Ex-Salesman Opens Mumbai-Style Café in Small Town Fatehpur

Mohammad Naushad spent years hitting sales targets for a consumer brand, but the pressure and limited control over his future finally pushed him to take a leap.

In November 2024, he opened Hatke Cafe near Tameshwar Chauraha in Fatehpur, bringing Mumbai-style vada pav, burgers, and mocktails to a small city where such flavors didn't exist. After visiting an existing franchise outlet in nearby Raebareli, he knew the concept could work at home.

The biggest hurdle was funding. Naushad learned about the CM YUVA Yojana, a state youth entrepreneur program, through a notice at his local community service center. After coordinating with the District Industries Centre and bank officials, he received Rs 5 lakh (about $6,000 USD) as an interest-free loan with a six-month grace period before repayment.

He used the funds to purchase equipment and stock, then spent weeks training with company chefs to master the recipes. Now he handles much of the cooking himself while two to three staff members help with orders and service.

Building awareness in a small market takes patience. Naushad lists his café on food delivery apps and promotes it through Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to reach locals who don't yet know Mumbai street snacks arrived in their neighborhood.

The franchise model offers some protection too. Company policy prevents another outlet from opening within 11 kilometers, giving him breathing room in a smaller market.

The Ripple Effect

Naushad's café creates local jobs in Fatehpur and proves that entrepreneurship is possible beyond India's major cities. His willingness to leave a stable salary for daily operational challenges shows other young people in smaller towns that building something of your own is within reach, especially with government programs designed to reduce financial barriers.

The transition from corporate employee to small business owner means trading monthly sales quotas for slower, steadier growth. For Naushad, that feels more sustainable than the pressure he left behind.