For many young professionals, leaving a stable IT job to start a small food business may seem like a risky decision. But Pradeep Kannan, a former Oracle employee from Tamil Nadu, took that leap in 2019—and transformed a modest falooda kiosk in Karur into a growing business with a presence across India and Dubai.
His journey offers a powerful lesson for professionals who believe that a career in IT is the only route to financial success.
From Oracle to a 10×10-Foot Kiosk
Pradeep Kannan was working in the IT sector when he decided to leave his job at Oracle in 2019. Instead of pursuing another corporate opportunity, he returned to his hometown of Karur, Tamil Nadu, with an entrepreneurial idea.
He started a small falooda business from a 10×10-foot kiosk. With limited space and resources, the venture initially focused on serving customers with a popular Indian dessert while building a local customer base.
The decision to leave a corporate career and enter the food-and-beverage sector was a significant change. However, Kannan’s story demonstrates how a small business can evolve when entrepreneurs identify consumer demand and build a scalable model.
From One Kiosk to 18+ Outlets
What began as a small kiosk in Karur eventually developed into a larger food brand. The business has reportedly expanded to more than 18 outlets across India and Dubai.
The expansion highlights the potential of India’s food-and-beverage industry, particularly for regional brands that can take familiar products and build a recognisable identity around them.
Instead of remaining limited to a single hometown outlet, Kannan’s business moved toward a multi-location model, allowing the brand to reach customers in different markets.
Business Revenue Crosses ₹9 Crore
The business has reportedly grown significantly in terms of revenue as well. According to the information available about Kannan’s entrepreneurial journey, the company was generating more than ₹9 crore in annual revenue.
The growth from a 10×10-foot kiosk to a business with outlets in multiple locations illustrates the potential of starting small and gradually expanding.
However, building a successful business requires more than simply having a good product. Factors such as location, customer experience, pricing, operations, branding, supply chains and expansion strategy can all influence long-term growth.
IT Is Not the Only Career Path
Kannan’s journey also carries a broader message for professionals considering entrepreneurship. A corporate job can provide stability and experience, but it does not have to define a person’s entire career.
There are opportunities across sectors including food and beverages, retail, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, services and digital businesses.
The story of Pradeep Kannan shows that entrepreneurship can begin with something as simple as a small kiosk and a willingness to take a calculated risk.
His journey from an Oracle employee to a business owner with 18+ outlets serves as a reminder that IT is not the endgame. For those willing to identify opportunities, learn from customers and build consistently, there can be multiple paths to creating a successful career and business.
