New Delhi: A single decision has the potential to completely alter anyone's life. Jayaram Banan originally a resident of Udupi, Karnataka, failed in his school exams, and with the fear of being scolded by his parents, he took a train and came to Mumbai. What he did not know as a kid was that in the nearing future, he would become an established businessman of the country. 

Jayaram Banan’s background

Jayaram Banan was 13 years old when he ran away from his house. After failing in his exams, he could not face his father, and took a drastic step. It was the year 1967, when Jayaram found himself walking down the strange streets of Mumbai. Initially, he worked at a restaurant and washed dishes with a monthly salary of Rs 18. He worked at the same restaurant for 6 long years while carrying out different responsibilities; he worked his way up to become the manager of the food outlet with a monthly salary of Rs 200. 

Opening the first restaurant

Jayaram Banan was a dedicated manager, however, he desired to open his own restaurant. In the year 1974, he moved to Delhi, and found a job at Central Electronics Limited, Ghaziabad. He used his own savings, and borrowed some money from his friends and started a canteen at the company. 

Dosa King of North India

Jayaram Banan’s canteen was profitable, and he managed to save up enough money to establish an actual restaurant. In 1986, Jayaram’s first restaurant came into existence in the Defence Colony of Delhi and was given the name ‘Sagar.’ On the inaugural day itself, he earned Rs 408 which was an impressive income from a single day’s work back in those days. After a gap of four years, Jayaram Banan opened his second restaurant with the name ‘Sagar Ratna.’ 

Today, Sagar Ratna is a renowned and trusted name which is popular for serving best quality of South Indian cuisine. Jayaram is also called the Dosa King of North India. He is currently operating 100 restaurants across the country and the company’s annual turnover is around Rs 300 crore.