The Rameshwaram Cafe Owners: How Raghavendra and Divya Built a Culinary Powerhouse

The Rameshwaram Cafe Owners: How Raghavendra and Divya Built a Culinary Powerhouse

Origins and Vision

Founded in 2021 in Bengaluru, The Rameshwaram Cafe was born from a desire to bring authentic, fresh, and preservative-free South Indian food to urban diners.

·         Raghavendra Rao, a mechanical engineer turned restaurateur with over 20 years of experience in the food industry, leads the brand as CEO.

·         Divya Raghavendra Rao, a chartered accountant and IIM Ahmedabad graduate, manages the strategic and financial aspects as Managing Director.

The name “Rameshwaram” was chosen to honor the birthplace of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, symbolizing authenticity, tradition, and inspiration.

What Makes the Cafe Special?

Authentic Menu

From ghee podi idlis to crispy dosas and pongal, the cafe has won hearts with dishes that reflect both Tamil and Karnataka influences. They use freshly ground batter, avoid preservatives, and eliminate refrigeration to ensure every bite tastes fresh and wholesome.

Extended Hours & Accessibility

Operating from 6:30 AM to 1 AM, the outlets have become go-to destinations for both early risers and late-night food lovers.

Organic Popularity

The cafe’s fame spread through word-of-mouth, viral social media posts, and celebrity visits, rather than paid promotions.

Expansion Strategy

·         Began with two Bengaluru outlets (Indiranagar & JP Nagar).

·         Expanded to four outlets in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

·         Plans are underway for new locations in Chennai, Pune, Dubai, and Singapore.

Business Scale

The brand today reportedly generates over ₹4.5 crore monthly revenue (~₹50 crore annually) and has a soaring brand valuation.

Challenges and Resilience

The Blast Incident

In March 2024, a low-intensity IED blast at their Brookfield branch injured several people. The owners remained transparent, supported victims, and vowed to rebuild stronger.

Food Quality Controversy

In Hyderabad, authorities flagged expired stock during inspections. Raghavendra Rao issued a statement, though it faced criticism for sounding “arrogant.” The team has since pledged stricter compliance.

Extortion Attempt

In 2025, the cafe exposed a ₹25 lakh extortion plot, where miscreants tried to frame them with fake food contamination. The owners cooperated with police and protected the brand’s reputation.

The Power Couple Behind the Brand

Together, they ensure:

·         Consistent standards across outlets.

·         Authentic taste using traditional cooking methods.

·         A balance between rapid growth and quality assurance.

Future Plans

·         Launching 1–2 new outlets annually with controlled scaling.

·         Expanding internationally with outlets in Dubai and Singapore.

·         Rolling out food trucks (Rameshwaram on Wheels) for events and mobile dining experiences.

Conclusion

The Rameshwaram Cafe’s success story is a testament to authenticity, operational excellence, and strategic vision. Despite facing crises—from blasts to extortion threats—the owners remain committed to serving quality South Indian food while expanding their footprint nationally and globally.

Raghavendra and Divya Raghavendra Rao’s journey reflects the spirit of resilience, cultural pride, and entrepreneurial brilliance—making The Rameshwaram Cafe not just a food destination but an inspiring business story.