From Corporate Career to Street Startup
Gurgaon-based entrepreneur Saket Saurabh has proved that passion and persistence can beat comfort and security. In 2023, he quit his high-paying corporate job worth over ₹50 lakh per year to start a small momo stall. At that time, many questioned his decision. However, Saket believed in his dream of building a recognisable dumplings brand in India. Soon after, he launched The Momos Mafia as a roadside venture. Initially, the journey was difficult. Yet, his commitment helped him survive the early struggles. Gradually, his small cart began attracting regular customers.
Early Challenges and Smart Experiments
Before starting The Momos Mafia, Saket had entrepreneurial experience. After graduating from NIFT Delhi, he co-founded Wowflux. Later, he worked as a product manager at FlixStock. Meanwhile, he also helped run Bamboo Cafe with his family in Gurgaon. There, he noticed that momos were the top-selling item. As a result, he experimented with a separate momo canopy. Subsequently, he opened a cart at Infotech City. The stall earned ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 daily. However, cart operations faced problems. Authorities removed stalls sometimes. Weather affected sales. Staffing was inconsistent. Therefore, Saket realised that carts alone could not support long-term growth.
Expansion Through Franchise Model
In January 2024, Saket officially registered The Momos Mafia. Along with four partners, he shifted focus to franchising. Instead of relying only on carts, he introduced small outlets with attached carts. He named this the CSR model, or Cart Service Restaurant. Consequently, the business became more stable. Today, The Momos Mafia operates in seven Indian states. It runs nearly 40 carts, 20 outlets, and two quick-service restaurants. Moreover, social media exposure helped the brand grow. His viral Instagram video about quitting his job inspired thousands of young entrepreneurs.
Revenue Growth and Entrepreneurial Advice
Financially, the journey has been impressive. In its first year, the company earned ₹16 lakh. The next year, revenue crossed ₹2.2 crore. This year, it is expected to touch ₹3 crore. Overall, the brand has earned more than ₹5 crore in just two-and-a-half years. According to Saket, discipline and planning made the difference. He advises beginners to start with proper outlets instead of stalls. While stalls give quick money, outlets ensure long-term stability. Ultimately, his story shows that courage, patience, and strategy can turn small ideas into successful businesses.
