For someone who left a high paying job to come back to his roots and begin afresh, the journey has been an interesting and a rewarding one. OdishaLIVE had a sweet encounter with Satyabrata Mohanty, founder of ‘Chappan Bhog’ which is one of the most popular sweets and bakery shop in Bhubaneswar. Here is a brief of the lively conversation that followed.
OL: Why did you opt for opening a sweets shop?
SM: After leaving a glamorous job in the finance business, I found it unappealing to work anywhere. It was then that I decided to move back to Odisha and do something of my own. That’s when I purchased this place in 2003 and started the Chappan Bhog sweets shop.
OL: Why the name Chappan Bhog?
SM: I had planned a few different names while going to Delhi for getting the required documents printed. But while travelling, I had a dream late at night that Chappan Bhog as offered to Lord Jagannath would be ideal and so went with the name Chappan Bhog.
OL: What is your most popular product?
SM: We serve one of the best Chhena Poda in Odisha. For the north Indian palate, we serve the best milk cake and Kaju Barfi in Bhubaneswar. We also have more than 40 types of Kaju based sweets that are appealing to taste and attractive to look at.
OL:Howis your establishment different from other shops in Bhubaneswar?
SM: Since people from all parts of India reside in Bhubaneswar, our shop caters to varied tastes and budgets. Also people from within Odisha demand different sweets and we have all such variety to suit their needs.
OL: Who all are your clientele?
SM: We have always treated people equally. We charge just Rs. 5 for a Samosa or a Rasgolla. So anyone from a common worker to a high profile personality can visit our shop and have food. We would be equally privileged in serving both.
OL: In the time of non veg and fast food, why did you opt for a vegetarian only outlet?
SM: Before starting a shop, I did a survey of people’s food choices and I have continued to do so till date. I got a feed back that there is huge demand for pure veg food. Also since the name is associated with Lord Jagannath, we have never thought of going for Onion, Garlic or non veg food items.
OL: Any plan for opening new outlets?
SM: Yes, we do have a plan to expand our sweets and bakery divisions. For expansion, we have thought of going for 3 to 4 new outlets in Bhubaneswar for the time being. We are also in talks for working on a franchise business model with interested persons.
OL: How your team has evolved over the years?
SM: We started this endeavour with 3 people and now we have more than a 100 persons on our payroll. We all enjoy facilities like ESI and PF and I treat them like my younger brothers always.
OL: How active are you on digital and social media?
SM: We have a dedicated company website where one can place order for our products. We have a functional delivery and logistic support system here, but we haven’t planned it outside Odisha yet. We will plan that in future.
OL: Your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
SM: First and foremost, be confident of yourself. Then focus on quality. Money may come and go but do your best to maintain quality. Since ours is a retail segment, behaviour with the customers and staff etiquette is of utmost importance. Lastly, all is based on team work, hence be confident, work together and you will definitely achieve success.
OL: What is your most popular product?
OL: In the time of non veg and fast food, why did you opt for a vegetarian only outlet?
OL: Any plan for opening new outlets?
OL: How active are you on digital and social media?