Crave for new age street foods among people irrespective of their age, has led to the emergence of various food startups getting established in the city. Amidst the variety of fast food circles, traditional food stalls in the city have a strong impact on the customers. While considering traditional foods, the ‘Salem Thattu Vadai’ is one of the popular spicy street food recipes which is also nutritive.
The Salem Snacks Box is dedicated to providing this popular dish with multiple varieties to the people of Coimbatore rather than travelling to Salem for the best of its taste. The Salem Snacks Box is a startup led by the partnership of four young entrepreneurs namely S Nagamanickam, M Harish Kumar, J Ibrahim Badusha and R Jithendra who are the alumni (2018-2021 batch) of Kongunadu Arts and Science College. The primary aim of this startup is to provide a healthy, unique and traditional recipe to the people.
The Genesis:
Ibrahim stated that the four of them were much interested in business and to emerge as entrepreneurs for a long time. Their aim for the installation of this specific recipe popped up during their trip to Salem which was a part of their college curriculum in which they learnt the nuances of establishing a new business venture. Since then, they had been researching and working on a viable plan for the startup creation.
The KASC – Institution Innovation Council helped in the process of establishing a new venture. At this juncture we thank the Chairman of IIC Dr.M.Lekeshmanaswamy, President of IIC Dr.S.R.Madhan Shankar and Dr.G.Dhandapani, Convenor of IIC for their enormous support. When asked about their initial investment and financial needs, Nagamanickam stated that they began with a limited investment from their individual savings. Considering their family circumstances, each of them had opted for part-time employment during their college days which gave them a handful sum to invest in this startup.
Our Growth:
Unlike other business firms, they did face failures yet the four were persistent towards the vision and the ideal mission of their startup being established with a goal of serving the society with a traditional, nutritive and healthy recipe.
Their first stall was set up in April 2021 at Kuniyamuthur, Coimbatore. Their constant dedication to this business has led to their expansion with 6 other outlets in Coimbatore; Variety Hall, R S Puram, Big Bazaar street, Omni Bus stand, Ram Nagar and Saibaba Colony.
Harish Kumar said, “We are very grateful to Dr. C. A Vasuki, Secretary & Director, Kongunadu Arts and Science College. When we approached her for this startup business, she offered to provide us with a rent-free space in the college campus until we reach stable growth. This was a turning point to take our business to the next level.”
Complementing the same, Jithendra stated the management extended their support by helping them pitch for subsidy / interest-free loans including the contractual progress for the business. This has piloted their startup to launch their 8th outlet at Kongunadu Arts and Science College campus.
Futuristic View:
Being young entrepreneurs, Nagamanickam stated they are willing to support similar young and budding business minds by providing their franchise at a lower cost. Regarding the same, 3 franchises are queued to be confirmed and one has already been finalized. He stated that their future aim is to make “Salem Snacks Box” a pan India outlet and accordingly as a kick start they are working on outlets to be opened in the neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu and other States.
Harish said, “When it comes to passion versus experience, we would welcome enthusiastic young minds. We young entrepreneurs have gone through tough roles of the business and hence we would like to support people with the same urge towards business.”
Our Signature Recipe:
Their menu list holds a variety of dishes under different categories. The team stated that out of the whole Mango Settu, Cheese Settu, Curd Norukkal, Garlic Norukkal, Cheese Sandwich, Chocolate Sandwich (Dark Chocolate), Cheese Bun and Palkova Bun are their best-served dishes significantly well reached among the customers. The chutneys provided as taste enhancers highlight their unique taste and flavour seeking customers’ attention.
Speaking of tradition, the team has brilliantly managed to exhibit it not just in food but in the ambience of their food stall. As said by most triumphant personalities ‘Age is just a number, for success is not limited to it’, this young team have become a resourceful example to several budding minds who have the passion and zeal to contribute to Atmanirbhar Nation building.