Two sisters, Ramya and Shweta, have achieved extraordinary success with their biryani business, RNR Donne Biryani. What started as a small venture with a ₹5 lakh investment turned into a highly successful enterprise, raking in ₹10 crore within just a year. In their first six months alone, they managed to generate ₹8 crore in revenue, making them one of the most talked-about success stories in India’s food business.
Let’s take a look at how they built this booming biryani brand and the factors that led to their rapid rise in the market.
The Start of RNR Donne Biryani: A COVID-Era Opportunity
The sisters launched RNR Donne Biryani in November 2020 during the challenging times of COVID-19 and lockdowns. While many businesses struggled to survive, Ramya and Shweta saw this as the perfect opportunity to introduce their product to a home-bound customer base.
By leveraging online delivery platforms and a unique recipe passed down from their grandmother, they created a brand that quickly gained popularity. The recipe, which uses special home-ground spices and fresh coriander, became the hallmark of their success.
Why RNR Donne Biryani Stood Out: Key Success Factors
Despite Karnataka being home to many popular biryani brands like Lucknowi and Hyderabadi Biryani, RNR Donne Biryani was able to differentiate itself and dominate the market. Here are the four primary reasons behind their success:
1. Identifying a Market Gap
Ramya and Shweta noticed that most biryani brands were following similar recipes, often either Lucknowi or Hyderabadi styles. They capitalized on this gap by introducing a new flavor profile using fresh coriander and homemade spices. Their innovation stood out, attracting customers who were eager to try something different.
2. Grandmother’s Recipe
The sisters credited much of their success to their grandmother’s biryani recipe. Ramya recalls how her grandmother used to cook biryani with a unique blend of spices and coriander that gave it a distinct flavor. Incorporating this into their menu made their brand feel authentic, homely, and irresistible to customers.
3. Packaging Innovation
In the competitive food business, packaging is as important as taste. Ramya and Shweta paid special attention to how their biryani was presented. They used stylish steel boxes that stood out, making the packaging visually appealing and memorable. This added an extra layer of value to their product, contributing significantly to the brand’s overall appeal.
4. Affordable Pricing
Pricing can make or break a food business, and RNR Donne Biryani nailed it. They priced their biryanis competitively, with vegetarian and chicken options ranging between ₹189 and ₹289, and mutton biryani at ₹320. This ensured that customers felt they were getting value for their money, leading to repeat orders and a growing customer base.
Biryani Business in India: Is It Profitable?
India’s love for biryani is no secret. Across cities and states, biryani stalls and restaurants are thriving. Even small biryani stalls can earn between ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 a month, making this a highly profitable business.
According to industry experts, the food business generally has profit margins between 30% to 40%, but biryani as a category can exceed this. With low raw material costs and high demand, it is one of the most lucrative segments in India’s food industry.
Want to Start Your Own Business? Here’s What You Should Know
If you are thinking of starting a business, it is essential to consider what you are passionate about. Ramya and Shweta’s success came from their love of cooking and their belief in their family recipe. Equally important is identifying a market demand—if there is no demand for the business idea, success becomes an uphill battle.
For those looking to enter the food industry with a low investment, starting a small food business could be an excellent choice. With as little as ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, one can begin a fast-food stall or biryani outlet. In today’s market, fast food is booming, and even a small stall can generate significant income within months.
Conclusion: Biryani Business – A Recipe for Success
Ramya and Shweta’s success story proves that with the right idea, innovation, and execution, even a small investment can yield massive returns. Their journey from a ₹5 lakh investment to ₹10 crore in just one year serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in India’s food business. By focusing on authentic flavors, quality packaging, and competitive pricing, they have set a new benchmark in the biryani industry.