How a Fatehpur entrepreneur brought mumbai street food to his city

Mohammad Naushad from Fatehpur district did come from a business family. Based in Khalil Nagar in the city area, he spent years working in sales and marketing, most recently with a consumer brand where targets and pressure were part of daily life. Over time, he began to feel that a salaried role offered limited control over his future.

“There is fear in the beginning, but when you start something of your own, slowly it becomes regular,” he says.

The idea of running his own venture emerged gradually. With encouragement from his family, he began exploring options that would enable him to operate independently rather than remaining dependent on a company structure. While browsing franchise opportunities, he came across Hatke Cafe, a Maharashtra-based brand from Aurangabad known for Mumbai-style snacks. A visit to an existing outlet in Raebareli convinced him that the concept could work in Fatehpur, where such flavours were not easily available.

He opened his outlet near Tameshwar Chauraha on November 19, 2025.

Building a franchise in a small city

Hatke Cafe in Fatehpur serves fast food items such as burgers, pizza, vada pav, and mocktails, along with more than 40 company products. As a franchise, the business receives operational support and training from the parent company, including kitchen processes and product preparation standards. Naushad himself handles much of the cooking, having been trained by company chefs for several weeks, while two to three staff members assist with orders, serving, and cleaning.

For initial capital, he invested some personal savings and later sought financial assistance. He learned about the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana through a notice at a local CSC centre. After discussions at the District Industries Centre and with bank officials, he applied for support under the scheme.

He received Rs 5 lakh as an interest-free loan under CM YUVA Yojana, which came with a six-month repayment moratorium. The funds were used to purchase equipment and stock. According to him, the application process was straightforward and coordinated between the district office and the bank.

Slow response, steady effort

The cafe currently employs a small team, generating at least one additional local job. While footfall is steady, Naushad acknowledges that awareness remains a challenge. He has listed the outlet on food delivery platforms and promotes it through Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to reach local customers who may not yet be aware that Mumbai-style snacks are available in their city.

Choosing a franchise model, he says, reduced some risks. The company’s territorial policy ensures that another outlet will not open within an 11-kilometre radius, offering some protection in a small market.

For Naushad, the shift from sales executive to entrepreneur has meant trading fixed targets for daily operational responsibilities. The early months have required patience, advertising, and careful expense management. Yet the stability he sought in leaving a high-pressure job now comes from building something rooted in his own district, where gradual growth feels more sustainable than chasing monthly sales figures.