Key insights

• 📈 Starting a business in India provides a steep learning curve filled with challenges.
• 🌊 Adaptability is vital to navigate the unpredictable Indian market successfully.
• 🏡 Living in India offers a rewarding experience with affordable living costs and personal growth.
• 🍛 Choosing India for study abroad reveals an enriching blend of culture and cuisine.
• 🤒 Navigating health risks in India demands patience and resilience.
• 🌮 A chef's journey into Mexican cuisine showcases commitment amidst local challenges.
• 🔗 Developing a food supply chain in India involves understanding revenue breakdown intricacies.
• 🚀 India's economic growth offers transformative opportunities for future business expansion.

Q&A

• What is the complexity of developing a food supply chain in India? 🌱

  Developing a food supply chain in India involves understanding diverse tastes and managing revenue costs effectively. The revenue breakdown includes food and packing (37%), labor (12%), marketing (4%), real estate (9%), and corporate overhead (5%). Bert aims to expand to 300 stores by 2030 and plans for an IPO in India, underlining his belief in the country's growth potential.

• What are the challenges of introducing Mexican cuisine in India? 🍽️

  Bert's journey as a chef in India involved facing challenges such as sourcing authentic ingredients and dealing with local wildlife that affected crops. Despite these issues, he remains committed to preserving the integrity of Mexican cuisine by growing key ingredients and replicating authentic flavors.

• What challenges do expats face while living in India? 🍛

  Expats in India often encounter challenges such as navigating bureaucratic hurdles, health risks from diseases like dengue and typhoid, and managing significant food expenses. However, the high-quality food experiences and vibrant culture make the journey worthwhile, requiring patience and adaptability.

• What makes India a unique study abroad destination? 🍛

  Choosing India for study abroad allows students to experience a rich and diverse culture that differs significantly from typical European destinations. Bert found the initial experience overwhelming yet enriching, leading to a deep appreciation for Indian cuisine and an understanding of the local environment, which his peers sometimes struggled with.

• How does living in India impact personal growth? 🌏

  Living in India can lead to significant personal growth. Bert describes his experience as rewarding, enjoying an affordable lifestyle in a cozy apartment that feels like home. Family heirlooms create a comforting atmosphere, and the daily routine of sipping coffee in a small garden contributes to his positive outlook on life in India.

• What was Bert Mueller's journey like in India? 🇮🇳

  Bert Mueller moved to India in 2011 to start California Burrito, which has expanded to 103 stores over 12 years. His experience highlights the unpredictability and challenges of the Indian market, showcasing the steep learning curve businesses face while adapting to local tastes and preferences.

• 00:03 Starting a business in India is a significant learning experience, as highlighted by Bert Mueller's journey in establishing California Burrito, which has grown to 103 stores over 12 years, showcasing the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of the Indian market. 🇮🇳
• 01:30 Living in India has been a rewarding experience despite the challenges, with a cozy apartment that feels like home thanks to family heirlooms. 🌏
• 02:38 Exploring India as a study abroad destination offered a vastly different cultural experience than expected, leading to a lasting appreciation for Indian cuisine 🍛.
• 03:48 Living in India can be rewarding yet challenging, with high-quality food experiences and health risks like dengue and typhoid. Patience is crucial in navigating life there. 🍛
• 04:47 A chef transitions to offering Mexican cuisine in India after a successful start, facing challenges including ingredient sourcing and local wildlife, but remains committed to authenticity. 🍽️
• 06:02 The speaker discusses the complexity of developing a food supply chain in India, highlighting the breakdown of revenue costs, plans for future expansion, and the exciting economic growth in the country. 🌱