Cold Brewed Success: The Remarkable Journey of Theka Coffee
From selling popular street food in Ahmedabad to establishing one of India’s fastest-growing and innovative cold brew coffee brands, the journey of Bhupinder Madaan, co-founder Abhishek Acharya, and Business Development Head Animesh Khare is nothing short of extraordinary.
In 2017, Bhupinder Madaan left his successful street food venture to delve into the food and beverage industry. Inspiration struck during a visit to a Delhi bar, where the idea of selling chilled coffee in a beer bottle was born. By September 2017, Theka Coffee had brewed its first batch, marking the beginning of an innovative coffee revolution.
Brand Philosophy – Embrace Innovation and Unconventional Thinking
Theka Coffee’s philosophy is to challenge norms and innovate rather than imitate. Bhupinder’s “No Method Entrepreneurship” approach emphasizes creativity, quirkiness, and flexibility. This unique perspective helped Theka Coffee carve out a distinctive niche with trendy packaging and inventive flavors like PALANGTOD, NEXT LEVEL, and COFFEE KI JAWANI, resonating particularly with millennials.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Theka Coffee’s growth story includes overcoming significant challenges. After opening 14 cafes through a franchise model, the pandemic led to their temporary closure. Undeterred, Bhupinder adapted by setting up coffee carts in Ahmedabad to maintain visibility.
In January 2022, Theka Coffee gained national attention when they pitched on Shark Tank, seeking a valuation of 5 crores. Although a deal wasn’t finalized, the exposure led to a surge in sales and inquiries from potential franchisees. Theka Coffee’s valuation soared to 100 crores with support from VC firm Zenith Multi Trading and offers from retail giant Reliance.
Brand Philosophy – Treat Failures as Stepping Stones
Theka Coffee’s trajectory demonstrates that setbacks can be transformative. Embracing failures as milestones has been integral to their success. From a small office to a headquarters in Ahmedabad and franchisees in over 40 cities, Theka Coffee has achieved remarkable growth, with revenues of INR 16 crore last financial year and an ambitious target of 100 crores.
Brand Philosophy – Stay Grounded and Customer-Centric
Theka Coffee’s success underscores the importance of staying connected with customer needs and market trends. Their mascot, Gabru, embodies the brand’s fun and positive spirit, reflecting their commitment to a playful and engaging brand experience.
Future Plans – Disrupting the Coffee Industry
Looking ahead, Theka Coffee plans to maintain affordability in India while expanding globally. They aim to disrupt the coffee industry with a franchise model that supports franchisees with a comprehensive roadmap and SOPs, ensuring sustainable growth and success.
For more information, visit their website here. If you’re interested in becoming a franchisee, click here.
