The Journey of a Food Entrepreneur
In the heart of Gurgaon, where towering buildings meet warm hospitality, Yogesh is making a name for himself as a fresh face in India's growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for food. Behind every perfectly grilled barbecue and each steamer full of juicy momos lies a journey built on grit, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.
The Man Before the Momo
Before he became a food entrepreneur, Yogesh was immersed in a different world—one of materials, construction, and finance. His professional life revolved around numbers, logistics, and cement. Yet, beneath this exterior was a passionate food lover who cherished relationships and connections. Known for his friendly nature, Yogesh has always been the kind of person who builds lasting friendships, many of which began in his early days.
When the Hunger Became a Calling
As a food enthusiast, Yogesh often dreamed of owning a food outlet—not just for profit, but to serve something meaningful to the community. This dream wasn't just about recipes; it was about creating a business that reflected his identity. Three years ago, he took the plunge into the food business with Baozi Momos. What started as a modest venture soon turned into something much bigger.
Yogesh describes Baozi as more than just a momo brand—it’s his testing ground, classroom, and badge of honor. He learned everything about the business, from supply chains and customer behavior to pricing strategies and taste preferences.
The Leap Into BBQ
After gaining confidence from his experiences with Baozi, Yogesh looked for the next big step. This time, it was about fire and flavor. After evaluating several options, he chose BBQ Company in Gurgaon Sector 71, a larger-format restaurant offering Indian grilled delicacies, global fusion starters, and affordable buffets.
What attracted him to BBQ Company was the balance between brand strength and operational freedom. Unlike many big brands that demand high investments and centralized control, BBQ Company offered support while allowing Yogesh to run the show. This partnership led to him securing master franchise rights and setting his sights on expansion.
Research, Reinvention, and the Roadmap
Yogesh’s approach to food entrepreneurship is far from impulsive. From day one, he made it a point to visit competitor outlets, observe customer behavior, and understand what works in different neighborhoods. He realized that customer behavior isn’t universal—it changes with locality, mood, and even the time of day.
His insights helped him make key decisions: whether to offer buffet or a la carte options, what pricing strategy to follow, and how to train his staff for a high-volume operation. These strategic choices have played a crucial role in his success.
Personal Touch: Food with a Future
What sets Yogesh apart is not just his business acumen, but also his human touch. He often speaks about opening a franchise and gifting it to his father post-retirement as a symbol of gratitude. He believes in symbols, legacies, and building for the long run. He also works closely with his brother, creating a formidable duo where trust and vision fuel growth.
The First Win: Baozi's Breakthrough
Every entrepreneur remembers their first moment of validation. For Yogesh, it was the initial success of Baozi Momos. When customers kept coming back for more and complimented the quality and innovation, he realized, "Ab nahi rukna" (Now, there's no stopping).
Risks, Rewards, and Reality
Business isn’t just about highs. Yogesh candidly acknowledges the emotional and financial risks involved. He believes that if you're financially sound, you can handle emotional setbacks. He knows the food industry is cutthroat and unforgiving at times, but he doesn’t just tolerate risk—he respects it.
Values on a Platter: Quality, Consistency, Passion
Whether it's the central kitchen model of Baozi ensuring consistent momo quality, or the high-standard chefs at BBQ Company maintaining food excellence, Yogesh believes great food isn't a one-time act—it's a daily commitment. "No compromises. We don't serve food we wouldn't eat ourselves," he says. That standard has become his restaurant culture.
Personal Sacrifices: Time, Comfort, and Career Security
Stepping into the food industry meant giving up stability and time. Yogesh had to sacrifice evenings with family, weekends off, and the comfort of a settled job in construction and finance. He traded comfort for chaos—and never looked back. "It's hard. But passion gives it meaning," he says.
The Bigger Dream: A Multi-Vertical Food Empire
What's next? Yogesh doesn’t just want to own a few outlets—he wants to build a diverse food ecosystem. From QSRs like Baozi, to buffet formats like BBQ, and future ventures in sweets, snacks, and even apparel, he's creating a lifestyle empire. His vision is not just profitability—it's accessibility. He wants every customer, regardless of budget or taste preference, to find something in his network.
A Leader in the Making
In a landscape where many chase trends, Yogesh is doing something different: he's building foundations. With humility, hustle, and heart, he's not just growing brands—he's growing experiences. As he expands, his story is beginning to inspire others: young entrepreneurs who want to enter the F&B sector but are unsure where to begin.
Final Bite
From a background in construction and finance to building a budding food empire, Yogesh has come a long way. His story is not one of overnight success, but of calculated leaps and heartfelt labor. Whether it's a sizzling grill at BBQ Company or a steamer at Baozi Momos, every corner of his business echoes his journey.
And as Yogesh says, "This is just the beginning. The plate is big—and there's room for more." Because he didn't just serve food. He served a dream on every plate.
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