Saravanaa Bhavan: History, Current Status, and Legal Issues**
Saravanaa Bhavan is a renowned South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain founded by P. Rajagopal in 1981 in Chennai, India. The brand has grown significantly over the years, expanding globally while maintaining its reputation for authentic cuisine. However, its success has been marred by legal controversies involving its founder.
History and Evolution
- **Early Years:** Rajagopal started his entrepreneurial journey with a grocery store in 1968 and opened his first restaurant in 1981. Initially, the business faced financial struggles but eventually gained popularity.
- **Expansion:** By the 1990s, Saravanaa Bhavan expanded across Chennai, and in 2000, it opened its first international branch in Dubai. Today, it operates over 125 locations across 28 countries, maintaining a consistent taste and quality.
Current Management: The brand is currently managed by Rajagopal's sons, P. R. Shiva Kumaar and R. Saravanan.
Current Status
Despite past legal issues, Saravanaa Bhavan continues to thrive. It remains a popular destination for Indian expatriates and others seeking authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine. The brand's global presence and consistent quality have helped it maintain its reputation.
Legal Issues
Saravanaa Bhavan faced significant legal issues primarily due to its founder, P. Rajagopal. The most notable case involved Rajagopal's conviction for ordering the murder of Prince Santhakumar, an employee, in 2001. Rajagopal wanted to marry Santhakumar's wife, Jeevajothi, based on an astrologer's advice. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2009, and the Supreme Court upheld this verdict in 2019.
Additionally, Rajagopal was involved in attempts to bribe Jeevajothi and intimidate her family, including assaulting her brother. Despite health issues, Rajagopal's pleas for leniency were rejected, and he eventually died in 2019 while serving his sentence.
Recently had an opportunity to visit their Egmore outlet . The food was tasty and clean but the vibes were different. The price too was higher compared to Bengaluru brands .
The manager said they now do 50% sales online and have intense competition from other brands .
Saravanaa Bhavan's journey from a small Chennai restaurant to a global brand is a testament to its culinary excellence and business acumen. However, the legal controversies surrounding its founder have left a complex legacy. Despite these challenges, the brand continues to grow and maintain its position as a leader in South Indian cuisine.
Sources
B Hari
Simplicity with substance
www.bhari.com
Saravanaa Bhavan is a renowned South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain founded by P. Rajagopal in 1981 in Chennai, India. The brand has grown significantly over the years, expanding globally while maintaining its reputation for authentic cuisine. However, its success has been marred by legal controversies involving its founder.
History and Evolution
- **Early Years:** Rajagopal started his entrepreneurial journey with a grocery store in 1968 and opened his first restaurant in 1981. Initially, the business faced financial struggles but eventually gained popularity.
- **Expansion:** By the 1990s, Saravanaa Bhavan expanded across Chennai, and in 2000, it opened its first international branch in Dubai. Today, it operates over 125 locations across 28 countries, maintaining a consistent taste and quality.
Current Management: The brand is currently managed by Rajagopal's sons, P. R. Shiva Kumaar and R. Saravanan.
Current Status
Despite past legal issues, Saravanaa Bhavan continues to thrive. It remains a popular destination for Indian expatriates and others seeking authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine. The brand's global presence and consistent quality have helped it maintain its reputation.
Legal Issues
Saravanaa Bhavan faced significant legal issues primarily due to its founder, P. Rajagopal. The most notable case involved Rajagopal's conviction for ordering the murder of Prince Santhakumar, an employee, in 2001. Rajagopal wanted to marry Santhakumar's wife, Jeevajothi, based on an astrologer's advice. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2009, and the Supreme Court upheld this verdict in 2019.
Additionally, Rajagopal was involved in attempts to bribe Jeevajothi and intimidate her family, including assaulting her brother. Despite health issues, Rajagopal's pleas for leniency were rejected, and he eventually died in 2019 while serving his sentence.
Recently had an opportunity to visit their Egmore outlet . The food was tasty and clean but the vibes were different. The price too was higher compared to Bengaluru brands .
The manager said they now do 50% sales online and have intense competition from other brands .
Saravanaa Bhavan's journey from a small Chennai restaurant to a global brand is a testament to its culinary excellence and business acumen. However, the legal controversies surrounding its founder have left a complex legacy. Despite these challenges, the brand continues to grow and maintain its position as a leader in South Indian cuisine.
Sources
B Hari
Simplicity with substance
www.bhari.com