Shiju Pappen, once a Pizza Hut employee, founded 'The Chatpata Affair' cafe chain, earning Rs 8 crore annually by promoting Indian street food.
Shiju Pappen's journey from a small town in Rajasthan to establishing a thriving business in Delhi is truly inspiring. Once a Pizza Hut employee, he is now the proud owner of 'The Chatpata Affair,' a cafe chain that generates an annual revenue of Rs 8 crore. From serving hot pizzas to promoting the rich flavours of Indian street food, he has transformed his passion into a successful enterprise. Let's read his inspiring success story.
Shiju Pappen was born in a small town in Rajasthan. His childhood was marked by hardship after losing his parents at a young age. This difficult situation compelled him to start working early on to support himself, shaping his resilience and determination.
In 1997, Shiju Pappen relocated to Delhi in search of better opportunities. To support himself, he took a job at Pizza Hut, where he handled various responsibilities, from cleaning to serving, earning a modest salary of Rs 5,000 to 6,000 per month. Navigating life in an expensive city like Delhi on such a limited income was challenging, but he remained determined. Throughout his time there, Shiju keenly observed market trends and customer preferences. He spent nearly 20 years in the fast-food industry, including a tenure as the CEO of 'Southern Fried Chicken.'
While working in the food industry, Shiju Pappen identified a significant gap in the market; while fast food like pizza and burgers was widely available, Indian street food lacked the recognition and respect it deserved. Driven by this insight, he launched 'The Chatpata Affair' in 2020. Starting small with a mobile cart, Shiju offered Indian street food with a focused, limited menu. His dedication and hard work quickly paid off, as customers began to appreciate his delicious offerings.
Gradually, 'The Chatpata Affair' cafe chain expanded, now boasting 50 outlets across India, including cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurugram, and Hyderabad. Shiju Pappen's vision was to promote Indian street food to the same level of recognition as international fast food such as pizza and burgers. His diverse menu features over 200 street food dishes, including Litti Chokha from Bihar, chaat from North India, and a variety of South Indian delicacies. Today, Shiju Pappen's company, 'The Chatpata Affair,' enjoys an annual turnover of approximately Rs 8 crore.
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