From ₹5,000 a Month to a Multi-Crore Business, Shiju Pappen’s Inspiring Journey with The Chatpata Affairs
Shiju Pappen’s entrepreneurial journey is a true testament to perseverance, hard work, and vision. From humble beginnings as a restaurant worker earning just Rs 5,000 a month to becoming the founder of The Chatpata Affairs, a rapidly expanding cafe chain with 50 outlets across India, Pappen’s story is one of transformation and success. His journey serves as an inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with the right mindset and determination, success can be achieved even in the face of adversity.
Pappen’s story begins in a small town in Rajasthan, where he faced immense challenges early in life. Losing both of his parents at a young age left him with no choice but to fend for himself. Seeking better opportunities, he moved to Delhi in 1997. His first job was at Pizza Hut, where he took on various roles, from cleaning tables to serving customers. These were difficult times for Pappen, as he struggled to make ends meet. “I was earning only Rs 5,000-6,000 per month for almost a year straight. It was tough to manage rent, electricity, and food. However, I had no option but to manage with whatever I was earning,” Pappen reflected in an interview with Startuppedia.
Despite the hardships, Pappen learned valuable lessons during his time in the restaurant industry. He gained firsthand experience in customer service, food preparation, and business operations. These skills would later become the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. After working his way up and gaining over two decades of experience, including serving as the CEO of Southern Fried Chicken, Pappen identified a significant gap in the fast-food industry: the underrepresentation of Indian street food. His passion for authentic Indian flavors and a desire to elevate street food led him to establish The Chatpata Affairs in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began reshaping the global business landscape.
Starting a business during the pandemic presented its own set of challenges, particularly with rising rental costs and uncertain consumer demand. To navigate these obstacles, Pappen initially pivoted to a mobile cart model, launching his business with limited offerings. It was a slow start, with just two outlets generating around Rs 2 lakh per month. However, Pappen’s determination and strategic thinking paid off as The Chatpata Affairs began to gain traction. Today, the chain has expanded to 50 outlets across major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Hyderabad, generating an impressive Rs 8 crore in annual revenue.
The success of The Chatpata Affairs can be attributed, in large part, to its franchise model. As a bootstrapped venture, the company heavily relies on franchisees to expand its presence. Currently, 40 of the 50 outlets are franchise-owned, while the remaining 10 are company-owned. Each outlet occupies approximately 200 square feet and requires an initial investment of Rs 5-6 lakh. These outlets typically generate monthly profits ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000, making it an attractive investment opportunity for aspiring franchisees. “Since we are a bootstrapped business, we heavily rely on the franchise model to expand our presence,” Pappen explained.
In addition to his domestic success, Pappen has his sights set on international expansion. He is currently exploring potential markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Pappen’s vision for The Chatpata Affairs is bold: he aims to position Indian street food alongside global fast-food favorites like burgers and pizzas. The cafe’s diverse menu features nearly 200 items, ranging from the traditional litti chokha of Bihar to the crispy, tangy chaat from North India. Pappen believes that Indian street food deserves global recognition. “Samosas and chaat deserve the same appeal as burgers and pizzas,” he emphasized during an interview.
Despite his remarkable success, Pappen remains humble and grounded. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Entrepreneurship is seen as a glamorous success from the outside. But the reality is known to those who have walked the path. I believe it’s a journey filled with patience and perseverance, not at all a lottery ticket to instant wealth or success.” Pappen’s words resonate with the challenges many entrepreneurs face. His story illustrates that success in business requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the market.
Pappen’s leadership and vision have not only built a successful business but also created employment opportunities for many. Today, The Chatpata Affairs employs a team of 200 people, helping drive the brand’s growth across India. Pappen’s ability to identify a gap in the market, coupled with his extensive experience in the fast-food industry, has enabled him to turn a simple idea into a thriving business.
The rise of The Chatpata Affairs is a testament to the growing demand for authentic Indian street food and Pappen’s dedication to bringing these flavors to the forefront of the fast-food industry. His journey from earning a modest salary as a restaurant worker to running a million-dollar business serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with vision, determination, and hard work.
As The Chatpata Affairs continues to expand both domestically and internationally, Pappen’s legacy as a pioneer in the Indian street food industry will only grow stronger. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not an overnight success but a long, challenging journey filled with learning, resilience, and unwavering passion. Through The Chatpata Affairs, Shiju Pappen has not only transformed his own life but also brought Indian street food to the global stage.