Peter Thiel, the billionaire founder of PayPal, once called restaurants the worst businesses to invest in, citing fierce competition, slow growth and low wages. However, for an Indian immigrant in the US, opening a restaurant turned out to be a life-changing decision that prompted him to invest in such a venture. millionaire state.
An X user named Sunil recently shared the story of his Gujarati friend who immigrated to the US, opened a Gujarati restaurant and is now enjoying a comfortable life, defying the odds in what Thiel deemed a challenging industry.
Sunil, who has a master’s degree and is an avid podcast listener, humorously reflected on his own life while recounting his friend’s success. “I met a friend of Patel’s who owns a restaurant in New Jersey. He was in his 40s and had just passed class 10. I am an engineer with a master’s degree who listens to podcasts,” Sunil wrote on X.
During the conversation, Sunil mentioned Thiel’s perspective on the restaurant business, highlighting the high failure rate and unpredictability of customers. However, his friend, who did not know Thiel, confidently dismissed the billionaire’s opinion. “He said that opening a restaurant is a sure way to become a millionaire for him,” Sunil shared.
The Gujarati restaurateur explained that his success is due to a loyal customer base, with at least 50 families regularly dining at his establishment. Contrary to Thiel’s belief about unpredictable customers, the owner noted that minor issues, such as food being low on salt, do not deter his customers; they simply ask for adjustments and continue to support his business.
One of the keys to his success, the restaurateur said, is his location. His restaurant is strategically located on the route to the popular Swaminarayan temple in Robinsville, New Jersey. “Many Gujaratis from New York and Pennsylvania hire tour buses when they have to go and visit the Swaminarayan temple in Robinsville. On the way to Robinsville, they stop at his restaurant to eat a delicious Gujarati thali. That means 50 to 75 people per bus,” Sunil explained.
The simplicity of the business model is another factor in the restaurant’s success. Every morning, the owner prepares traditional dishes such as dal, chawal, roti, sabzi and dhokla. This simple approach has made him a millionaire in over a decade.
Sunil concluded his message by admiring his friend’s practical approach to business. “That’s what it takes to be a 10th grade immigrant. You don’t have an MBA or listen to podcasts. Just common sense, intuition, and the ability to take calculated risks.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering over 300,000 views on X. It also resonated with many users, who echoed the sentiment that success often comes from focusing on the basics and taking action. “Most educated people are stuck in analysis paralysis, waiting for the perfect start. If we can focus on the basics and keep working towards them, success will come,” wrote X user Ram Joshi.
Another user shared a similar story: “A friend, after being laid off from a job as a software developer at a brokerage firm, developed businesses such as small shops and public laundries. He made more money than he was making before.”
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