Redefining Success: Turning Bold Ideas Into Thriving Ventures
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
by Abhishek Mediratta, Founder and Managing Partner, Fresh Burrito
In 2004, I moved to Canada from India, dreaming of a more successful life for myself. Like many students, I picked up part-time gigs at a local pub for extra cash. Little did I know this small experience would set the stage for the rest of my life. I quickly went from doing menial tasks to managing their buzzing kitchen. It was not only a crash course in restaurant management but also showed me my passion for the culinary world. That’s when my first bold idea of owning a restaurant was born. Today, the venture Fresh Burrito has a presence across 30+ locations and here’s how we turned it into a thriving venture and you can too.
1. Ask the bold questions
At first, I had to put my culinary and entrepreneurial dream on hold in search of stability, so I took up a job in banking. During my corporate years, I was regularly eating wraps because they were convenient and affordable. But, I wasn’t oblivious to the fact that they can be unhealthy. So, I asked myself – how can wraps be healthy? Look around your life – what’s a question you can ask and potentially solve? I saw that a famous chain was selling the most fresh wraps but when I went into their store, I didn’t spot any fresh ingredients. That ignited the idea of flavourful and fresh wraps. My next task was to figure out how to do it. That was the beginning of Fresh Burrito.
2. Get comfortable with risk
I started planning a Mexican fast casual restaurant with fresh ingredients only. I thought the idea was novel and excited me enough to do something about it. I chose Mexican cuisine because I enjoyed it and in some ways, it resembled Indian cuisine, which I had grown up around. The next big question was where will I get the money to do so? I was clear I wanted to avoid large debts and the burdens that came with it. I decided to bootstrap my venture, carefully managing my personal savings and reinvesting every penny back into the business. This allowed me to maintain control and grow organically, one carefully planned location at a time. It was a massive risk but I was ready to go all in.
3. Invest in the right team
Building a successful restaurant, however, is about more than managing money. Having the right team by your side is critical and I soon understood the importance of it. With the money I had, I focused on hiring experienced restaurant professionals who shared my vision and understood the industry.
When we decided to expand into a franchise model, it became equally important to find the right franchise partners. I ensured that each partner understood Fresh Burrito’s mission and business model. I follow this to date and my most treasured resource is my team.
4. Plan for the unexpected
Beyond the day-to-day operations, a successful leader will keep the big picture in mind. Whether that’s hiring a franchise lawyer or a legal counsel to seek guidance in navigating complex regulatory requirements or maintaining an emergency fund when the economy toughens, you must try to actively develop foresight. This illustrates proactive thinking and will help you feel confident even in adverse situations.
5. Be human and stay optimistic
Through this journey of transforming a bold idea into a thriving venture, I understood the multifaceted role of an entrepreneur. I have to be a leader, a problem-solver, and a support system for my 200+ employees. While I wear the ‘entrepreneur hat’ when making strategic decisions, I also ensure to wear the ‘human hat,’ understanding my responsibility to the people who make this business possible, everyday. Connecting with people and keeping a positive attitude are, hence, among the most important attributes of a successful business leader.
My journey reminds me that success can’t solely be defined by financial metrics. It's about having a bold idea, taking calculated risks, building a strong team, and creating a sustainable model.
If you're someone with a bold idea, waiting for the ‘right’ opportunity, take note. If you have planned your finances, are passionate about your team and your operations, and have a sense of foresight, you can be well on your way. The final step? Take the leap. The most significant ventures begin with a single, bold decision. Fresh Burrito and its 30+ locations are living examples.
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