An Entrepreneur in the Making

Starting as an entrepreneur does not always require a talented team, a huge investment or handsome resources. All it requires is a mindset, and the vision to see what others cannot.

August 2019

Me and my family were frequent patrons of a vegetarian restaurant in the south of Bangalore. The restaurant was in a prime location and served great Indian cuisine. Although the food was good, the service and the overall energy of the place was lacklustre. However, on a mid August weekend in 2019, our perspective of this place changed forever.

As we were ushered to our table, we were greeted by a waiter and his vibrant smile. He asked for my name, addressing me as ‘Sir….’ and introducing himself as Ashok from Bihar. He said that he had recently joined as staff at the restaurant; his mission was to serve customers with a smile and ensure that they have a spotless dining experience. This was the very first time that a waiter at a restaurant had introduced himself to me and stated his mission with such conviction. He was swift and alert, asking us if we were regular customers, stating menu options and dishes that were the restaurant’s specials, and even suggesting the right portions for a family of three. Taking our order, he made note of our personal preferences – spice? salt? any food allergies? Wow! This was a surprisingly pleasant experience for a non-star hotel. As he walked away to fulfil our order, he mentioned the expected time it would take for our food to arrive, reckoning that we nibble on some small bites to kick-off the evening.

Intrigued by Ashok from Bihar, I watched him intently as he moved from one table to the next with the same bright smile and contagious energy. He was carrying with him the atmosphere of the place and he was doing it with such grace and panache. For the first time in a long time, we were not having conversations about the challenges we faced at restaurants. We were not complaining or cribbing. We were engrossed in conversation about Ashok, his fantastic customer service and his inspiring outlook.

Ashok kept us updated about the status of our order while we enjoyed our short bites. Not failing his promise, soon Ashok brought us our food – fresh and piping hot. He served us with a smile and even came back to check in on us and ensure that we were enjoying our meal. Our glasses of water were refilled like clockwork. There was a charming energy in the air that evening at the restaurant, and we knew that this was going to be the beginning of many visits to the place. Ashok had made sure that we left with happy tummies and happy hearts and that we would return for more.

It was unfortunate that COVID-19 came in the way of our patronage to Ashok and his impeccable service. After the first lockdown, we visited the restaurant again, hoping to relive our experience. To our dismay, the quality of food and service had both deteriorated immensely. Ashok and the core staff had left during the lockdown and the restaurant had taken a major hit. Unhappy and dissatisfied, we decided that this would be our last visit to the restaurant.

February 2022

One evening, we happened to pass by the same restaurant. The manager called out to us enthusiastically saying that Ashok was back! His name stirred up fond memories of our hospitable experiences at the restaurant, and we decided to dine in. As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by familiar faces and Ashok promptly guided us to our usual table. He looked excited and energetic as always. To our surprise, he remembered our food preferences and asked if we would like to reorder our usual.

He was taking orders, serving customers and billing with unmatched efficiency, letting nothing come in the way of his low-staffed restaurant’s business. Apparently, he had negotiated with the management to grant him the entire floor so he could cater to customers with his preferred staff and a humble menu. He had convinced his team members to join him back and help him revive the restaurant, willing to offer them a share of his profit earnings. He had been back in business since November 2021 and the regular customers were starting to return as soon as they had heard that Ashok was running the show. He said that he and his team were making more than they earned before, sharing profits and enjoying the fruit of their labor.

Here, I could see a man who not only had the vision of changing his fortune, but also empower his team with his determination and never-say-die attitude. He was willing to give it his all to succeed in the face of adversity, to meet unforeseen challenges head-on and to inspire those around him to do the same.

After what seemed like ages, we had a happy dinner once again. No complaints on taste, quality or service. As we left, I tipped Ashok with 300% of the bill value and promised to be his guest at the restaurant often.

I thought to myself that great things can be achieved with the smallest of dreams. As long as dreams are actioned into existence with hard work, dedication and the gumption to succeed.

I salute this entrepreneur in the making. May he always continue to smile that infectious smile and excel in his journey.

© Mohanram PV · First published on Manu's Collection, May 2022