10th Pass Millionaire: How a Gujarati Immigrant Thrived in the US Restaurant Business
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/20th August 2024
Peter Thiel, the renowned American billionaire and PayPal co-founder, once described restaurants as among the worst business investments. With their intense competition, slow growth, and low profit margins, he argued that restaurants rarely offer financial success. However, one Indian immigrant’s experience in the United States serves as a compelling counterexample, showing that determination and business acumen can defy the odds.
Sunil, a user on X, recently shared the remarkable story of his Gujarati friend, who immigrated to the United States and opened a Gujarati restaurant. Despite only having completed the 10th grade, this immigrant has achieved millionaire status through his entrepreneurial venture. Sunil contrasted his own situation, noting his master’s degree and habit of listening to business podcasts, with the success of his less formally educated friend.
Sunil recounted a conversation where he mentioned Peter Thiel’s negative views on the restaurant industry. His friend, who operates a successful restaurant in New Jersey, was unfazed by Thiel’s assessment. “He said opening a restaurant is a sure-shot way to become a millionaire for him,” Sunil reported. This sentiment highlights a key point: while Thiel’s views are grounded in broader industry trends, individual success stories can diverge significantly.
The Gujarati restaurant owner’s success is attributed to several factors. According to Sunil, his friend enjoys a loyal customer base of around 50 families who frequently dine at his establishment. Contrary to the notion that restaurant patrons are unpredictable, this businessman finds that customer feedback, even on minor issues like seasoning, does not deter their patronage. Instead, his customers’ continued loyalty speaks to the quality and reliability of his food.
Location also plays a crucial role in his business success. The restaurant is strategically situated on a route frequented by Gujaratis traveling to the Swaminarayan Temple in Robinsville, New Jersey. Many of these visitors hire tourist buses, and the restaurant benefits from their frequent stops, which bring in 50 to 75 customers per bus. This steady flow of visitors has significantly contributed to the restaurant’s profitability.
The immigrant entrepreneur’s daily routine involves preparing traditional Gujarati dishes like dal, chawal, roti, sabzi, and dhokla. This consistent, high-quality offering has been the cornerstone of his business model, demonstrating that a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality can lead to substantial financial success.
Sunil’s post, which has garnered over 300,000 views on X, has sparked widespread discussion. Commenters have noted that many educated individuals fall into analysis paralysis, overthinking their business ventures rather than focusing on practical execution. The Gujarati immigrant’s story serves as a reminder that success often comes from applying common sense, intuition, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
Ram Joshi, another X user, highlighted the importance of focusing on basics rather than waiting for perfect conditions. The success of Sunil’s friend contrasts with his own experience, showing that while formal education can be valuable, practical experience and a strong work ethic can sometimes yield even greater rewards.
