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Long before the glow of Mumbai’s skyline became familiar, Narayan T Poojari arrived in the city with just ₹35 in his pocket and an unshakeable resolve. Hailing from Gujjadi, a small village in Karnataka’s Udupi district, he came to Mumbai at the age of 13 with one purpose: to earn a livelihood and support his family back home.

Early years of survival and sacrifice

In interviews, including one with Humans of Bombay, Narayan has recalled how his early days were defined by hard labour and long hours. He worked in modest canteens and small hotels in South Mumbai, washing dishes, scrubbing floors and clearing tables—often from before sunrise till late night. Despite the exhaustion, he enrolled in night school, convinced that education could open doors beyond daily wages.

Learning beyond the classroom

Much of Narayan’s growth came from observation. While working, he interacted with young merchant navy cadets whose discipline and ambition left a lasting impression. Their stories broadened his horizons and nudged him to think beyond survival. Balancing work by day and studies by night, he steadily built confidence and clarity about his future.

A modest business takes shape

In 1990, Narayan took his first entrepreneurial leap, opening a small ice-cream outlet in Mumbai’s Fort area. The venture was uncertain and shoestring. He handled everything himself—cooking, cleaning and service—often relying on faith more than capital. A customer’s casual suggestion to diversify proved pivotal: he added pav bhaji to the menu.

Understanding Mumbai’s changing tastes

The response was immediate. Sales soared, with hundreds of plates sold daily. As Mumbai’s food scene evolved in the 2000s, Narayan adapted—introducing pizzas, Mexican dishes and Indian-fusion items—while keeping the comfort and familiarity that customers loved.

Building a brand rooted in values

That single outlet grew into Shiv Sagar, a name now woven into Mumbai’s culinary identity. While prices changed over time—the pav bhaji that once cost ₹18 now costs around ₹200—Narayan says the values never did. Long-serving employees, consistent training and unwavering quality remained constants.

A legacy beyond numbers

According to a 2020 YourStory report, Shiv Sagar records an annual turnover of about ₹75 crore. For Narayan, success isn’t measured by revenue alone. “I came to Mumbai with nothing,” he has said. “The city gave me everything.” His way of giving back, he believes, is simple: serve honest food with integrity and heart—plate after plate, generation after generation.