Gagandeep Singh began his professional journey as a trained engineer but soon found his calling elsewhere. He took up a teaching position as a lecturer at Chandigarh Group of Colleges. During his tenure, he was assigned to train students in computer applications for the Hotel Management department—an unexpected turn that sparked his deep fascination with the food industry.
Driven by curiosity, he immersed himself in the culinary world, learning extensively under the mentorship of seasoned hospitality professionals. His interest soon evolved into a passion. Determined to pursue it seriously, he completed a Master’s degree in Hotel Management and dedicated seven years to academia, all while nurturing his dream of entering the food business.
In 2016, Gagandeep made a pivotal decision. He returned to his hometown, Abohar in Punjab, and launched Theka Coffee Desi (TCD)—a bold step that marked his transition from educator to entrepreneur.
In an engaging conversation with The Interview World, Gagandeep Singh, Founder of Theka Coffee Desi, opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, his enduring passion for food, and the experiences that shaped his success. Here are the key takeaways from the interview.
Q: How is Theka Coffee Desi creating a differentiated customer experience that resonates with its target audience?
A: Theka Coffee Desi (TCD) was born from a simple yet powerful belief: serve quality food, and people will keep coming back. At its core, TCD rests on a fundamental principle of the culinary world—authenticity and excellence attract true food lovers. This unwavering commitment to quality continues to define everything we do. Today, we proudly serve the communities of Abohar and Fazilka, delivering not just meals, but memorable dining experiences that exceed expectations.
Q: What makes Theka Coffee Desi a favourite hangout spot among the youth?
A: The younger generation craves vibrant spaces, fresh concepts, bold flavours, and constant innovation—and Theka Coffee Desi (TCD) consistently delivers on all fronts. From unique culinary experiments to trendy themes, we’ve tailored our offerings to meet the evolving tastes of young diners. Just as importantly, we keep our pricing competitive, ensuring an exceptional experience without burdening their wallets—a key reason behind our growing popularity among youth.
By catering primarily to this dynamic demographic, we’ve gained a deep understanding of their preferences. Recognizing the surge in demand for fast, flavourful meals, we introduced an uncommon yet winning combination—pizza paired with premium coffee. This rare fusion sets us apart in a saturated market. Additionally, we use farm-fresh ingredients that infuse every dish with authentic taste and unmatched freshness. At TCD, innovation meets integrity, one plate at a time.
Q: In what ways have app-based delivery services reshaped the dynamics of running a restaurant business today?
A: The pandemic reshaped the food industry, pushing online food ordering onto a rapid growth trajectory. Before COVID-19, diners flocked to restaurants. Post-pandemic, that dynamic has shifted dramatically. With digital adoption soaring across age groups, especially among the youth, more customers now prefer ordering food online and enjoying it at their convenience.
Platforms like Swiggy and Zomato have accelerated this transformation, acting as powerful engines of growth for restaurants across India. Today, the Indian food market stands at an impressive $350 billion. As innovation continues to drive convenience, customer satisfaction, and long-term loyalty, the industry is rewriting its narrative—one focused on personalization and accessibility.
This digital evolution has also opened the floodgates for new entrants. Many of them are now targeting niche segments with tailored offerings, reshaping how food is experienced, delivered, and consumed in modern India.
Q: Where do you see Theka Coffee Desi expanding in the next few years, and what’s driving that growth strategy?
A: At present, we are strategically focusing our expansion on nearby regions such as Sri Ganganagar, Bathinda, and Ludhiana. Simultaneously, we are preparing to launch new outlets in Malout, Jalalabad, Ferozepur, and Moga—each selected for its growing demand and vibrant customer base. Listening closely to our patrons, we responded to their requests for bakery offerings by launching Bebe Di Bakery three years ago. It quickly became a beloved addition to our portfolio. Building on that momentum, we are now set to unveil a new Mughlai cuisine restaurant in Abohar—bringing rich, traditional flavours to the heart of our hometown.
