WOW Momo is a Kolkata-based Indian chain of fast-food restaurants, known for its delicious momos. Founded in 2008 by Sagar Daryani and Binod Homagai, two young entrepreneurs, the company has grown rapidly in the past decade, becoming a household name in many parts of the country.
The idea for WOW Momo came to Sagar Daryani when he was a student at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata. He noticed that there was a lack of affordable and tasty food options for students, and that many of them were craving for something that was both filling and tasty. He began experimenting with different recipes for momos, a type of dumpling that is popular in many parts of India, and soon came up with a winning formula.
Together with Binod Homagai, who was a friend and fellow student at the time, Sagar started selling momos from a small kiosk in Kolkata’s Golpark area. The response was overwhelming, and they soon realized that they had hit upon a winning concept.
WOW Momo’s first kitchen was a 200-square-foot room and they took the raw material on credit from a local grocery store to get things started. The first kitchen started with only a single table and two part-time chefs who worked on a nominal salary.
Over the next few years, WOW Momo expanded rapidly, opening more kiosks and outlets in different parts of Kolkata. They also began experimenting with different flavors and styles of momos, introducing new and innovative recipes that quickly became popular with customers.
In 2012, WOW Momo received its first major investment, when Indian Angel Network (IAN) invested INR 1 crore (approx. $150,000) in the company. This investment helped the company to expand further, and they soon began opening outlets in other cities across India.
Today, WOW Momo has over 350 outlets in more than 20 cities in India and has become a household name for momos in the country. The company has also diversified its menu, introducing other popular fast food items such as burgers, fries, and shakes.
The success of WOW Momo can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, the company identified a gap in the market for affordable and tasty fast food options and was able to provide a unique product that appealed to a wide range of customers. Secondly, the company was able to scale up quickly, thanks to its innovative business model and the support of investors such as IAN. And finally, the founders of WOW Momo were able to create a strong brand identity and loyal customer base, through a combination of innovative marketing strategies and a commitment to quality and consistency.
Looking to the future, WOW Momo has ambitious plans to expand even further, both within India and in other parts of the world. The company is already exploring opportunities to enter international markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and is constantly innovating and introducing new products to its menu.
In conclusion, WOW Momo’s success is a testimonial to the value of creativity, tenacity, and hard work in creating a start-up. With modest beginnings, the business has developed into one of India’s most thriving fast-food franchises, serving as a shining example of what can be accomplished with the right concept and the right personnel.
