Mumbai is home to a vast array of dining options, with over 17,000 casual restaurants, 4,400 cafés, and 560 bars, according to the National Restaurant Association of India's 2024 Food Services Report. In such a competitive market, a successful restaurateur must diversify their portfolio. Narayan Poojari, 57, the founder of Shiv Sagar Foods & Resorts Pvt. Ltd., has done just that. His business spans cafés, bars, and casual dining restaurants, including the well-known Shiv Sagar chain.
I meet Poojari at his trendy restaurant-bar, Butterfly High, located in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). Dressed in a crisp blue shirt, he exudes focus as he speaks about his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in Mumbai’s dining scene. Poojari, originally from Kundapura in Udupi, Karnataka, recalls his roots in a small village before relocating to Mumbai in his teenage years, eager to make a name for himself.
Udupi has long been known for its thriving food businesses, particularly the iconic South Indian eateries that have found success across cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai. These restaurants serve simple yet delicious vegetarian fare at affordable prices, often expanding their menus to include Chinese, chaat, and ice cream. Poojari’s own business journey began in 1990 with the opening of Shiv Sagar, which now boasts 15 locations across Mumbai, Pune, and Mangaluru.
Poojari didn't settle for just one concept. In the mid-1990s, he expanded into seafood by partnering with the late Sooru Karkera of Mahesh Lunch Home. This was just one of many business moves that would define his career. He later opened Butterfly High, a café-bar concept, and in 2019, introduced The Bigg Small Café in Sakinaka. In 2021, he launched Kyma, an Asian and Mediterranean restaurant, which now has three locations.
Beyond the food industry, Poojari has diversified into manufacturing, founding Greenland Tiles Ltd. in Kundapura in the late 1990s. His hospitality company, Shiv Sagar Foods & Resorts Pvt. Ltd., recently surpassed a turnover of 100 crore, while his tile business posted 8 crore in revenue in the past financial year.
Poojari’s early work experience started in his family’s small eatery, where he learned the value of hard work. At the age of 13, he moved to Mumbai, and after taking up a job as a canteen worker, he eventually managed the ice cream parlour Shiv Sagar in Kemp's Corner, which would become the foundation for his success. By recognizing the untapped potential of the business and expanding its menu, Poojari grew the restaurant's popularity, eventually attracting celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar and Jackie Shroff.
In 1994, Poojari bought out his partner, Bagubhai Patel, and launched a new branch of Shiv Sagar in Churchgate. It was here that Poojari introduced alcohol to a vegetarian restaurant, a move that made the place even more appealing to Mumbai’s growing dining crowd. Despite setbacks, including a legal dispute over the Shiv Sagar name with a rival restaurateur, Poojari’s perseverance paid off. Though the legal battle forced him to sell some properties and close others, his flagship Shiv Sagar continued to thrive.
Alongside his restaurant ventures, Poojari encountered challenges, including a failed venture into premium dining with Fish N Bait, a seafood restaurant that did not take off. Nonetheless, he remains undeterred, always returning to the formula of success that made Shiv Sagar a household name. His resilience is key to his continued success in a highly competitive industry.
Today, Poojari’s daughters, Nikita and Ankita, are involved in the family business. Nikita manages operations and administration, while Ankita handles marketing. Together, they have helped expand the family’s restaurant portfolio, adding new concepts every year, from Butterfly High to future projects yet to be revealed.
Looking back at his career, Poojari reflects on the importance of customer loyalty. “Consistency is the key,” he says. “Once you deliver on what you promise, people keep coming back.” This simple yet powerful philosophy has been a cornerstone of his business strategy, ensuring his continued success despite the many challenges the restaurant industry presents.
Poojari’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and an unrelenting drive to innovate. As he continues to grow his empire, he remains a prominent figure in Mumbai's ever-evolving food landscape, proving that in this city of dreams, a clear vision and a solid work ethic can turn any idea into a thriving business.
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