It’s not often that we see an already established telecom engineer with over two decades of industry expertise quit a high-paying job to pursue his passion – owing a restaurant in his very own city, Bhubaneswar. Even when people quit their jobs to embark upon their entrepreneurial undertaking, they prefer to operate largely within their comfort zone, drawing from their professional experience and starting a business in the trade they’re familiar with. However, like a quintessential entrepreneur, Chittaranjan Patro, instead, preferred venturing into an otherwise fiercely competitive restaurant scene of Bhubaneswar.
We’re talking about “Yummyies” – the latest multi-cuisine sensation in city’s restaurant trade. When we reached Yummyies to meet this jovial, dynamic, soft-spoken restaurateur at his cozy restaurant near Forum Mart, we found him completely immersed in a pleasant conversation with his patrons. After we introduced ourselves to him, he profusely thanked us for visiting his restaurant and led us to table and shared his journey with us.
Team DB: Tell us a bit about your journey so far
Chittaranjan: Been a Telecom Man since the last 20 years. Had been in and out of the country managing engineering, project rollouts and sales. But my Food-Journey is what excites me more. With a vision and dream to have my own restaurant someday, I have had almost tasted every kind of food. Be it the mystical eastern dressings to the sophisticated continental spreads to the fiery Mexican delights. I am a true blue Odia foodie. And with the zealous Odia foodie in mind, I have started my own restaurant called ‘Yummyies’. The USP – I have plucked in the best of Odia cooks who were working in India and abrod. The 1st floor specializes in Indian, Tandoor & Chinese. The 2nd Floor is Italian and Mexican while the 3rd Floor will be a first of its kind Barbecue & Grill open-air joint.
Team DB: Was it easy for you to leave such a lucrative job profile behind and venture into something considered rather risky?
Chittaranjan: I might be called a bit filmy with drooling eyes to live my dream; but yes, it was not that easy. However, I thought this is the right time if I ever have to start ‘Yummyies’. I believe with our USP of serving authentic global cuisines in a QSR (Quick Serving Restaurant) mode will attract foodies not only from Bhubaneswar but also Cuttack. My ultimate satisfaction will be when you tell your friend, ‘Boss, have you tasted food at Yummyies!’. One needs to live his life passionately. Yes, there is a risk, but I believe I am living my dream.
Team DB: Did you have any assessment of the restaurant space in Bhubaneswar before you decided to enter such a competitive scene?
Chittaranjan: Yes, we did a business study. I think we are placed at a prime location with huge scope of converting floating crowd into our perpetual fans. Being in the heart of the city at retail and mall district of Kharavela Nagar should provide us the advantage.
Team DB: What are your most important priorities of being a restaurateur in the city?
Chittaranjan: If only I could have made Vidya Balan speak for me (quips), Its Food, Food & only Food. Ambiance, Decor of the restaurant with first class service come second. Lastly I believe pricing and placement is important – like we have the 1st floor which offers “exclusive vegetarian” cuisines come from an “exclusive vegetarian” kitchen. NO non-veg preparation with common utensils which defeats the purpose for people who want their food to be purely vegetarian.
Team DB: How is Yummyies any different from a regular restaurant in the city from a customer standpoint?
Chittaranjan: I assure you the food will be the best with our signature chefs at the kitchen. We have independent Veg and Non-Veg floors. Order is taken through a ‘Tablet’, Kitchen is automatically updated on the order when entered by the waiter – this means you get your food fast. We have a take-away counter where you can order and pick up the food without having to enter the restaurant, right from your car or bike! Also we have taken innovative advantage of social media with lots of online offers for guests. You can ‘Like’ our Facebook page for great online offers which can be redeemed at the restaurant.
Chinni says
Dreams do come true …if there is passion and commitment for them…
seshaacharya says
it is only the dream that matters.