Bikanervala is one of the renowned Indian food brands with multiple outlets across the country. Started as a sweets and namkeen shop in Bikaner 115 years ago, it became a brand known for its delicious Indian mithai, namkeen and street food! The man behind making this a successful business, Kedarnath Aggarwal, died at the age of 86. Here’s how he built a ₹1300 crore business empire.
Bikanervala’s Kedarnath Aggarwal Dies At 86!
The demise of Kedarnath Aggarwal also known as ‘Kakaji’, was a big shock to the Bikanervala family. The man who had started his business by selling aloo bhujiya on Delhi streets passed away on Monday. According to a statement from Bikanervala, his passing signified the end of a period that has enhanced palates and touched many lives. Managing Director Shyam Sunder Aggarwal stated that the absence of Kakaji leaves a gap in the food scene as well as a loss to Bikanervala. Their gastronomic journey will always be guided by his vision and leadership.
115 years ago, in Bikaner, Rajasthan, a sweets and namkeen store named Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar was founded by Shri Lal Chand Aggarwal. The shop was then established in Delhi after 70 years!
Kedarnath Aggarwal began his business career in Delhi. Since 1905, his family, who are from Bikaner, has run a confectionary in the city. The store, which served a few different types of snacks and sweets, was called Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar. He took the family recipe with him when he moved to Delhi in the early 1950s, along with his brother Satyanarayan Aggarwal, and bigger dreams.
Also Read: Navratri 2023: 6 Indian Dessert Shops In Dubai To Relish The Best Of Sweets This Festive Season
Both initially struggled to sell rasgulla and bhujia on the streets of historic Delhi out of buckets. Nonetheless, the people of Delhi gradually acknowledged and accepted the Aggarwal brothers’ dedication and the distinctive flavour of Bikaner. Using family recipes that had been handed down through the years, the Aggarwal brothers then built a business in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
From Chandni Chowk Shop To A Business Empire
The Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar shop gained popularity among the locals for its Moong Dal Halwa, Bikaneri Bhujia, and Kaju Katli, among other delicacies. Delhi residents quickly came to refer to the brothers and the store as Bikanervala. Thus, the name Bikanervala originated.
With an identity chosen by people, renown and taste gradually expanded. New stores and establishments were created in order to meet this growing need. During this era, Bikanervala changed from being a store that sold simple sweets to one that also sold freshly made hot vegetarian meals. Bikanervala currently operates more than 60 stores in India and is present abroad in the United States, Nepal, Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.
The brand operates another flagship brand called Bikano which offers sweets, namkeens, spice mixes, ready-to-eat food options and festive hampers! Bikanervala is a homegrown brand which is just expanding, all thanks to a man with vision who had the courage and ability to build this empire and make India proud.
Also Read: Get Your Hands On This Potli Samosa Served In Delhi’s Bikanervala
He is an inspiration to everyone who wants to make a name for themselves and who knows to try until they have achieved success.
Cover Image Courtesy: Anup Sharma B’Harry/ X & Bikanervala/ Facebook
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.