Haldwani: There is a unique enthusiasm among the youth about starting startups. Everywhere, new startups with innovative ideas are emerging. Four years ago, a startup began in Haldwani that changed the city’s perspective on tea. When Vipul Balyutia started Chai Lok, no one anticipated that it would become an inspiration for many. The most remarkable aspect is that Vipul entered this field despite being the top student in both 10th and 12th grades.
Youth’s Craze for Startups
To understand the beginning, we must talk about startups. It is noteworthy that there is a significant craze among the youth to start their own businesses to become self-reliant. However, many people start startups just by following the trend, often lacking a novel idea. Vipul Balyutia from Kathgodam not only had the energy to start a startup in 2017 but also had an excellent idea.
Innovative Idea of Chai Lok
Vipul Balyutia delved deep into the concept of tea and started a startup named Chai Lok on the Nainital Highway. True to its name, this cafe is indeed a world of tea. Here, customers can enjoy black tea, green tea, and a variety of herbal teas like tulsi, ginger, and masala chai. Additionally, the menu includes iced teas in flavors like mango, pomegranate, grape, lemon, and strawberry. Back in 2017, this was the first startup in Haldwani where the entire menu revolved around tea. Various types of teas were included in the menu.
Quick Popularity and Success
This unique startup quickly became famous. Now, it has become a popular spot for office workers, college students, and families alike. People can comfortably enjoy their tea here. The primary reason for the startup’s fame is none other than Vipul Balyutia’s passion and excellent management skills. Besides his demeanor, Vipul has always excelled academically.
Vipul’s Academic Excellence
You might be surprised to learn that Vipul Balyutia was the top student in both 10th and 12th grades. Most people wouldn’t imagine that someone who scored 90% in both grades would open a tea shop. But Vipul made it happen. After topping in 10th (91.2%) and 12th (92.8%) grades from Aryaman Vikram Birla, one of the city’s largest schools, Vipul started serving tea to travelers.
From Corporate Job to Tea Startup
After school, Vipul graduated from Delhi University. He then worked for a multinational company, but his love for tea turned the topper into a tea seller. Vipul’s heart and mind planned to develop his homeland, Devbhoomi, as his workplace instead of going elsewhere. Today, Vipul is completely satisfied with his decision. Regarding the startup, Vipul said he has been a tea enthusiast since childhood. Considering that tea is more popular than coffee in India, he started the Chai Lok startup.
A Taste of the Hills
This cafe offers a taste of the hills with its tea and hill-spice bun. The interior of the restaurant also reminds one of a traditional hill tea shop, with kettles, bicycles, and milk containers in sight. Recently, Vipul took his unique tea idea a step further by adding tea leaves to the Chai Lok service menu. Now, customers can make Chai Lok tea at home. Since the inception of Chai Lok, several tea-related startups have emerged in Haldwani. Without a doubt, Chai Lok has changed the perspective of the youth.
Focus on Customer Satisfaction
Vipul Balyutia says that the taste of the customers is everything for them. They are always serious about it. Now, Chai Lok is expanding with tea leaves. People can enjoy Chai Lok tea at home. Various recipes for making different spiced teas are included. Customers can buy tea leaves from Chai Lok stores and enjoy Chai Lok tea at home. He also mentioned that they pay close attention to customer feedback and will continue to innovate in the future.
