Bihar Entrepreneur Launches Village-Themed Diner in Delhi
In a bold move, Alok Ranjan, a Bihar-born entrepreneur, launched Gaon in 2017, a village-themed diner in Delhi that celebrates regional Indian cuisines. What started as a passion project soon turned into a thriving business, overcoming numerous challenges, including a shutdown during the pandemic. Today, Gaon has successfully pivoted into a cloud kitchen model and has secured funding on Shark Tank India, with an annual revenue of Rs 6 crore.
The Journey Begins
Alok, a food enthusiast, had always been fascinated by the rich culinary heritage of Bihar. Growing up in the state, he was exposed to a variety of traditional dishes, from tender kebabs to spicy biryanis. After completing his education, he moved to Delhi to pursue his dream of creating a unique dining experience that showcased the flavors of Bihar.
With a vision to take his passion to the next level, Alok co-founded Gaon with his friends. The diner was designed to resemble a traditional Bihar village, complete with rustic decor and earthy colors. The menu featured a range of traditional dishes, from luchi (deep-fried flatbread) to dalmoth (a spicy snack made with gram flour).
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite the initial excitement, Gaon faced numerous challenges in its early days. One of the biggest hurdles was convincing investors to back a venture that focused on Bihar’s regional cuisine. Many were skeptical, citing concerns that the food might not appeal to a broader audience.
“We were rejected by many investors who said that Bihar’s food wouldn’t make a promising business,” Alok recalls. “But we were determined to prove them wrong. We worked tirelessly to perfect our recipes, and our hard work paid off.”
The Pandemic and Pivoting
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit India, forcing Gaon to shut down its physical outlet. The team had to think quickly to stay afloat. They decided to pivot Gaon into a cloud kitchen model, focusing on home delivery and online ordering.
This strategic move paid off, as Gaon was able to continue serving its loyal customer base while adapting to the new normal. The team also expanded its menu to include more options, catering to the diverse tastes of Delhi’s residents.
Shark Tank India and Funding
In 2025, Gaon secured funding on Shark Tank India, a popular reality TV show that features entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to a panel of investors. Alok’s appearance on the show was a huge success, as he managed to secure a significant investment deal.
The funding enabled Gaon to scale its operations, expand its team, and invest in new technologies. Today, the company is poised for rapid growth, with plans to open 203 outlets in the next five years.
Achievements and Milestones
Under Alok’s leadership, Gaon has achieved numerous milestones. In addition to its annual revenue of Rs 6 crore, the company has also expanded its presence to several cities across India.
Gaon’s success can be attributed to its commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction. The team works closely with local farmers and suppliers to source the freshest ingredients, ensuring that every dish is a reflection of Bihar’s rich culinary heritage.
Conclusion
Alok Ranjan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained committed to his vision of sharing Bihar’s regional cuisine with the world.
Today, Gaon is a thriving business, with a successful cloud kitchen model and a growing presence in India’s food scene. As the company looks to expand its operations, it’s clear that Alok’s passion for food and his determination to succeed will continue to drive its growth.
