snacks: Our mission is to spread the joy of chai to every corner of the country and beyond. We envision Mumbai Chai & Snacks becoming synonymous with authentic Mumbai flavours worldwide.
Journey and Growth
Chai & Snacks: Starting with just one outlet in 2019, we've now grown to 36 outlets across multiple cities like Mysuru, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Our journey has been fueled by our passion for serving quality chai and snacks to our customers. Its all about growing together with the community.
Overcoming Challenges
Chai & Snacks: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, but we persevered. We're proud to say that we bounced back stronger, serving more chai than ever before.
Employee Empowerment
Chai & Snacks: We prioritise the well-being of our employees, fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Our initiatives include not having a dress code for the employees so that they feel comfortable while working, honouring our staff, and providing a safe and hygienic work environment.
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Client Stories and Community Engagement
Chai & Snacks: One memorable moment was celebrating Women's Day at our outlet, where we welcomed our female staff and customers with a flower. These small gestures resonate deeply with our community.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Vygr Media: What advice do you have for some young and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Chai & Snacks: Fill your space with the right partners and pursue what brings you joy. Whether it's chai or gold, success comes from following your passion.
At last, as our conversation with Alok and Nikhil comes to an end, it's evident that Mumbai Chai & Snacks is more than just a brand—it's a labour of love, dedicated to preserving the flavours and spirit of Mumbai's streets. With their commitment to authenticity and community, they're well on their way to making every cup of chai a journey to remember.
For more About Chai & Snacks, visit their website: https://mumbaichaiandsnacks.com/
Visit their social:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/mumbaichaiandsnacks
Disclaimer: The interview content has been paraphrased for brevity, clarity, and coherence while preserving the essence of the conversation. Certain segments may have been condensed or rephrased for readability without altering the original meaning or context.
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