Shivan Park in K.K. Nagar not only attracts fitness enthusiasts and morning walkers but also those in the food business. The entire footpath outside the park has been taken over by mobile food eateries and juice shops. In such a stiff competition, one must offer something unusual, appetising and relevant to be a cut above the rest. Raj Kumar and Vijay K. have found just the right recipe. For 10 months now, they have been selling aloe vera juice on the pavement opposite the park from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. “The idea was to reach out to the morning walkers. Many of those coming here are very strict about their diet so we had to offer something that would be healthy and natural. Aloe vera provides all the health benefits that people need and is especially good for women,” says Raj, a fitness enthusiast himself and a foodie.
Leaving his advertisement job, now Raj is concentrating on the food business and wants to offer heath food and drink to the residents of K.K. Nagar. “If you live in Besant Nagar or Mylapore, you will find outlets providing healthy food. But in K.K. Nagar there seems to be none. I plan to have a permanent kiosk in front of the park and I am in the process of obtaining permission for it,” he adds. The aloe vera juice is freshly prepared at the spot every morning. “It has to be cleaned at least six times to remove the bitterness. Then it is hand-pounded using a wooden hammer and mixed with curd, buttermilk and rock salt. Around 40 people have it every day,” says Vijay. The duo charge Rs. 25 per glass. Apart from aloe vera, they are also offering trial drinks such as curry leaf smoothie, drumstick and avocado juice. None of the juices has sugar or ice. They are also in talks with offices in the neighbourhood about making aloe vera juice a mid-day drink. “We want people to drink this healthy juice instead of tea and coffee after lunch,” says Raj. The duo also takes bulk doorstep delivery order For details, call 98947 71287/ 90941 56609.
