Que1. What is your start-up?
PapaZapata: It’s a Mexican-Indian Fusion chain of food outlets. We serve smooth blend of Mexican dishes with some secret Indian ingredients.
Que2.When it was started and at what scale?
It started in Jan-2016 at the food court of Xion Mall, Pune. We also had taken a franchise of a popular brand called Chaat Bazaar in the same food court to balance out the risk.
Que3.What is the current status of your company?
Currently, we have four outlets: three in Pune and a franchise in Indore. We are in talks with investors for its faster expansion.
Que4. What was your future planning when you were in class XI or XII? Did you know at that time that you will become an entrepreneur in the future?
Being from science BG in XI and XII, we were piled up with mountain of books, so couldn’t get time to think what I wanted to do. With herd of my fellow future-engineers, I aimed for IIT first (that’s the thing). As it came closer…I started aiming for AIEEE. As that came closer…I thought State Board PET isn’t bad either. Finally, I settled to become an average Electronics Engineer. It was like crossing a thin line between what you want to do and what society expects to do.
But during class XI, my partner in crime Vikas, Pratik, Jalaj and I took the responsibility of organizing catering for farewell party where we collected Rs 15K from the batch and after providing the best service, we managed to save 50%. There the bug of Entrepreneurship triggered in us.
Que5. How were your 4 years of engineering graduation?
With having only one question in mind “Why am I doing it!”.. haha! Though, I am thankful to my college Swami Vivekanand College of Engg for giving me the technical knowledge, but it was a trade-off with my explosive energy, desires and creativity. Sitting four years in one classroom reduces your risk-taking ability and creativity. Your goals get shrink down to a cubical job of Rs 25k/month. Nothing wrong in doing job but not giving chance to your passion/dreams is definitely not right.
Que6. When did you first realize that you want to become a businessman? Who inspired you to think differently?
Precisely when I read the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki during my Engg that changed my perspective towards career, business and money.
At the same time, I was preparing for MBA during Engg. and got a call from UMass, Boston. After MBA, I did job in ESRI, California. Fantastic job! I am thankful to the company. But having freedom, working for own dreams, following passion are more luxurious. On top, doing window-shopping at Rodeo Drive in LA convinced me even more for business.
Que7. Who else owned a business in your family or you are the first one?
My dad had a factory of manufacturing hard board paper used in textile. He closed the chapter and became a social worker.
Que8. What challenges did you face during the initial days of your startup?
Many! First – finding the location in prime spot with less rentals; it took us 8 months. Meanwhile, building a team including chefs and helpers, finding the vendors and negotiating with them. Last but not least, bridging the gap between authentic Mexican taste and Indian taste buds though a right blend of fusion. It took us 6 months to bring perfection in making inhouse Nacho chips and Salsa.
Que9. Have you had those days when you thought of giving up the idea of becoming an entrepreneur? If yes, what make you keep going?
Not really. Quitting job from US and coming back was one-way. There was no return ticket. Outlet in Xion mall faced cash crunch initially due to high rentals. Staff many times don’t appear without notifying, vendors change the quality of ingredients, increased competition keeps your margins low, and aspirations to expand with keeping smooth operations. What keeps me going is..umm not sure. Perhaps that spark within to do different things, take risks, explore life, be free and never settle for less.
Que10. Do you want to give any message to the young graduating engineers?
Any failure is better than a regret. So, TRY and take risks in life! Never settle for less.
Some Quick Bites:
Your full name: Arjun Panchal
Love ones call you: Baba
School: Aditya Birla Public School
Institute BE: Swami Vivekanand College of Engg.
Institute MBA: University of Massachusetts, Boston
Best Friends: Too less space to write them all here.
Love/Arrange Marriage: Arrange cum love.
First meet with your wife: At CCD in Indore.
Hobbies: Playing Tabla, Writing Poems.
Favorite Book/Writer: Mentioned above
Favorite Place to live: Pune
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