Ahmedabad: Chandresh Bayad’s physically challenged father, Himmat Bhai used to sell locks at a railway station to earn a living. His mother embroidered sarees to support family’s finances. Chandresh shares that the circumstances were such that his family could not afford to eat anything other than khichdi (rice-based porridge). The task of accumulating Rs 35,000 for starting a tea stall seemed humongous once, but today, Chandresh operates a chain of restaurants across the country. 

Launching the business

When Chandresh came across a notice published by the US company Starbucks, he decided to revamp his own tea stall. He learned about the markets and realized the true potential his business could have on a global scale. Chandresh renamed his tea stall as ‘Helly and Chilly Café.’ Presently, he operates more than 75 outlets across the country. A restaurant has been established in Canada and there are plans to expand the business and reach countries like the UK, US, and Thailand.

Innovative business ideas

Chandresh Bayad’s company has come up with an innovative idea where they write the names of their customers on the glasses with the help of inkless prints. All glasses and burgers come with customers’ names printed on them. Absolutely no chemicals or inks are used in this process called ‘burning effect.’ One of the other specialties of his restaurant is 1.5 feet long French fries. 

Building a franchise 

Chandresh Bayad’s business was severely affected during the pandemic. Back then, his cafes served only hot beverages like tea and coffee. Today, there are 150 plus varieties available at his restaurants. Cafes’ franchises are enabled through economic models. The company works on a one-time investment model and does not receive any royalty from their franchise holders. 

Free food for army officers

Chandresh shares that a franchise in Rajkot serves free food to young girls, and Army, Airforce, and Navy officers. His company has also initiated with the same kind of work where they provide free provide food to officers from Indian Armed Forces during all hours of the day at absolutely no cost. 

Chandresh Bayad’s background

Chandresh did his elementary education from a government school is Asarwa, Ahmedabad. He completed his schooling from a nearby higher secondary school. While he did his graduation from one of the local universities, he nurtured a dream of becoming successful in life. His family had no money, so he borrowed some from other people to pursue an MBA degree from Cyprus. 

With his part time jobs, he paid the money back. After returning to India, he worked in a call centre for 3 months. He utilized his knowledge in the best way possible and opened a tea stall in a complex. His business took off when he delivered tea just like Mumbai’s dabbah-wallahs. Within 3 months of his business, he had more than 600 clients.