The lockdown period was scary but people found hope in those times too. Just like the Ravi sisters from Karnataka did. After completing their education and internships, they were looking for some opportunity when an idea struck them. This is when RNR Donne Biryani-Taste of 1953 was born.
Belonging from a family of entrepreneurs, the sisters got it naturally. And during the first month, they received more than 10k orders.
| Startup Name
|
RNR Donne Biryani-Taste of 1953 |
| Founders | Ramya Ravi and Shwetha Ravi |
| Industry | Food |
| Company Classification | Private, non-government company |
| Headquarters/based-in | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Idea | To provide the taste of authentic donne biryani made from their grandmother’s recipe. |
| Revenue | Rs 10 crore+ |
| Date of Commencement | November 2020 |
| Investments | ₹5 lakhs |
The Problem: Why Does This Matter?
Originating in Karnataka, donne biryani is known for its strong, green coriander base. Apart from its signature green color, donne biryani has some other differences like short-grain rice called Jeeraga Samba rice, instead of long-grain ones.
It is available almost everywhere in Bengaluru, there were no famous brands in the mainstream segment unlike other biryani varieties, like Hyderabadi biryani or the Lucknowi biryani. Girls identified the opportunity to become a pioneer in it plus they have their grandmother’s recipe, which, obviously, was a great hit. Then what? They decided to use the same.
Starting with an investment of Rs 5 lakh, a 200-square feet room kitchen in Nagarbhavi in West Bengaluru, 2 assistants, and 1 chef, RNR has come a long way.
The Solution: RNR Donne Biryani
After recognizing the gap in the market for donne biryani, Ravi sisters decided to fill the gap. They included family’s essence in the name of the brand as well. RNR Donne Biryani got its name from their grandfather’s name Ramaswamy and father’s name Ravichander.
A cloud kitchen started during the pandemic, with an investment of 5 lakh, is now earning more than Rs 10 crore in revenue. Sisters Ramya and Shwetha Ravi decided to serve naani-style Karnataka biryani.
In November 2020, they started from a 200-square-foot room with 2 assistants and 1 chef; now they have 14 cloud kitchens throughout the city and their own restaurant in Jayanagar 4th Block (in the heart of Bengaluru).
Business Model: How Do They Make Money?
RNR started as a food deliver brand because during the pandemic this seemed to be the best option to keep the business running.
They were taking orders on their website, Swiggy, and Zomato. They worked well on the packaging aspect to give an aesthetic appeal to the food parcel.
Ravi siters did not spent much on marketing as most of their orders were a result of social media or word-of-mouth promotion. Not just this, because apart from the taste, the price was economical between Rs 189-259.
Challenges/Struggles: What Roadblocks Are They Facing?
Starting a business during the lockdown was the biggest risk. With limited investment, Ravi sisters were able to rent a small place with very less staff.
Overcoming Challenges
Most of the restaurants were running at a limited capacity during the lockdown. Ravi sisters decided to use some of them as their cloud kitchen.
They used the time during the lockdown, to ponder over their thoughts and ideas to further strengthen them.
They worked on building customers’ trust by offering food that meets quality standards and is prepared in hygienically.
Future Vision: What’s Next?
They are quiet famous among the food lovers and in September 2021 the sisters opened their first RNR Donne Biryani restaurant in 4th Block Jayanagar. Apart from donne biryani, the restaurant offers naati cuisine and other popular delicacies like koli curry, elaneer payasam, goli soda, naati koli fry, double ka meetha, and drumstick chilly.
Ravi sisters are on a mission to popularize donne biryani in pan India but first, they aim to open a few more outlets in Bengaluru. Then they will expand to other southern states.
Key Takeaways: Why Should Users Care?
Sometimes, what we consider as a common family tradition or dish can turn into a successful business venture. From Ravi sisters, we should learn to find opportunities in situations where everything seems difficult.
We should focus on providing quality services and products to win customers’ trust.
