Pakistan’s viral ‘Chaiwala’ managed to secure an investment of 1 crore Pakistani rupee for his tea business from Shark Tank Pakistan. The individual, Arshad Khan, was a street tea vendor in Pakistan when his photograph went viral in 2016.
Khan became famous as the ‘Chaiwala’ and subsequently launched his tea brand, Chaiwala & Co. He used his fame to combine traditional Pakistani chai with an immersive cultural experience to establish his business.
Sharing his goals, Khan said, “My goal has always beesn to represent Pakistan and its culture through something as simple as chai,” reported The Times of India. He informed that his company now has outlets spread across Pakistan and a flagship cafe in London. Through this, he said he wishes to transform the humble tea stall or ‘chai dhaba’ into an international phenomenon.
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In a video on social media platform, Instagram, Khan called on potential franchisees globally to capitalise the opportunity of securing his cafe’s franchise in the UK and elsewhere.
“My journey from a chai vendor to an entrepreneur has been challenging, but I am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way,” he said following his Shark Tank funding announcement. Khan pitched his business along with his business partner, Kazim Hasan, and requested 1 crore Pakistani rupees in exchange for 5 per cent equity in the business, Cafe Chai Wala.
The entreprenuer said that his brand is unique as it blends authentic Pakistani chai with the local tea stalls and their energy. After his photograph made him famous, Khan received several modelling contracts before moving on to focus on his business.