Ritesh Bafna had an inborn craving to run a business of his own. And his other craving is for good food which can also be found easily. These were his two motivations that finally led him to launch a startup of his own (called The Food Doofs) after working as a business developer in different corporates over a period of more than 8 years.
The Food Doofs is a mobile app that basically caters to people who are hungry and waiting for someone to take care of that craving. To be launched on October 15, 2016, The Food Doofs also assist hosts with great food menu. Currently based in Mumbai, India, The Food Doofs is set to create a huge network of food doofs across the country in next three years. Catch below Ritesh Bafna’s interview to YoSuccess.
Please provide a brief overview of your product/ service.
The Food Doofs splashes you with food options. MOMOS is our flagship product which is made available at profit share models (including machine, supplies and advertising) at high footfall areas or as shop in shops. We are currently catering to House Parties with our curated food. We bring curated food and other essentials to help you host a good party in your budget. We give hosts an online option of simply picking the right menu and earning some rewards. Our food doofs alarm app will launch on 15th October 2016. Let’s keep it simple… if you are hungry, we have great food options.
What inspired you to build the above product/ service?
Right from an early age, I was very clear about owning a business someday. After gaining 8 years of business experience in the real estate industry, I joined JBIMS for my Masters degree. My interaction with faculty and several budding entrepreneurs on campus prompted me to start working on my business plan. Anything in the world can inspire you, for me it was my friends and former founders Rohan Desai and Naasir merchant. They shared the same passion for starting up a business and after 2 months of ideation we came up with The Food Doofs. Sometimes it just takes a conversation to start up.
What is your life mantra?
Keep it simple!
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
Every business comes with challenges in form of time, resources, people and so on. The Food Doofs has been a slow starter and has evolved in each quarter in terms of its primary offering. From starting as a night food delivery we have come a long way. The biggest challenge so far has been to scale up with limited resources.
How did you overcome those challenges?
Food, clothing and shelter are the bare necessities for most individuals. So, to get someone interested and bring a change in mindset was not very challenging. Finding the right product mix and positioning ourselves in the minds of our consumers is what continues to be a challenge.
Share some details about the investments that you have been able to fetch for the business till now.
The food doofs is bootstrapped. Own funds make you work harder. Our web development partners (horizon technologies) have not charged us till date and I see that as a huge investment. I believe we are now ready to join hands with investors who can help us scale up our brand.
According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?
Resilience, Integrity & Sincerity
Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?
We use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. We prefer Twitter for consumer interactions. We are excited about the app that will be the game changer for us.
Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive.
Multi-tasking
Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself.
I am not punctual and I am working on it.
Answer in less than 50 words
Don’t let anything affect you… not even you.
- One mistake you believe every individual must avoid:
Giving up before trying.
- One most important lesson that you have learnt till now:
Starting early in life and each day of your life.
What are your plans for next 3 years?
Build on the application (currently WIP) & Commission 50 momos outlets. Have a strong network of the food doofs.
If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?
No regrets. I would do it all over again.
What are your top three getaway destinations?
I would love to explore new places each time i decide to getaway… but people who know me say it’s Goa!
Share a quote that inspires you the most.
“There are two types of people in this world, wealth creators and wealth managers. Be a wealth creator.”