Jai Chopda, a final year B.Sc student at V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) was able to weather a storm but he didn’t wait for the sun to come out, he created his own.
In 2020, Jai’s brother was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and required a heart transplant during the pandemic. The family traveled to Chennai for this procedure and instead of drowning themselves in worry during the waiting period both Jai and his brother, Sumit threw themselves into researching about opening a cafe in Goa. Despite his older brother being an engineer, having a cafe of their own had been a long-term dream for these brothers. And post a transplant continuing work as an engineer would no longer be feasible so it seemed like the perfect time to act on their dream.
Previously a science student himself Jai too was on the path of pursuing a degree in engineering but a last minute choice given to him by his father changed his course. VMSIIHE had given a presentation in his higher secondary school and he had also heard from a friend’s sister about how great the faculty and infrastructure at the institute were so he decided to pursue his degree in International Hospitality Management. Using what he had learnt during his first two years at the institute and the on-ground research he was able to do during his internships he and his brother mapped out a plan for logistics, costing, infrastructure, design and menus. At some point his father also joined in on the plan and suggested they look into bringing a well-known franchise into Goan markets.
So began their research and what would have otherwise been a gloomy scenario turned into one fuelled by passion. Soon the brothers zeroed in on a popular cafe chain in Delhi called Xero Degrees and thought it was the perfect fit. Multiple conversations later their months worth of research and planning was coming to fruition; deals were signed and dreams became a reality.
Xero Degrees Interior
Xero Degrees Interior
A year after Sumit’s transplant, the two of them officially became cafe owners with the opening of Xero Degrees Cafe in Panaji in the month of October. Jai credits a lot of his ability in understanding and knowing how to run his cafe to what he learnt in his second year at the institute; where he was taught about the workings of a restaurant, how to run one, market it and ways to break even.
“Every disaster comes along with opportunities, you just need to realise it” says Jai. Both he and his brother definitely found their silver lining and are now happily living their dream.
