At The Diffr Show, we had the privilege of inviting Kashyap Thaker, the visionary behind Vijay Chaat House, one of Indore’s most iconic famous street food brands. In this exclusive conversation, Kashyap shared the incredible journey of how a small local street food stall transformed into a top-rated food business, setting benchmarks in the industry for over 50 years.Kashyap Thaker shared some fascinating insights about growing a legacy business, maintaining food quality, and adapting to the ever-evolving market trends.
The story of Vijay Chaat House dates back to 1968 when Kashyap’s grandfather migrated from Surat to Indore and started a small food stall. The initial journey was filled with challenges from adjusting to local tastes to gaining customer trust. Over time, the business evolved, finding its niche in Indore’s vibrant street food culture. Today, it is a recognized brand known for its famous Khopra Patties, Kachori, and Dahi Vada, attracting food lovers from all over India.
Taking over a traditional food business and modernizing it for the trending restaurant industry comes with its challenges. Kashyap discussed how, as a third-generation food entrepreneur, he had to introduce AI-driven restaurant management, cloud kitchen models, and contactless food ordering systems while respecting heritage food values. Some key transformations included:
Process Optimization: Implementing a structured food delivery system, minimizing restaurant order delays, and enhancing customer retention strategies.
Hygiene and Presentation: Introducing modern restaurant hygiene protocols, automated kitchen cleaning solutions, and smart kitchen organization.
Quality Control: Shifting from local vendor sourcing to bulk food supply chain partnerships, ensuring consistent food taste and texture.
With the rise of online food delivery services, contactless dining experiences, and health-conscious eating trends, customer expectations have evolved dramatically. People today seek quick-service restaurant (QSR) efficiency, organic and vegan food options, and customizable meal plans. Vijay Chaat House recognized this shift and made several adaptations:
The rise of instant food delivery services like quick commerce platforms has sparked a debate about 10-minute food delivery models. While customers demand ultra-fast food deliveries, many experts raise concerns about food quality, rider safety, and operational feasibility. Kashyap shared his views on how balancing speed with quality is essential for maintaining customer trust. He also discussed how Vijay Chaat House prioritizes fresh food preparation over compromising quality for speed.
Many street food brands face the challenge of expansion while maintaining authenticity. While Vijay Chaat House has explored franchising options, they remain cautious. The key question remains: How do you scale a fresh food business without compromising on quality? The brand is actively working on a model that allows them to expand while maintaining the signature taste and experience that customers expect.
For those looking to enter the street food business, the success of Vijay Chaat House offers valuable lessons:
The journey of Vijay Chaat House is a testament to how a small street food venture can grow into a renowned brand without losing its essence. By blending tradition with innovation, focusing on customer experience, and making thoughtful business decisions, legacy businesses can continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
If you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, a street food lover, or someone curious about the business behind iconic brands, this episode is a must-watch! Kashyap Thaker shares invaluable lessons on how to grow a food business, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and maintain quality at scale.