Shyam Thakur The Entrepreneur Behind Momo King’s Rapid Rise

Shyam Thakur journey from a school dropout to the founder of a successful QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chain, Momo King, is a testament to entrepreneurial grit and innovation. At just 37 years old, he has already achieved remarkable success in the food industry. Here’s a closer look at his inspiring entrepreneurial story: Shyam’s entrepreneurial journey began early in life. Disinterested in traditional education, he decided to join his grandfather’s rice mill business at the age of 14. It was during these early experiences in the world of business that he discovered his strong business acumen and the potential to run his own venture.

Over nearly two decades, Shyam explored various business ideas before striking gold with momos, a beloved Himalayan delicacy. In 2017, he founded Momo King, which has since become one of the fastest-growing QSR chains in India.

A Unique Vision for Momos:

Launching a momo business in a market flooded with momo vendors might seem like a bold move, but Shyam saw immense potential in introducing traditional Himalayan momos to a broader Indian audience. His inspiration came during a trip to Australia, where he observed the popularity of a fast-food chain called ‘Noodle Box.’

Witnessing the success of a foreign cuisine in a new market sparked an idea in Shyam’s mind. He thought, “If noodles can thrive, why not momos?” This realization marked the inception of Momo King.

A Recipe for Success:

Shyam’s journey took him to Malaysia, where he experimented with momo recipes, incorporating feedback to fine-tune the flavours to local preferences. With his personal savings, he opened the first Momo King outlet in 2017. While the initial sales were modest at Rs 2,000 on the first day, within three months, daily revenues reached Rs 70,000, indicating strong demand and growth potential.

Returning to India, Shyam launched Momo King’s first QSR in Gurugram. Over the next three years, he expanded to four outlets in Delhi-NCR, supported by four cloud kitchens. Despite being a bootstrapped venture, Momo King achieved a turnover of over Rs 7 crore, firmly establishing itself as a go-to destination for momo enthusiasts.

Challenges and Transformation:

When Momo King entered the Indian market, momos were primarily seen as street food. Competing with established QSRs like QDs and Hunger Strike was a challenge. Shyam and his team had to shift perceptions, positioning momos as a traditional gourmet delicacy.

Another hurdle was building a network of reliable local vendors to supply high-quality yet affordable raw materials. Coordinating operations and maintaining consistent standards across restaurants also posed early challenges. However, Shyam’s determination and a dedicated team helped overcome these obstacles.

Global Expansion and Diversification:

Momo King has ambitious plans for global expansion, with a focus on western countries. The brand aims to redefine momos as a gourmet delicacy worldwide. It has registered trademarks and envisions a presence beyond Asia, including Northern India, Southern China, Asia-Pacific countries, and other western markets.

In addition to its core QSR business, Momo King plans to introduce frozen momos to the retail segment, catering to customers who wish to enjoy these delectable dumplings at home. The brand is also exploring diversification by venturing into day clubs in Goa and pooling clubs in Gurugram in the coming years.

Shyam Thakur: A Rising Star in India’s Food Industry

Shyam Thakur’s journey from dropout to entrepreneur to the founder of a thriving QSR chain is an inspiring example of determination and vision. His ability to recognize opportunities and transform a beloved street food into a gourmet delight has made Momo King a rising star in India’s food industry. With ambitious plans for global expansion and product diversification, Shyam’s entrepreneurial journey is far from over, promising exciting developments in the world of momos and beyond.