Chandresh Bayad started the tea business with a small investment of Rs 12 to 13 thousand. Only a few people knew of its existence when Starbucks sent the trademark notice. Over time his business picked up the pace and today, there are 75 outlets all over the country. An outlet has been established in Canada, and there are plans to expand to countries like the UK and Thailand.
Ahmedabad: Chandresh Bayad grew up in the slum areas of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He did his schooling from a government school, relocated to Cyprus to pursue an MBA degree, and paid off the fees by working at a call centre. Since childhood, he nurtured a dream of establishing his own business.
In the year 2014, he quit his job and opened a tea shop on the seventh floor of a complex. He shares that just under three months, the world’s largest café chain Starbucks Corporation sent him a notice regarding the trademark.
The beginnings
Chandresh Bayad started the tea business with a small investment of Rs 12 to 13 thousand. Only a few people knew of its existence when Starbucks sent the trademark notice. This prompted him to think that there was something unique about his business due to which it was already attracting the attention of such big corporations, even though the people outside this building knew nothing about his tea stall.
At his tea stall, Chandresh delivered tea within 5 minutes of ordering, and any delay beyond the timeframe resulted in the customer receiving the tea for free.
Helly and Chilly Café
Chandresh paid the monthly rent of Rs 1,300 for his tea stall. Soon, he named his tea business as Helly and Chilly Café. Helly is Chandresh’s wife’s name, and while working abroad, his friends gave him the nickname Chilly.
He had started the business along with his brother, however, after receiving the legal notice, his brother found it unwise to continue. Chandresh shares that his family members often doubted his business ideas and questioned him as to why he chose to study abroad if he wanted to open a tea stall. But Chandresh was determined to reach the heights of success with his humble business idea.
75 outlets in India
Over time Chandresh’s business picked up the pace and today, there are 75 outlets all over the country. An outlet has been established in Canada, and there are plans to expand to countries like the UK and Thailand.
Chandresh’s ultimate goal is to create employment opportunities for as many individuals as possible. His outlets offer an assortment of dishes.
Making world records
Interestingly, Chandresh Bayad also holds four world records for unique creations. In 2018, he broke America’s record by making the world’s largest French Fries dish, measuring 10 feet and weighing 660 kilograms. Two world records were achieved on the same day.
In 2022, a third world record was set by serving coffee and burgers to 500 people by writing their names on the food items. In February 2023, the fourth world record was created by making the world’s largest burger, dedicated to Canada, in the presence of the Mayor at the event.
Last Updated Nov 8, 2023, 9:37 AM IST