Once upon a time, in the early 1940s, a small kiosk stood proudly in Bombay, serving up delectable Indian street food. Little did anyone know that this humble establishment would embark on a remarkable journey, spanning decades and continents, eventually finding its way to the bustling city of Mumbai, India.
The Mulchandani brothers – Kamlesh Mulchandani, Amit Mulchandani, Jai Mulchandani, and Manoj Mulchandani, reminisce about their ancestors' migration after the partition, carrying with them nothing but utensils in which they would create mouthwatering pani puri and other tantalizing Indian dishes.
In 2004, Kamlesh and his brother Amit Mulchandani joined the family business, while Jay Mulchandani followed in 2006, following the legacy that was established in 1952 at Colaba. Mumbai became their new home, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Mulchandani brothers fondly remember how their grandfather, inspired by a renowned Halwai in a lane next to Colaba market, took the plunge and opened their very first food outlet, aptly named "Kailash Parbat."
Kailash Parbat, founded in 1940 by the Mulchandani Brothers, has evolved into an Indian multi-cuisine and casual restaurant chain with a global presence.
Headquartered in Mumbai, India, the brand operates its own retail chain stores and a variety of eateries in countries such as the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Kenya, Portugal, Canada, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands.
What began as a small venture specializing in Panipuri, Chaats, and Ragda patties has grown into an internationally acclaimed eatery, captivating taste buds with its diverse menu offerings and impeccable service.
The journey for the Mulchandani family has been a remarkable one, filled with enriching experiences, delightful moments, sleepless nights, and a fair share of challenges. However, they approached these challenges objectively, always seeking win-win solutions.
These hurdles have shaped the Mulchandani brothers into the resilient and successful restaurateurs they are today. Their dedication and perseverance have allowed them to establish a restaurant empire across Asia, the Americas, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. Recently, they celebrated the opening of their 50th outlet in Doha, Qatar.
The secret behind Kailash Parbat's enduring success lies in their mantra: "Think Global, Act Local, and Sell like a Retailer."
In a conversation with Startup Pedia, the Mulchandani brothers talk about the changes in audience preferences and say, “Sure, the taste and liking of the audience has changed from what it was at my grandfather’s time, but we have managed to serve them authentic Indian dishes with the same touch. That says a lot about us and how we are deeply rooted in our culture.”
Rather than venturing into extraordinary endeavours, the brand has remained true to its core, preserving the traditional recipes inherited from its grandfather. These recipes have won the hearts of individuals with diverse food palates, and their authenticity continues to resonate with customers worldwide.
Mulchandani brothers emphasize their commitment to staying relevant, constantly seeking enhancements, and introducing new items without compromising on quality. Customer satisfaction has always remained at the forefront of their approach.
Nevertheless, challenges are an inevitable part of any venture. The Mulchandani brothers share that during their international expansion, they encountered difficulties in exporting talent due to visa restrictions and regulations. To ensure the authenticity of their cuisine, they preferred to have homegrown chefs behind the scenes.
However, this obstacle prompted them to invest in local talent, conduct rigorous training programs, and customize menus to offer European food with an Indian twist. This innovative approach opened new doors for them and allowed them to successfully establish their brand in non-vegetarian markets such as Singapore and the Middle East, a source of great pride for the Mulchandani family.
In today's fast-paced world, Kailash Parbat remains vigilant, always ready to seize promising opportunities that come their way. Kamlesh highlights the strong bond within the family, emphasizing their close-knit nature, love, and trust for one another, both personally and professionally.
With these strengths and comforts, Kailash Parbat now sets its sights on establishing a home delivery and catering brand, in addition to expanding KP in Southeast Asia, select parts of the USA, and the GCC region in the next phase. Moreover, they have exciting plans to launch a vegan restaurant in India, building upon the success of their establishment, "Veganapati," in Portugal. Major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi are among their targeted locations for this expansion in 2019.
The Mulchandani family's journey from a roadside Halwai in Bombay to a renowned international brand is a testament to their passion, resilience, and dedication. The legacy of Kailash Parbat continues to thrive, attracting food enthusiasts with its authentic flavours, customer focus, and unwavering commitment to quality.
From that small kiosk in Bombay to the 50th outlet in Doha, Qatar, the Mulchandani family has come a long way, leaving an indelible mark on the restaurant industry and inspiring future generations to pursue their culinary dreams.