Success Story: From Being Called ‘Crazy’ to Building a Multi-Crore Brand — Man Who Quit a High-Paying Job Now Runs 18 Outlets, Expands to Dubai

Six years ago, when Pradeep Kannan walked away from his lucrative corporate job, many mocked him. Some even called him “crazy” for giving up a comfortable life in Bengaluru to start a small business back home in Karur. But Pradeep chose to follow his passion instead of a predictable career path.

Today, that very ‘crazy’ decision has turned into a remarkable success story. His venture, ‘The Falooda Shop’, has grown from a single small outlet to 18 stores across India and Dubai, becoming a fast-rising brand in the dessert and beverage space.

Leaving a High-Paying Corporate Job

In 2019, Pradeep Kannan shocked everyone around him when he resigned from his senior role at Oracle, where he served as Head of Operations. Despite the security of a high salary and a prestigious position, he returned to his hometown in Tamil Nadu with a single goal — to build something of his own.

He launched ‘The Falooda Shop’ as a modest local business. Friends, relatives, and even colleagues questioned his decision. Many laughed at the idea of a corporate leader switching to a small food venture. But Pradeep remained firm, driven by his passion for entrepreneurship and his belief in innovation.

18 Outlets and Expansion to Dubai

What began as a small shop has today evolved into a thriving brand. Within six years, Pradeep scaled his business to 18 outlets, including international expansion in Dubai.

Sharing his journey recently on social media platform X, he wrote about the skepticism he faced and how people assumed he was making a mistake. But the brand’s growth proves otherwise. Pradeep says this is “just the beginning” for The Falooda Shop, with many more milestones ahead.

A Strong Corporate Foundation

Before starting his entrepreneurial journey, Pradeep had built an impressive corporate career across India and the UAE.

• He began as an Assistant Manager (Operations) at Celebrity Fashions Ltd., Chennai.
• Later, he moved to Al Seer, Dubai, in the supply chain and FMCG sector.
• Upon returning to India, he worked as a Business Analyst with Genpact in Bengaluru.
• He then spent six years with Oracle India, eventually becoming Head of Operations.

Pradeep holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Technology from NIFT (2003–2007) and a Postgraduate Program in Management from Mumbai Business School (2009–2010).

The Next Big Goal

Having embraced the hustle of an F&B startup over the comfort of an air-conditioned office, Pradeep now aims to take The Falooda Shop to the global retail market. He plans to expand beyond outlets into packaged products and large-scale distribution, turning the brand into a household name worldwide.

Pradeep Kannan’s journey is more than a personal triumph — it is a powerful reminder that success lies not in job titles or salaries, but in passion, perseverance, and the courage to dream differently. His story inspires thousands who wish to choose purpose over paycheques.