E. Sarath Babu, a software engineer (BITS, Pilani) and IIM-A graduate refused a lucrative job offer and has started a catering company (Foodking Catering Service) to sell "Idlis" in the campus of IIM-A!
- DNA appropriately noted that "E Sharathbabu’s life has come a full circle. He started off with selling idlis in the slums of Madipakkam in Chennai, then left it to graduate from IIM- Ahmedabad. He hit headlines for refusing a lucrative job offer and starting a catering company. He recently inaugurated his first outlet on the IIM-A campus and he’s back to selling idlis".
- He had to ask friends to chip in to raise his initial capital of Rs 10 lakh and form a 15-member team. But with "quality, cleanliness and delivery" as his business motto, he expects to emerge a market leader in 10 years. He says he plans to turn his company into a food chain that will be a "national brand" employing 50,000 people. As per Sarath Babu, Foodking will be worth Rs 500 crore in five to eight years!
- Infosys chief Narayana Murthy had released the business plan of 27-year-old Sarathbabu’s catering business. Mr. Murthy said: "I am happy and proud that they have opted to walk on a road less travelled."
- IIM-A director, Professor Bakul Dholakia, said, " In the last four decades, such a thing has never happened in IIM Ahmedabad. What Sarath has done is very encouraging. He will have a great learning experience here as IIM people have a reputation for being a tough clientele!
- Sarath's proud mother Deeparamani said she knew her son had declined a well-paying job but she was happy that he had chosen to be a caterer. "At least, he would be feeding people".
- Read more...
The Hindu: He sold idlis; he will start a food chain - DNA: This IIM grad sells idlis
Blog:
Well, Anand, this proves that your idea of making it big in catering industry has "DUM"! Guys, mark my words: "Ye bande (Anand) me hain dum"! Join me wish Anand all the very best in becoming a top notch businessman!
