Goli' academy to teach students to prepare Mumbai vadapav
Goli' academy to teach students to prepare Mumbai vadapav

Having an optimistic plan in mind for business expansion, Venkatesh Iyer, cofounder, Goli Vadapav, is all set to launch ‘Goli’ Academy. In the next 3-4 months, the academy will admit school dropouts and 10th pass students and teach them the nuances of making the famous Mumbai vadapav, store management, customer service and experience.

Iyer, who was in the city for the launch of his book, ‘My journey with Vadapav’ said,“We have already roped in about 150 executives who have worked with companies like Mc Donald’s, Brittannia and HUL earlier to train these boys.”

Goli vadapav started its journey with a small store in Kalyan, Mumbai in early 2004. Today, the company is present in 90 cities with over 350 stores, expanding through the franchise model. In 2008, the founders, Venkatesh Iyer and Shivadas Menon bagged funding from founder and former CEO of Mphasis, Jerry Rao and in 2011, from Ventureast.

Iyer explained,“We have completed the phase of exploration. It’s time to focus on operations – excellence, new channels, new products and local area marketing. Goli Academy will play a crucial role in creating a culture of operational excellence. From pav making and baking basics to store maintenance, customer service and franchise management, Goli Academy intends to empower the original street vadapav vendors and youth”.

Iyer is also optimistic to establish Goli vadapav brand in the top 10 cities through company owned stores. As per him, “We have built the business based on the product. The power of the product will drive power of people, processes and the brand.” The brand has also seen substantial interest from Dubai and Singapore on having franchises.

Comparing itself with American fast food players like McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza, Goli Vadapav, which sells over 75,000 vadapavs a day, has carved a niche for itself as an ethnic food chain across the country. Iyer has also expanded his menu from the basic vadapav to to suit local tastes such as Makai Palak vadapav and Schezwan vadapav. He has also launched a range of rolls, all with the vada at the centre.

The founders are looking to raise another round of funding this year of Rs 50-75 crore. In connection to this, Iyer said, “We need funds to support our expansion drive and investment in the long term which includes Goli Academy and sales analytics and training.”

 
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