“Be sure of your business model. If you’re not clear on your project, then you are doing an injustice to yourself.”
Entrepreneurs Today reached out to Shubham Bhandari, founder of NBC (Nothing Before Coffee), who currently oversees the supply chain and purchasing departments at NBC, where his expertise in finance and operations plays a crucial role in streamlining procurement and supply chain management. In addition to his professional role, Shubham is pursuing a Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification, further enhancing his financial acumen.
NBC stands out as a premier destination for beverage enthusiasts, offering an extensive menu of over 100 options. Shubham says,
“Whether you are a fan of classic espresso drinks or prefer to indulge in something a little more decadent, we have something for everyone on our menu with over 100 beverages available from various categories. From our signature Shrappe to our delicious iced coffees, each drink is carefully crafted to provide the perfect balance of flavour and aroma. As a QSR model, we specialise in serving a variety of beverages with exceptional quality.”
Inception of NBC
NBC was established in 2017 with a vision to share the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee with everyone.
Interviewer: Was there a particular moment when it became clear that a venture like yours was needed?
Shubham: “There’s always been a missing piece in the puzzle of our coffee experience, and we’ve often pondered over what it could be until we finally found the answer by brewing our own perfect cup. We believe that coffee is not just a beverage, but a way of life. We have made it our mission to source the best essence of coffee beans and brew them using the latest and most innovative techniques to ensure that every cup of coffee we serve is of the highest quality.”
What’s Different?
NBC’s unique approach centres on exceptional customer satisfaction. The brand emphasises personalised, friendly service and creates a welcoming atmosphere with thoughtfully designed locations that foster relaxation and community.
With a focus on efficiency, NBC offers drive-thru and take-out options for busy customers. The brand also has a loyalty program and regularly updates its menu with new flavours and seasonal items to maintain interest and innovation.
NBC’s commitment to strong customer and community relationships helps differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Navigating Challenges
Shubham faced several significant challenges when establishing his company. One of the primary obstacles was operating in a market where coffee was less popular than chai. He had to devise strategies to attract customers and build a loyal clientele despite this preference.
Another challenge was assembling a competent front-end team. Shubham dedicated his efforts to recruiting individuals who shared his vision and values, focusing on creating a productive work environment and fostering a strong team culture.
To differentiate his business from competitors, Shubham emphasised high-quality brewed coffee at cost-effective prices and created a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. These efforts were key in setting his company apart in a crowded market.
Celebrating Feats
Shubham’s company has achieved several significant milestones. It has built a team of over 300 growth partners, contributing to its expansion and success.
This achievement has also created employment opportunities for nearly 300 families, underscoring the company’s impact on both business growth and community development. Shubham shares,
“In terms of industry recognition, we were honoured to receive the “Best QSR café -North” award at FCIC 2022, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. This award has motivated us to continue pushing the boundaries and setting new standards in the food and beverage industry.”
Plans Ahead
Shubham plans to open 150 new outlets by 2024-2025, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations where the brand already has a strong following. The company will continue utilising the COCO (Company Owned, Company Operated) and FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated) models to effectively reach customers in smaller cities.
Shubham also aims to strengthen his front-end team to ensure top-notch customer service. He emphasises the importance of collaborating with young talent in business development, marketing, and branding, which has been key to the company’s growth and branding success.
Lessons Learned
Shubham has learned several crucial lessons throughout his journey. He believed that consistency in quality and customer experience is vital for building a loyal customer base, ensuring that every cup of coffee and every interaction meets high standards.
He emphasises that embracing new trends, technologies, and customer preferences helps keep offerings fresh and relevant. Shubham stresses,
“Learn from your mistakes and avoid repeating them.”
He further highlights that establishing effective processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is essential for efficient business operations. Lastly, he asserts,
“Always make sure to establish processes and SOPs, otherwise, you’ll end up being a firefighter, and somebody else will be the driver of your business. Reinvest your earnings into your business, rather than focusing on short-term gains. Moreover, trust the person you hire. Believe that they are better than you for the profile you are hiring them for. Otherwise, you’ll end up thinking that they are useless and that you are the only one doing the work. Trust that they are better.”
