Do you want to open a small biryani shop business in India? And want to know about the basic requirements for opening the business? Find here a step-by-step guide about how to start a biryani business with cost and profit margin.
As a matter of fact, biryani is an Urdu word. In the Indian subcontinent, biryani is also popular as biriyani, biriani, birani, or briyani. Biryani is a main course food item. And it is made with spices, rice and meat (chicken, mutton, beef, prawn, or fish), and vegetables. So, depending on the ingredients, there are several different types of biryani. The list may include mutton biryani, chicken biryani, prawn biryani, fish biryani, vegetable biryani, egg biryani, Navratan biryani, and even paneer biryani.
In India, you can find a lot of different types of biryani depending on the region and the taste of the local demographics. These are Dhakai biryani, Haji biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, Sindhi biryani, Chettinad biryani, Kalyani biryani etc.
Biryani is a highly popular food item throughout the country. However, the taste varies slightly on a regional basis. So, in starting a biryani shop business, you must be careful about the taste and flavor of your final product.
10 Steps Guide to Start a Biryani Shop Business in India
Step 1 – Analyze the Local Market
This is the first and most essential step in starting this business. You must have a clear idea about the taste of the local demographics, the preferred timing for having food, and buying nature. Simply, how often do people consume biryani?
Also, check the most successful local store. Check their menu and tariff. Also, check what type of sitting arrangement they provide to the clients. These all will help you in determining the important aspects of your business.
Step 2 – Determine the Business Model
With the help of technology, you can open a biryani business in plenty of different models. Yes, a brick-and-mortar biryani shop is a traditional business and it ensures higher revenue. However, you can also think about an app-based biryani service business also. Or only a biryani delivery business. Actually, depending on your investment capacity and the purchasing behavior of the people you must select the business model that fits you most.
Step 3 – Franchise or Own Brand
This is another important aspect that you must consider very carefully. Actually, opening a franchise outlet of a reputed brand eliminates some of the startup hassles. On the other hand, starting your own brand ensures a bigger margin and business expansion facility. You can find a lot of established biryani brands like Arsalan, Haji, Biryani Pot, Biryani Corner, Aminia, etc. On the thumb rule, the franchise is the best option for beginners and having its own brand is the preferred option for experienced entrepreneurs.
Step 4 – Biryani Shop Business Plan
Now it’s time to craft the business plan for your biryani business. Generally, a food retail business plan includes two specific parts. These are the technical part and financial calculations. Financial aspects depend on the technical part. Generally, the cost includes product cost, rent, utility bills, and staffing.
According to your business model, determine the cost of the location, raw materials cost, staffing cost, etc. Also, have a marketing plan. Promotion is a must in any startup business.
Step 5 – Biryani Shop Business Registration & Licenses
First of all, you will need to select a name for your biryani shop. Also, check the domain availability before finalizing the name. In India, you can definitely open the shop on a proprietorship basis. Also, you can consider registering the business as LLP, or Pvt Ltd.
After registering the business, obtain the Trade License from the Municipal authority. Apply for an FSSAI license as you are operating with food. Your shop must have a proper fire license. Obtain necessary permission under the Shops & Establishments Act.
Step 6 – Location
Location is a crucial aspect of any food retail business. Actually, the developing areas in the metro cities are the best location for starting a biryani business. Never try to open your shop side to an established restaurant. Also, you can try nearby residential areas like big housing complexes. Here actually, you can target a wide audience of a particular spot. Sometimes, locations nearby schools and colleges work perfectly.
Step 7 – Setup the Biryani Shop
If you want to offer only takeaway services, then a 5X5 Sq Ft area is sufficient. And in that case, you can prepare the biryani in some other place or at your home. However, if you want to open a biryani restaurant, then you need a large space. Depending on your business model, establish the store. In the restaurant, you must pay attention to the inside ambiance. Provide AC, proper lighting, and WiFi to your customers. Also, provide comfortable furniture for sitting arrangements.
Step 8 – Equipment & Utensils
Biryani preparation requires a specific type of burner, Handi, and utensils. Also, you need packaging consumables for the takes away orders. Procure plates and cutlery sets for table use. However, for a small shop operation, you can source the biryani in bulk from reputed biryani suppliers also. In that case, you will definitely enjoy fewer margins.
Step 9 – Raw Materials & Staffing
Biryani preparation needs good quality rice, oils, and a wide range of spices. Also, you need meat, fish, egg, and prawn depending on the specific type of biryani you want to sell. In a startup operation, it’s better to offer 2 to 3 types of foods initially. As you get confidence, enlarge the menu.
In the food retail business, employees play a crucial role in the overall operation. You must recruit skilled and efficient manpower. They must maintain cleanliness on the premise. The specific staffing requirement depends on the size of your shop. So, plan accordingly.
Step 10 – Biryani Shop Promotion
These days, promotion is a must. You must do some awareness activity before opening the store. Hoarding and banners are effective outdoor advertising in this type of business. Also, you can offer discounts on opening day. If you are opening a large store, then consider inviting celebrities and media houses. It will help you in making the event successful.
In the biryani shop business, you will need to ensure the repeat visit of your customers. And only then, you can think about the scale-up.
Hello, I’m Rupak Chakrabarty, a passionate advocate for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the driving force behind MUVSI Consulting, where I serve as a dedicated small business coach. With years of experience in the entrepreneurial world and a deep-rooted commitment to helping SMEs thrive, I bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and guidance to aspiring and established business owners alike.