Have you ever tasted a burrito so good it sparked a life-changing idea? For one adventurous soul, a simple meal in a foreign land ignited a dream that would take him from the U.S. to India, building a culinary empire worth millions. This isn’t just a story about food—it’s about grit, cultural leaps, and the kind of bold thinking that turns a spark into a wildfire. Let’s dive into how a 35-year-old transformed a college hunch into a thriving business, and what we can all learn from his journey.
The Spark of a Big Idea
Back in 2010, a young American student found himself in Jaipur, India, as part of a study abroad program. While staying with a local family, he noticed something curious. The food he brought from home didn’t quite hit the mark, but his Mexican-American classmate’s homemade chips, salsa, and tortillas? They were a hit. The host family couldn’t get enough. That moment planted a seed: what if he could bring Mexican-inspired cuisine to a country where it was virtually unknown?
It wasn’t a straight path. Studying music and public policy, entrepreneurship wasn’t exactly on his radar. But that spark of inspiration lingered. After graduating, he decided to take a leap—moving to India at 22 to chase a vision that seemed equal parts crazy and brilliant. His goal? To open a fast-casual restaurant serving Southern California-style burritos in a land of curry and naan.
“I saw a family fall in love with a cuisine they’d never tried. That’s when I knew there was an opportunity.”
– The entrepreneur
Why India? Embracing the Chaos
Why pick India, a country so different from the U.S., to start a business? For this entrepreneur, it was about seeking the unfamiliar. He craved a place where every day brought surprises, where monotony was nowhere to be found. India, with its vibrant culture, English-speaking population, and love for bold flavors, felt like the perfect fit.
I’ve always believed that stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens. This guy didn’t just step out—he dove headfirst. He chose Bangalore, India’s tech hub, for his first location. Why? It was a city full of globetrotters—people who’d likely tasted tacos or burritos abroad and might be open to something new. It was a calculated risk, but one rooted in a deep love for the chaos and opportunity India offered.
- Cultural appeal: India’s love for bold, spicy flavors aligned with Mexican cuisine.
- Strategic location: Bangalore’s tech-savvy, well-traveled population was a perfect target.
- Personal passion: A desire to embrace a radically different lifestyle fueled his drive.
Starting Small, Thinking Big
Starting a business in a foreign country at 22 is no small feat. With two childhood friends as partners (who later left the venture), he raised $250,000 from friends and family to cover the estimated $100,000 cost of opening the first store. That extra cushion? A smart move to account for the unpredictability of operating in a new market.
The first location opened in 2012, and it was a hit, pulling in $500,000 in revenue in its first year. That success gave him the confidence—and funds—to open two more stores without needing additional investment. By 2024, his chain, now called a burrito empire, had grown to 103 locations across India, generating $23 million in annual revenue.
| Milestone | Year | Details |
| First Store | 2012 | $500,000 revenue in Bangalore |
| Expansion | 2014 | Two additional stores opened |
| Current Scale | 2024 | 103 locations, $23M revenue |
Navigating the Bumps in the Road
Success didn’t come without headaches. One of the biggest? A shady area manager who seemed like a dream hire at first. Polished, well-spoken, and experienced, he helped the young entrepreneurs navigate India’s complex vendor landscape. But behind the scenes, he was overcharging suppliers, colluding with vendors, and even plotting to steal the business model to start his own rival restaurant (which, thankfully, flopped).
Can you imagine the betrayal? You’re 22, in a foreign country, and the person you trusted to run your operation is sabotaging you. Most people would’ve packed up and gone home. Not this guy. He leaned on a marathon-runner mindset—keep going, no matter what. That resilience is something I find incredibly inspiring. It’s a reminder that setbacks are just part of the journey, not the end of it.
“You have to keep running until you cross the finish line. Quitting was never an option.”
– The entrepreneur
Adapting to India’s Unique Challenges
Running a Mexican restaurant in India came with its own set of quirks. For one, sourcing ingredients like avocados and tomatillos was a nightmare. The entrepreneur didn’t just settle for imports—he went all in, planting 500 avocado trees (some of which got trampled by elephants!) and growing tomatillos in Karnataka. When heavy rains wiped out a crop, he didn’t give up. Instead, he doubled down on building a local supply chain.
Then there were cultural differences. Mexican food, with its bold spices and fresh ingredients, had to be tweaked to suit Indian palates. Think spicier salsas and vegetarian options to cater to local tastes. It’s a lesson in cultural adaptation—you can’t just copy-paste a business model from one country to another. You’ve got to listen, learn, and evolve.
- Source locally: Built relationships with five chicken suppliers and experimented with local farming.
- Tweak the menu: Adjusted recipes to align with Indian flavor preferences.
- Stay flexible: Embraced setbacks like crop failures as opportunities to innovate.
Thinking in Decades, Not Years
Originally, the plan was to stay in India for five years. But as the business grew, so did his vision. Investing in local farming shifted his mindset from short-term wins to long-term impact. Today, he’s not just running a chain—he’s building a legacy. With no exit date in sight, India has become home, a place where he feels alive and inspired every day.
There’s something beautiful about that, don’t you think? It’s not just about money or success—it’s about finding a place where you belong. For this entrepreneur, India’s unpredictability is its magic. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best plans are the ones you didn’t make.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
So, what can we take away from this wild ride? Whether you’re dreaming of starting a business or just want to shake things up in your life, this story offers some serious wisdom. Here’s my take on the biggest lessons:
- Embrace the unknown: Moving to a new country with no business experience? That’s bold. Take risks, even if they scare you.
- Stay resilient: Betrayals, crop failures, and cultural gaps didn’t stop him. Keep pushing through the tough stuff.
- Adapt and evolve: Tweaking recipes and building a local supply chain showed the power of flexibility.
- Think long-term: A five-year plan turned into a lifelong passion. Dream big, and give yourself time to grow.
I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for stories like this. There’s something about watching someone take a leap and land on their feet that makes you want to cheer. Maybe it’s because we all have a little spark of our own, waiting for the right moment to ignite.
What’s Next for the Burrito Empire?
With 103 locations and counting, the future looks spicy. The entrepreneur is focused on scaling sustainably, refining the supply chain, and maybe even experimenting with new menu items. But more than that, he’s committed to India—a place that’s given him challenges, opportunities, and a sense of home.
As for the rest of us? Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves: what’s our burrito? What’s that one idea that could change everything, if we just had the guts to chase it? This story proves that sometimes, the craziest ideas are the ones that work.
“India feels like home. You don’t think about leaving home.”
– The entrepreneur
So, here’s to bold moves, big dreams, and the kind of courage that turns a college idea into a $23 million reality. What’s your next step?
