Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | How Arjun Kumar Built Shantilal’s From Selling Tea to Running a Crore-Worth Brand From Struggles in Chhapra to Success on Every Plate
How Arjun Kumar Built Shantilal’s From Selling Tea to Running a Crore-Worth Brand
From Struggles in Chhapra to Success on Every Plate – The Story of Shantilal’s
In the narrow lanes of Chhapra, Bihar, a young boy once pushed a cart of vegetables through dust and sun, carrying more than just his wares — he carried dreams. That boy was Arjun Kumar, now the founder of one of Bihar’s most beloved food chains — Shantilal’s Foods Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
He didn’t have startup capital.
He didn’t have an MBA.
But what he had was grit, vision, and unshakable belief in himself.
This is not just a success story. It’s a story of turning hunger into hustle — and hustle into history.
Growing up in poverty, Arjun’s life was tough from the very beginning. His family’s financial condition forced him to sell vegetables and tea to support basic survival. Many children in similar circumstances lose sight of their dreams. But Arjun ji dared to dream bigger.
He didn’t let his circumstances define him. Instead, he saw every customer as an opportunity, every sale as a step closer to his dream — owning a food business that Bihar could be proud of.
Despite failures and countless sleepless nights, his will remained unshaken.
In 2010, Arjun Kumar took his first major step towards entrepreneurship. He started a small food outlet in Bihar. Unlike the glitz of big brands, Shantilal’s was built on simple principles:
Serve food that feels like home.
Keep it affordable.
Maintain top hygiene.
Always listen to your customers.
These values, deeply rooted in his early life struggles, shaped the foundation of Shantilal’s Sweets Ventures — a food chain that has grown to multiple outlets and served over 1.5 lakh customers to date.
“Where Quality Meets Affordability”
From sweets and fast food to cakes, bakery products, namkeen, and even multi-cuisine family restaurants, Shantilal’s has become a name that echoes in every celebration across Bihar. Their popular Unlimited Buffet @ ₹399 — featuring over 75 delicious dishes — is now a local favorite.
Today, they offer:
Family Dining Experiences
Banquet Halls for Special Occasions
Customized Birthday Packages
Expert Catering Services
Behind every service is a mission — to provide clean, delicious, and cost-effective food rooted in Indian hospitality.
What started with one man’s determination has now become one of the fastest-growing food chains in India.
With over 15 food categories, 10 active outlets, and hundreds of employees, Arjun Kumar’s brand has proven that even a small idea — when led with integrity — can lead to enormous impact.
And yet, he remains grounded.
“I still remember the days I sold tea for survival,” Arjun says. “That memory keeps me humble and hungry.”
This isn’t a tale of overnight success. It’s about resilience. It’s about building something from nothing. And it’s a reminder to every youth in Bihar — no dream is too big if your resolve is bigger.
From selling tea in Chhapra to serving buffets to thousands, Arjun Kumar’s journey is a beacon of Bihar’s entrepreneurial spirit — proving that real change doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from believing, building, and breaking barriers.
If Josh Talks gave us a glimpse of the man behind the mission, Bihar Say brings you the heartbeat behind the hustle.
We’re on a mission to document 60 Startups in 60 Days from Bihar that are redefining India’s future.
Follow 👉 www.biharsay.com and join our 12K+ strong global community sharing #RealStories that truly matter.
