Eatery on wheels gains popularity

Nellutla Rakesh Chandra hit upon this novel idea to cater to people who wanted ‘food on the move’. Since there are no overheads such as rent and power bills to be met, he says that he could offer tiffin at a comparatively competitive price.

WARANGAL (TELANGANA )11_04_2014_The mobile canteen launched by enterprising Nellutla Rakesh Chandra in Hanamkonda_photo_M_Murali

Where there is a will there is a way, goes the popular adage. Taking a cue from this, a young graduate of hotel management and catering technology, Nellutla Rakesh Chandra, has come up with a novel concept – a mobile canteen.

Now, one can spot his mobile van, ‘Spicy mobile canteen’, on Hunter Road during breakfast time at KITS College on Hasanaparthy Road and in the afternoons and evenings at NIT on the way to Kazipet, dishing out the choicest dishes sought by customers.

Unlike other hotels, he offers any item just for Rs. 20 and one has the choice of also choosing the combination. He told

The Hindu that he could not afford to invest a huge amount of money to set up a hotel. After completing his diploma, he had been waiting for a helping hand, but in vain. “I bought a van and started my own eatery. I engaged four workers and alongwith them I too work,” he explains.

Competitive pricing

Since there are no overheads such as rent and power bills to be met, he says that he could offer tiffin at a comparatively competitive price. In the evening hours, the mobile canteen reaches KITS College where he offers fast food at Rs.30 and Rs.35, whereas other fast food centres charge Rs.40 and Rs.45 for noodles and other items.

Sharing his delight over the tremendous public response, he says people want novelty. “Since I am an upcoming entrepreneur, they want to encourage me and customers keep coming,” he said.

Mr. Rakesh Chandra only began his journey in March and hopes to expand his business and branch out not just to earn for himself, but provide employment to others as well.