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India is a nation of food lovers united by their passion for diverse and vibrant culinary traditions that span every region, celebrating flavors from the mountains to the coasts and beyond. The country`s food startup industry is transforming remarkably, fueled by evolving consumer tastes, the widespread adoption of digital platforms, and the rapid rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models. Post-pandemic, the sector has become a hotbed of innovation, with D2C food and nutrition brands establishing niches in health-centric snacks, gourmet creations, and regional specialities. With the market poised to reach a staggering $61.3 billion by FY27 (as reported by 1Lattice and Sorin Investments<\/em>), the industry is thriving on its ability to deliver convenience, quality, and tailored experiences, showcasing unparalleled potential for disruption in India`s food ecosystem.<\/p>\n To spotlight the stories behind India’s leading D2C brands, HDFC Life’s <\/em>KlarifyLife<\/em><\/a> brings you The Risk & Riches<\/em>, a podcast series exploring the crossroads of entrepreneurship and financial planning. In the second episode, Vishal Subharwal, CMO & Group Head – Strategy at HDFC Life<\/em>, engages in a candid conversation with Biraja Prasad Rao, Founder of Biggies Burger<\/em>, and Ruchyeta Bhatia, Founder of Love & Cheesecake<\/em>. Together, they share their inspiring journeys, uncover key financial strategies, and discuss the art of winning over the evolving Indian consumer.<\/p>\n Biraja, tell us about your journey. How did an IT engineer from Orissa become the founder of Biggies Burger?<\/strong><\/p>\n Biraja (Biggies Burger)<\/strong>: I never imagined myself as an entrepreneur. Coming from Orissa, the concept of QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) was alien to me-McDonald`s had only just arrived two years before I started Biggies.<\/p>\n As a kid, I dreamt of becoming a doctor, but I quickly realised that patience wasn’t my strength. Engineering was the next logical step, and I pursued it without much clarity. It was during my time at Infosys in Bangalore that I had my first real burger.<\/p>\n That experience sparked something in me. “When I tasted that thick, grilled patty and the caramelised onions, I thought, ‘This is how burgers are meant to be-simple, bold, and authentic.’<\/em>” Over time, I developed my unique taste for burgers and created something from scratch.<\/p>\n Watch the Episode here: <\/em>https:\/\/youtu.be\/sV-BkO1b5Ec?si=to5IxYBdJCsnS73V<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Ruchyeta, what about your journey? What inspired you to start Love Cheesecake?<\/strong><\/p>\n Ruchyeta (Love & Cheesecake)<\/strong>: I always knew I wanted to do something beyond a 9-to-5 job. After completing my economics degree, I worked in market research and advertising. But within months, I realised I was a misfit.<\/p>\n At 21, I told my parents I wanted to open a pub. They thought I was crazy, but they supported me financially with a small amount. I started a corporate training company with paintball as its core module and saved every rupee I earned. Eventually, I transitioned into F&B, recognising the untapped potential of desserts, specifically cheesecakes.<\/p>\n “Cheesecake wasn’t just a dessert for me; it was an experience waiting to be shared. I wanted to introduce India to flavours and textures it hadn’t experienced before.”<\/em><\/p>\n How did you navigate challenges and scale your businesses?<\/strong><\/p>\n Biraja (Biggies Burger)<\/strong>: When I started, ignorance was my biggest asset. I had no MBA or business knowledge, so I wasn’t burdened by the “rules<\/em>.” I focused on the product and my passion.<\/p>\n “My mantra was simple: `First, make the burger; the business will follow.` If I liked the grilled burger, I knew others would too. That conviction helped me push through the early struggles<\/em>.”<\/p>\n We adopted a franchise model to scale quickly, though it took years to ensure quality and standard operating procedures.<\/p>\n Ruchyeta (Love & Cheesecake)<\/strong>: COVID-19 was a turning point. With customers unable to visit our stores, we converted our delivery vans into food trucks and brought our products to residential complexes. “Entrepreneurship is about pivoting-when you can’t bring customers to your brand, you take your brand to them<\/em>.” Post-pandemic, we scaled aggressively, opening 17 outlets in a short span. It was a mix of opportunity and resilience.<\/p>\n Should aspiring entrepreneurs gain work experience first or dive in young?<\/strong><\/p>\n Biraja (Biggies Burger)<\/strong>: Not having prior business experience worked in my favour. It kept me flexible and open to learning. But having a backup plan, like my IT job, gave me the confidence to take risks.<\/p>\n “When you don’t know the depth of the ocean, you dive in without fear. Ignorance, in a way, can be liberating.”<\/em><\/p>\n Ruchyeta (Love & Cheesecake)<\/strong>: Starting young has its advantages. You’re less risk-averse, and your instincts are sharper. If I had stayed in corporate jobs longer, I might have gotten too comfortable to take the leap.<\/p>\n “Entrepreneurship demands a blank slate. The younger you start, the less baggage you carry, and the freer you are to create.”<\/em><\/p>\n How do you manage personal finance alongside business investments?<\/strong><\/p>\n Biraja (Biggies Burger)<\/strong>: For years, every rupee I earned went back into the business. Now, with stability, I invest in equities and insurance while keeping a minimalist lifestyle.<\/p>\n “Investing in yourself is the best investment-you grow, and so does your business.”<\/em><\/p>\n Ruchyeta (Love & Cheesecake)<\/strong>: I prioritise my team over personal gains. My philosophy is simple: “If my team feels secure, my business thrives.<\/em>” Beyond that, I reinvest in the business because it’s my passion.<\/p>\n What is the toughest truth about entrepreneurship?<\/strong><\/p>\n Biraja (Biggies Burger)<\/strong>: “It’s often a lonely journey-Ekla chalo re.”<\/em><\/p>\n Ruchyeta (Love & Cheesecake)<\/strong>: “The first thousand days are gruelling. You’re the janitor, the accountant, and the CEO all at once.”<\/em><\/p>\n What’s your vision for the future?<\/strong> Ruchyeta (Love & Cheesecake)<\/strong>: To keep growing Love Cheesecake and exploring new horizons in desserts. “For me, what’s next is always about what’s now-staying focused and true to the present moment.<\/em>“<\/p>\n The Indian food industry stands at the cusp of a revolution fueled by innovation, changing consumer dynamics, and the unrelenting spirit of entrepreneurs. From creating health-conscious offerings to redefining traditional favourites, the sector has shown immense potential to cater to diverse palates while addressing the demands of convenience, quality, and authenticity.<\/p>\n HDFC Life’s KlarifyLife initiative emphasises this balance by making financial literacy accessible for individuals and businesses alike. Backed by HDFC Life`s trusted legacy, KlarifyLife is here to demystify the world of term insurance, offering tools, personalised recommendations, and free 1-on-1 expert advice to help you make informed decisions without the pressure to buy. Through its podcast series The Risk & Riches<\/em> and other resources, KlarifyLife empowers audiences to break down complex jargon, navigate endless options, and secure their financial future confidently while pursuing their dreams.<\/p>\n Stay tuned to KlarifyLife’s social channels to dive into the stories, insights, and advice to find your inspiration and take charge of your financial future.<\/em><\/p>\n Linkedin – <\/em>https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/hdfc-life\/<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Instagram – <\/em>https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hdfclife\/<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n X – <\/em>https:\/\/x.com\/hdfclife<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Facebook – <\/em>https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HDFClife<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n
Biraja (Biggies Burger)<\/strong>: To make Biggie’s Burger a global brand. “This isn’t just a business-it’s a legacy I’m building.<\/em>“<\/p>\n