From California to Curry: The Burrito Empire Booms in India

Bert Mueller's odyssey from California to India is truly remarkable. Spurred by love for Mexican food and a dream of entrepreneurship, Mueller started California Burrito, a chain that has stormed the Indian market. From humble start to a $23 million empire, his saga is a story of adaptability and ambition in a globalized world.

 

Key Highlights:

•⁠  ⁠Entrepreneur Bert Mueller, 35, relocated to India in 2010, wanting to introduce genuine Southern California-style burritos to an unfamiliar crowd.

•⁠  ⁠While a student at Jaipur, he saw that there was a lack of Mexican food in the Indian market, hence the creation of California Burrito in 2012.

•⁠  ⁠The first store opened at Bangalore, chosen for its cosmopolitan customers and willingness to embrace international foods.

•⁠  ⁠The initial capital of $250,000 was obtained from friends and family, with a revenue of $500,000 and three outlets at the end of the first year.

•⁠  ⁠California Burrito now has 103 outlets in India, with a whopping $23 million revenue.

•⁠  ⁠Mueller credits the success of the company to the adoption of India's vibrant culture, flexibility in response to challenges, and developing a menu that appeals to Indian palates.

 

Sources: CNBC, YouTube.